21 Tips to Improve Your Professional Image
27 September 2007
Read by 2007 persons
Want to improve your personal image and increase your credibility with business partners, clients, and suppliers? Here are 21 tips to improve your professional image or "Self-Communication"
As we are, in many professional situations, our primary work tool and the one that leaves the deepest impression on our bosses, colleagues, and clients, it is important to master the art of managing the image we communicate to others, and these tips can help us in this task. The following text is an adaptation of the advice provided in this article.
Speech
1. Don't speak too quickly. Many people speak too quickly, either out of excessive enthusiasm or nervousness. If you want to make a good impression, it's important to speak more slowly. This advice is particularly important when we are in a selection interview or when we meet someone for the first time, two situations where nervousness and enthusiasm can contribute to accelerating our pace without us realizing it. Learn to use silence and pauses in your speech to score points or seek the attention of your communication partner.
2. Avoid using jargon. Using technical terms and learned words is never very effective in impressing others. Using jargon has the opposite effect; we appear to be someone who is trying to show off their knowledge, and we essentially succeed in distancing the other person. We therefore create a distance between the person we are communicating with and ourselves. However, we must avoid falling into the opposite extreme and using overly familiar terms or street language. Using correct and accessible language is always an effective strategy.
3. Monitor the pitch of your voice. Interpersonal communication takes place through three dimensions: verbal, nonverbal, and... paralinguistic. A lesser-known dimension of interpersonal communication, paralinguistics includes several characteristics of the voice, including tone and pitch, rate, rhythm, cadence, and silences. Many women speak in a very high-pitched voice (e.g., soprano), which leads those around them not to take them seriously. In persuasive communication situations, it is important to lower the pitch of your voice. A high, shrill voice betrays nervousness and excitement, while a low, calm voice communicates calmness and assurance. This may take some practice, but in general, it is possible to lower the pitch of your voice by a half octave.
4. Control the volume of your voice. Men tend to increase the volume of their voices when they want to convince or influence others. A person who speaks loudly can be perceived by others as someone who is shouting, and a person who shouts is never pleasant. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the volume of our voice.
5. Watch out for empty expressions. "Uh!," "You know," "Well!," "Ahhhh," and other expressions of this kind often fill our spoken language. They are used as links, as moments of reflection, or as evidence of our hesitation or annoyance. The first step is to identify them, and the best way to do this is to ask someone to record us when we speak (a conference, a phone conversation). Or, leave yourself a long message on your answering machine. You will see these empty expressions that we use to fill the "gaps" in our thinking and communication. Then, we must work to replace them with... silences.
6. Pay attention to your language. For most workplaces, there is a certain dress code. But there is also a certain level of language. We don't speak to a client the same way we speak to a friend or family member. Always start by using the formal "you" with a person in a work context. If your work relationship allows it and your counterpart invites you to do so, you can gradually use a more familiar address. But even if you use the informal "you" with a colleague, always remain respectful and courteous. Always use correct language, avoid coarse expressions, and never use swear words in a work context. When addressing a woman in a work context, even if that person is young, use "Madam" in preference to "Miss." The term "Madam" is neutral and can be used with a young adult without risking offending her.
Appearance
7. Look good and have good posture. In many cases, people judge the monk by his habit, and in many other cases, the habit makes the monk. Wear a nice suit and have good posture. Women have known this for a long time: wearing a well-cut garment increases self-confidence, and people perceive this confidence along with the beautiful outfit. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to dress well. But work has its attire, and you must know how to recognize it. You will rarely see a senior manager who is badly dressed. They may be casually dressed, but their outfit is always neat, and it communicates their status and power. In addition to clothing, you must ensure your posture, stand straight, and face the people with whom we are communicating. You must make good eye contact and maintain it without insisting. You must avoid hunching over, looking elsewhere, or staring at the floor when we are talking to others.
8. Hold your head high. Body language is very powerful and constantly communicates information about us, and too often, without our knowledge. Keep your head high and straight. Avoid a tilted head position, which can communicate mannerisms, hesitation, or a search for approval.
9. Pay attention to your body positions. Avoid crossing your arms in front of your chest, which is generally perceived as a sign of closure or withdrawal. You may communicate that you are on the defensive or difficult to approach. Sit up straight when you are sitting. A person who is "slouched" in their seat or leaning against a table communicates many things about themselves (carelessness, nonchalance, lack of energy, lack of interest, lack of empathy) but not the fact that they are attentive and in control of themselves.
