Campus to Corporate

Unit – III

1. Corporate Etiquettes

Corporate etiquettes are the set of accepted behaviors, manners, and protocols that are followed
in a business or corporate setting. These can include things like dressing professionally, being
punctual, using appropriate language, communicating effectively, and showing respect to
colleagues and superiors. Corporate etiquettes also include things like using proper email and
phone etiquette, adhering to company policies, and maintaining a positive attitude. These
behaviors help to create a professional and productive work environment.

Learning business communication can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed
to effectively communicate and conduct themselves in a corporate setting. Here are a few ways
in which learning business communication can help in corporate etiquettes:

 Effective communication: Learning business communication can help individuals

develop the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues,
superiors, and clients. This can include understanding how to write clear and concise
emails, make effective presentations, and hold effective meetings.
 Professionalism: Business communication courses can teach individuals how to present
themselves professionally, including how to dress, how to speak, and how to interact with
others in a corporate setting.
 Cultural sensitivity: Business communication courses can also teach individuals how to
understand and respect different cultures and communication styles, which is crucial for
working in a diverse corporate environment.
 Conflict resolution: Learning business communication can also help individuals develop
the skills needed to resolve conflicts in a professional and effective manner, which is
important for maintaining a positive work environment.

Learning business communication can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed
to effectively communicate and conduct themselves in a corporate setting, which is essential for
practicing good corporate etiquettes.
There are several reasons why it’s important to follow corporate etiquette in the workplace:

 Professionalism: Following corporate etiquette demonstrates that you are a professional

and that you take your job seriously. It helps to create a positive and productive work
environment.
 Respect: Corporate etiquette involves showing respect to your colleagues, superiors, and
clients. By following etiquette, you’re showing that you value and respect the people you
work with, which can help to build positive relationships.
 Communication: Effective communication is an important aspect of corporate etiquette.
By following etiquette, you’re more likely to communicate effectively and avoid
misunderstandings.
 Productivity: Following corporate etiquette can help to create a more productive work
environment. By showing respect, communicating effectively, and presenting yourself
professionally, you’re more likely to be able to focus on your work and get things done.
 Career Advancement: Practicing good corporate etiquette can have a positive impact on
your career. It can help you to be seen as a professional, reliable, and respectful
employee, which can open up opportunities for advancement and growth.

Overall, following corporate etiquette is important because it helps to create a positive,

productive, and professional work environment, and it can have a positive impact on your career.

At SOIL, our goal is to incorporate these through a combination of classroom instruction,

workshops, and practical experiences. SOIL offers classes on business communication,
professional development, or interpersonal skills that cover topics such as effective
communication, professional conduct, and cultural sensitivity. We also conduct workshops on
specific aspects of corporate etiquette, such as email etiquette, business writing, or presentation
skills. These workshops provide hands-on training and allow students to practice and receive
feedback on their skills. In addition, students are also provided opportunities to apply what
they’ve learned in real-world settings through internships, case studies, or simulations. These
experiences give students the chance to practice and refine their skills in a realistic work
environment. Role play, simulations and case study methods also allow our students to
experience realistic scenarios and learn from them, how to react and how to behave in different
situations.

In conclusion, corporate etiquette and business communication are crucial for creating a
professional and productive work environment. Learning business communication and corporate
etiquette can help individual students develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively
communicate and conduct themselves in a corporate setting. Through a combination of
classroom instruction, workshops, and practical experiences, our students are able to follow
corporate etiquette and communicating effectively, and can create a positive and productive
work environment, which can have a positive impact on their career.

2. Corporate Dressing and Grooming skills

Dressing
Plan plenty of time when dressing or grooming someone with Alzheimer's. Rushing the person
can cause anxiety and frustration. As the disease progresses beyond the early stages, choosing
and putting on clothes can be frustrating for the person with dementia. The person may not
remember how to dress or may be overwhelmed with the choices or the task itself.

To assist:

 Simplify choices. Keep the closets free of excess clothing. A person may panic if
clothing choices become overwhelming. If appropriate, give the person an opportunity to
select favorite outfits or colors, but try offering just two choices.
 Organize the process. Lay out clothing in the order that each item should be put on.
Hand the person one item at a time while giving simple, direct instructions such as "Put
your arms in the sleeves," rather than "Get dressed."
 Pick comfortable and simple clothing. Cardigans, shirts and blouses that button in front
are easier to work than pullover tops. Substitute Velcro® for buttons, snaps or zippers,
which may be too difficult to handle. Make sure that clothing is loose fitting, especially at
the waist and hips, and choose fabrics that are soft and stretchable.
 Choose comfortable shoes. Make sure the person has comfortable, non-slip shoes.
  Be flexible. If the individual wants to wear the same outfit repeatedly, buy duplicates or
have similar options available. Even if the person’s outfit is mismatched, try to focus on
the fact that he or she was able to get dressed. Keep in mind that it is important for the
individual to maintain good personal hygiene, including wearing clean undergarments, as
poor hygiene may lead to urinary tract or other infections that further complicate care.

