Succeeding at Work

You want to chill with the big boys, but can you talk to them?

I used to think I have great communication skills until it was time to sell myself on the spot to a potential employer. Nothing prepared me for the anxiety that hit me on that spot, and it wasn't just about what I had to say. So, I'm here asking you, do you have the balls to actually chill with the big boys? How lit is your communication skills when it's time to actually network and land an on-the-spot opportunity?

Communication involves a ton of things that include gesticulation, visuals, vocal intonation, pacing, and pronunciation.

Have you ever met a marketer that didn’t know how to sell their product to you? You know the ones that look dead inside; simply reciting what they were told to say but look like they could not for the life of them care for the product themselves.

If “I am only here for my cheque at the end of this shift” had a face, it would be ‘that face’. If you have ever encountered a person like that, you were either so put-off by their countenance and didn’t make a purchase, or you pitied them, collected their flyer, and told them you would think about it (but really you’re thinking about what is considered a respectful enough distance to trash that flyer ASAP).

Do you know that sometimes, some of us have ‘that face’ while networking or during job interviews?

So how do you approach an interview or a chance to network with someone? Do you look bored? Are you reciting a tip you read on the internet word for word, monotonously? Are you just waiting for it to be over? How do you plan to network and land that big gig or role at WorkitOut with CareerBuddy without communicating well?

Studies have shown that the first impression you give people when meeting them can really be a determiner of the outcome of that conversation and how memorable you would be.

How you approach people in a conversation can play a significant role in their corresponding mannerisms and psychological responses. When you communicate, you want your listener to respond positively to you.

Yes, you may have the required skills and you meet the selection criteria to a “T”, but I hate to break it to you, there are several others who also have similar or better qualifications. What is left then is: do they like you? Does the recruiter like the way you articulated your points during the interview? Is your listener anticipating the next conversation they would have with you?

We don’t often think that our likeability matters when it comes to our careers, but it can be the difference between getting that job or remaining in the streets.

Here are a couple of things you should pay attention to when communicating:

  1. Hand gestures

Make sure your hands are not flying around so wildly that it distracts your listener from the words you are saying.

  1. Listening

Listen intently to what the other person has to say in order to make the correct response and save yourself (and your listener) the stress of talking a lot but not making any points.

  1. Pacing

Ensure that you are not speaking hastily or too slowly. Enunciate your words and give yourself time to make coherent, sensible sentences. It is not how much, but how well.

  1. Try mirroring

There is a psychological practice called ‘mirroring’. It is a nonverbal technique where a person copies the body language, vocal qualities, or attitude of another person. It is often a subconscious action but can be utilized intentionally to make the other party feel listened to and perceive you as amiable. Read more about it at: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/mirroring/

This is why some people tend to pick up habits from long-time friends/spouses or family members and you find them weirdly in sync.

This technique can be utilized during discussions, making the other party relaxed and more receptive towards you.

Some tips to improve your communication skills

  • Practice with a mirror

To build skills, you need to practice as often as you can. Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers to common interview questions. Practice how you would approach your networking target. If you are not impressed by your own performance, chances are, no one else will be. Practice hand movements, eye contact, and facial expressions.

  • Practice with a friend

Once you have improved to a decent degree, call in a friend to judge your performance honestly.  They can spot nuances that you may not, and help you with tips on how you could improve your performance.

  • Incorporate your skills into real-life conversations

After a few sessions of practice and review, you should be ready to test your new communication skills with your network and interviewers.

If you keep practicing these tips, you will be on your way to becoming an expert communicator in no time!