10. Take care of your accessories. You can wear a very chic suit, but if your accessories are worn or creased, they will contradict the message conveyed by your clothes. Therefore, avoid damaged or mismatched briefcases, dirty shoes, and creased coats.
11. In terms of jewelry, moderation and sobriety also have better taste. A professional outfit suits few pieces of jewelry, but jewelry chosen for its sobriety and quality. Your watch strap should be metal or leather and of a neutral tone. Avoid flashy bracelets and overly colorful accessories.
12. Avoid certain types of jewelry. Avoid wearing religious symbols (crosses, medals, etc.). If you are a woman, avoid flashy or dangling earrings. If you are a man, do not wear earrings.
13. Dress one level above your current job. It is recommended to dress according to the job we would like to obtain rather than according to the job we currently hold. Moreover, your current superior will then have much more ease imagining you in the job for which they might be tempted to give you a promotion.
14. Take care of the details. It's the small details that contribute to our downfall: the coffee stain on the shirt, the salt on the shoes, the hem of the trousers coming undone, etc. Some say that you should never show up for an important meeting without a spare shirt (to replace sweat stains) or an extra pair of socks (in case of a run).
Good Manners
15. Perfect your table manners. Since dining out is often a privileged business setting, it is important to perfect your table manners and your knowledge of dishes and wines. You must be an attentive host and an attentive guest! The primary function of a business dinner or lunch is business, not the meal. Therefore, you must establish good business relationships by communicating our savoir-vivre at the table. You must learn to eat and drink in moderation, you must learn to read a menu correctly, to choose a wine skillfully, and to know the use of table accessories (the order of forks and the use of the napkin). It is possible to take a course to perfect your table manners and learn about wine lists.
16. Perfect the art of introductions. There is an art to introductions, and there are several protocols. Diplomatic personnel are trained in the nuances and complexities of introductions. You must always mention first the name of the person with the highest seniority (e.g., "Madam President, I would like to introduce you to... ") and the client's name first (e.g., "Mr. Dubois, I would like to introduce you to our graphic design manager, Mr. Leduc.")
17. Use a high-quality business card. A professionally printed business card is always preferable to a business card that you print yourself on textured paper. Avoid writing notes on a client's or colleague's business card. A business card is a symbol of the person; it must be treated with deference.
18. Take the situation in hand... firmly! Avoid a limp handshake. A good handshake is firm but not painful. Go ahead cautiously but firmly. Remember that some elderly people suffer from arthritis and that a too-firm handshake can be painful for them. According to experts, the skin membrane connecting the thumb to the index finger of your hand should meet the skin membrane of your partner's hand. Avoid archaic or overly familiar forms such as kissing hands or kissing cheeks in a business context.
19. Learn the art of public speaking. We are increasingly called upon to speak in public, and our ability to do so greatly influences the perception others will have of us. Remember that a superior is called upon to speak in public much more often than a subordinate. It is therefore useful to learn to speak in public, to master the art of business presentations and oral presentations. There are courses to perfect this type of skill. Moreover, the applied communication certificate program includes a course on "Oral Communication." Take advantage of it!
20. Be attentive in meetings. When you participate in a meeting, give your full attention to the person in charge or the facilitator of the meeting. This is not the time to do your accounting, play with your business agenda, or communicate your boredom or impatience.
21. It's good to be kind and discreet. Ultimately, beyond competence, efficiency, and expertise, what will remain of you in the minds of many people is the fact that you are kind or not, that you are likable or unlikable, that you are friendly or not. Remember that it is more often said "he is very competent but not very likable" than "he is not very likable but very competent." What will be the last impression that remains of this person? Take the time to greet the people you meet at work, whether they are superiors, colleagues, or subordinates. Be friendly without being overly familiar and take a few seconds to care about the other person. Ultimately, people prefer to do business with people they like than with people they dislike. Communication professionals also know how to hold their tongue. Respect confidences and adopt a personal code of confidentiality in your speech. Not everything is good to say, and it is important to respect the privacy of your acquaintances and colleagues in a work context. Gossip, backbiting, slander, and "bitching" sessions (to use an unfortunately too well-known expression among us) never contribute to enhancing our image. Moreover, a superior or person in authority must learn very quickly to manage personal information strategically, that is, to learn what to say and what not to say, to know when to speak and when not to speak.
