Verbal vs. Non-verbal Communiction
Body language, hand gestures & facial expression
Non-verbal
Friends & family
Informal
“Yes?” or “What?” to answer the phone
Not This
Text
Look at your email address and determine how it represents you.
Do
Use a strong confident speaking voice when talking
Verbal
Slang or abbreviated words
Informal
“May I ask who is calling?” or “Who is calling, please?”
Say This
Outside of work hours
Not to Text
Forget to check spelling & grammar
Don't
Avoid filler words, Ex: “like” “so” “um”
Verbal
Professional setting
Formal
“I don’t know”
Not This
Keep it simple and short
Text
Include your name or a signature with contact information
Do
Open body language: Feet on the floor, arms by your side or open = excited, engaged, positive
Non-verbal
No slang
Formal
“Who's this?”
Not This
Write a lengthy message that includes a lot of unnecessary information.
Not to Text
“Reply all” unless you need to address the group
Don't
Speaking or sign language
Verbal
Pronounce words clearly & correctly
Formal
“I'm not sure but let me find out for you.”
Say This
Keep it professional – avoid emojis, slang, & abbreviations for work-related texts
Text
Forward without permission
Don't