Professional Communication: Communicating to bosses, co-workers and potential clients can be daunting! Here are some helpful tips to help you through your next line of professional communication.

Professional Communication: Call Do’s

Professional calls are a great way to establish a reputation. Whether a telephone call or a video call, make sure you are smiling. A smile will be heard in your voice and put the caller at ease. Greet the caller warmly and introduce yourself at the end of the greeting. Annunciate and speak clearly, no one likes to repeat themself on the phone. Make your caller feel welcome! Sound interested and make sure your answers are not too short.

During a video call, keep yourself centered on the camera landscape. Angle the camera to show your chest and upwards. The lighting should be bright enough to see you but not shining into the camera where it distorts your image. Make sure your face is not shadowed. Dress professionally and look put together, you never know who may join your call. Your surrounding area should be quiet so the caller can hear you. Now that we have gone over the do’s, let’s go over the don’ts.

Call Don’ts

Do not get distracted! Turn off any electronic devices that could make noise or distract you during the call. If you are distracted it can be heard through your tone and responses. Stay away from slang and mumbling. Do not shout or whisper. A calm even tone is a perfect way to get your point across. Additionally, it gives the caller the opportunity to talk.

During a video call, do not check your phone or unnecessarily work on your computer. It conveys an uninterested mood. Do not attempt the popular quarantine fashion trend of sweatpants and a business professional shirt. You never know if they’ll ask you to stand or if you have to get up during a call. Do not chew gum, a mint, or have food in your mouth, it makes it difficult to annunciate your words. If you have water or coffee nearby, make sure your mug or cup does not say anything inappropriate.

Professional Communication: Email Do’s

Staring your email with the proper salutation is essential. Use “greetings”, “good morning”, “good afternoon”, “good evening” or “hello” to start an email. Proofread for misspellings, grammar and punctuation mistakes. Furthermore, keep your email concise. Emails are meant to be a short and quick way of communication. End your email with a formal close. “Sincerely”, “Thank you for your time”, or “Best wishes” will work! Remember, emails can be easily forwarded. Do not put anyone down or say somethikng you’d regret!

For more professional communication tips on calls click here.

For more professional communication tips on emails click here.