Published on 07/02/2007
Entreprendre.ma
As we are, in many professional situations, our primary work tool and the one that leaves the deepest impression on our bosses, colleagues, and clients, it is important to master the art of managing the image we communicate to others, and these tips can help us in this task. The following text is an adaptation of the advice provided in this article.
Speech
1. Don't speak too quickly. Many people speak too quickly, either out of excessive enthusiasm or nervousness. If you want to make a good impression, it's important to speak more slowly. This advice is particularly important when we are in a selection interview or when we meet someone for the first time, two situations where nervousness and enthusiasm can contribute to accelerating our pace without us realizing it. Learn to use silence and pauses in your speech to score points or seek the attention of your communication partner.
2. Avoid using jargon. Using technical terms and learned words is never very effective in impressing others. Using jargon has the opposite effect; we appear to be someone who is trying to show off their knowledge, and we essentially succeed in distancing the other person. We therefore create a distance between the person we are communicating with and ourselves. However, we must avoid falling into the opposite extreme and using overly familiar terms or street language. Using correct and accessible language is always an effective strategy.
3. Monitor the pitch of your voice. Interpersonal communication takes place through three dimensions: verbal, nonverbal, and... paralinguistic. A lesser-known dimension of interpersonal communication, paralinguistics includes several characteristics of the voice, including tone and pitch, rate, rhythm, cadence, and silences. Many women speak in a very high-pitched voice (e.g., soprano), which leads those around them not to take them seriously. In persuasive communication situations, it is important to lower the pitch of your voice. A high, shrill voice betrays nervousness and excitement, while a low, calm voice communicates calmness and assurance. This may take some practice, but in general, it is possible to lower the pitch of your voice by a half octave.
4. Control the volume of your voice. Men tend to increase the volume of their voices when they want to convince or influence others. A person who speaks loudly can be perceived by others as someone who is shouting, and a person who shouts is never pleasant. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the volume of our voice.
5. Watch out for empty expressions. "Uh!," "You know," "Well!," "Ahhhh," and other expressions of this kind often fill our spoken language. They are used as links, as moments of reflection, or as evidence of our hesitation or annoyance. The first step is to identify them, and the best way to do this is to ask someone to record us when we speak (a conference, a phone conversation). Or, leave yourself a long message on your answering machine. You will see these empty expressions that we use to fill the "gaps" in our thinking and communication. Then, we must work to replace them with... silences.
6. Pay attention to your language. For most workplaces, there is a certain dress code. But there is also a certain level of language. We don't speak to a client the same way we speak to a friend or family member. Always start by using the formal "you" with a person in a work context. If your work relationship allows it and your counterpart invites you to do so, you can gradually use a more familiar address. But even if you use the informal "you" with a colleague, always remain respectful and courteous. Always use correct language, avoid coarse expressions, and never use swear words in a work context. When addressing a woman in a work context, even if that person is young, use "Madam" in preference to "Miss." The term "Madam" is neutral and can be used with a young adult without risking offending her.
Appearance
7. Look good and have good posture. In many cases, people judge the monk by his habit, and in many other cases, the habit makes the monk. Wear a nice suit and have good posture. Women have known this for a long time: wearing a well-cut garment increases self-confidence, and people perceive this confidence along with the beautiful outfit. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to dress well. But work has its attire, and you must know how to recognize it. You will rarely see a senior manager who is badly dressed. They may be casually dressed, but their outfit is always neat, and it communicates their status and power. In addition to clothing, you must ensure your posture, stand straight, and face the people with whom we are communicating. You must make good eye contact and maintain it without insisting. You must avoid hunching over, looking elsewhere, or staring at the floor when we are talking to others.
8. Hold your head high. Body language is very powerful and constantly communicates information about us, and too often, without our knowledge. Keep your head high and straight. Avoid a tilted head position, which can communicate mannerisms, hesitation, or a search for approval.
9. Pay attention to your body positions. Avoid crossing your arms in front of your chest, which is generally perceived as a sign of closure or withdrawal. You may communicate that you are on the defensive or difficult to approach. Sit up straight when you are sitting. A person who is "slouched" in their seat or leaning against a table communicates many things about themselves (carelessness, nonchalance, lack of energy, lack of interest, lack of empathy) but not the fact that they are attentive and in control of themselves.
10. Take care of your accessories. You can wear a very chic suit, but if your accessories are worn or creased, they will contradict the message conveyed by your clothes. Therefore, avoid damaged or mismatched briefcases, dirty shoes, and creased coats.
11. In terms of jewelry, moderation and sobriety also have better taste. A professional outfit suits few pieces of jewelry, but jewelry chosen for its sobriety and quality. Your watch strap should be metal or leather and of a neutral tone. Avoid flashy bracelets and overly colorful accessories.
12. Avoid certain types of jewelry. Avoid wearing religious symbols (crosses, medals, etc.). If you are a woman, avoid flashy or dangling earrings. If you are a man, do not wear earrings.
13. Dress one level above your current job. It is recommended to dress according to the job we would like to obtain rather than according to the job we currently hold. Moreover, your current superior will then have much more ease imagining you in the job for which they might be tempted to give you a promotion.
14. Take care of the details. It's the small details that contribute to our downfall: the coffee stain on the shirt, the salt on the shoes, the hem of the trousers coming undone, etc. Some say that you should never show up for an important meeting without a spare shirt (to replace sweat stains) or an extra pair of socks (in case of a run).
Good Manners
15. Perfect your table manners. Since dining out is often a privileged business setting, it is important to perfect your table manners and your knowledge of dishes and wines. You must be an attentive host and an attentive guest! The primary function of a business dinner or lunch is business, not the meal. Therefore, you must establish good business relationships by communicating our savoir-vivre at the table. You must learn to eat and drink in moderation, you must learn to read a menu correctly, to choose a wine skillfully, and to know the use of table accessories (the order of forks and the use of the napkin). It is possible to take a course to perfect your table manners and learn about wine lists.
16. Perfect the art of introductions. There is an art to introductions, and there are several protocols. Diplomatic personnel are trained in the nuances and complexities of introductions. You must always mention first the name of the person with the highest seniority (e.g., "Madam President, I would like to introduce you to... ") and the client's name first (e.g., "Mr. Dubois, I would like to introduce you to our graphic design manager, Mr. Leduc.")
17. Use a high-quality business card. A professionally printed business card is always preferable to a business card that you print yourself on textured paper. Avoid writing notes on a client's or colleague's business card. A business card is a symbol of the person; it must be treated with deference.
18. Take the situation in hand... firmly! Avoid a limp handshake. A good handshake is firm but not painful. Go ahead cautiously but firmly. Remember that some elderly people suffer from arthritis and that a too-firm handshake can be painful for them. According to experts, the skin membrane connecting the thumb to the index finger of your hand should meet the skin membrane of your partner's hand. Avoid archaic or overly familiar forms such as kissing hands or kissing cheeks in a business context.
19. Learn the art of public speaking. We are increasingly called upon to speak in public, and our ability to do so greatly influences the perception others will have of us. Remember that a superior is called upon to speak in public much more often than a subordinate. It is therefore useful to learn to speak in public, to master the art of business presentations and oral presentations. There are courses to perfect this type of skill. Moreover, the applied communication certificate program includes a course on "Oral Communication." Take advantage of it!
20. Be attentive in meetings. When you participate in a meeting, give your full attention to the person in charge or the facilitator of the meeting. This is not the time to do your accounting, play with your business agenda, or communicate your boredom or impatience.
21. It's good to be kind and discreet. Ultimately, beyond competence, efficiency, and expertise, what will remain of you in the minds of many people is the fact that you are kind or not, that you are likable or unlikable, that you are friendly or not. Remember that it is more often said "he is very competent but not very likable" than "he is not very likable but very competent." What will be the last impression that remains of this person? Take the time to greet the people you meet at work, whether they are superiors, colleagues, or subordinates. Be friendly without being overly familiar and take a few seconds to care about the other person. Ultimately, people prefer to do business with people they like than with people they dislike. Communication professionals also know how to hold their tongue. Respect confidences and adopt a personal code of confidentiality in your speech. Not everything is good to say, and it is important to respect the privacy of your acquaintances and colleagues in a work context. Gossip, backbiting, slander, and "bitching" sessions (to use an unfortunately too well-known expression among us) never contribute to enhancing our image. Moreover, a superior or person in authority must learn very quickly to manage personal information strategically, that is, to learn what to say and what not to say, to know when to speak and when not to speak.
Published on 07/02/2007
Entreprendre.ma