It's all right if the person wants to wear several layers of clothing, just make sure he or
she doesn't get overheated. When outdoors, make sure the person is dressed for the
weather.

orporate dressing refers to sensible dressing at work place which helps an individual to make a
mark of his/her own in the first meeting itself. Corporate dressing teaches an individual to dress
according to the organization culture. Do not wear something which will make you feel odd one
out at the workplace.

Dressing sensibly makes you feel confident throughout the day. Believe me; you do not feel like
working if you wear a wrinkled shirt or ill-fitting pants to work. No one knows you better than
you yourself. It is not necessary that something which looks good on your colleague would also
look good on you.

Don’t purchase anything just because it is in fashion. Please use your common sense. If a dress is
not looking good on you at the showroom, it will look the same even at home. Dress according to
your body type, weight and complexion. Remember, appearances are extremely important.

Corporate dressing plays a crucial role in enhancing one’s personality. An individual with a
pleasing personality is respected and appreciated by all. He can easily charm anyone and win
people over.

You need to feel good about the way you look. Make sure your clothes fit you well. You need
to feel comfortable in your dress. Too tight and revealing clothes make you popular at the
workplace for all wrong reasons. Nobody bothers to notice you, if you are not sensibly dressed.
Formal dressing, if done correctly helps you create the first impression. Remember, you seldom
get a second chance.
Grooming
A person with dementia may forget how to comb hair, clip fingernails or shave. He or she may
forget what the purpose is for items like nail clippers or a comb.

To assist:

 Continue grooming routines. If the person has always gone to the beauty shop or a
barber, continue this activity. If the experience becomes distressing, it may be possible to
have the barber or hairstylist come to the person's home.
 Use favorite toiletries. Allow the person to continue using his or her favorite toothpaste,
shaving cream, cologne or makeup.
 Perform tasks alongside the person. Comb your hair, and encourage the person to copy
your motions.
 Use safer, simpler grooming tools. Cardboard nail files and electric shavers can be less
threatening than clippers and razors.

Personal grooming and corporate dressing actually go hand in hand. Donning an expensive
business suit will not help, if you are not neat and clean. Here comes the importance of
personal grooming.

Personal grooming is defined as the art of cleaning and maintaining one’s body parts. Personal
grooming is essential for everyone irrespective of the gender and nature of profession.

Personal hygiene, if neglected can ruin your personality. Would you feel like speaking to
someone who has bad breath or someone who has sweat stains all over his shirt? I am sure the
answer would be a big NO. The same goes with others as well. Flaunt your clean, simple yet
elegant look.

Male professionals need to:

 Shave Daily/Trim moustache or beard

 Comb hair properly
  Wear crisp, wrinkle free shirts preferably in subtle colours and well fit trousers in blacks,
blues or greys.
 Wear a mild perfume
 Trim his nails

Female professionals need to:

 Tie hair in a neat ponytail or bun.

 Wear flats to work.
 Wear minimal make up
 Get rid of facial hair or hair in any other body part(hands, legs, area around the lip)
 Smell good
 Clean their hands, feet and take care of finger as well as toe nails. Preferably use a
transparent nail paint.

3. Workplace Etiquette

Making Positive Impressions

How you present yourself to others in the business world speaks volumes. People often form first
impressions about others within seconds of first meeting them therefore it is crucial to ensure
you are properly prepared to present yourself as a professional. Here are some important tips
towards making a good impression.

 Stand straight, make eye contact, turn towards people when they are speaking, and
genuinely smile at people.
 Follow your office dress code, perhaps dressing a step above the norm for your office.
 Your briefcase or bag and the things you carry in them say something about you. Messy
items may detract from the image you would like to present.
 When meeting someone for the first time, be sure to shake hands palm to palm with a
gentle firmness.
 Be alert. Sleepiness looks bad in the workplace.
 Kindness and courtesy count!
  Arrive early to work each day.

People

How you treat people says a lot about you.

 Learn names and learn them quickly. A good tip for remembering names is to use a
person’s name three times within your first conversation with them. Also, write names
down and keep business cards. People know when you don’t know their names and may
interpret this as a sign that you don’t value them.
 Don’t make value judgments on people’s importance in the workplace. Talk to the
maintenance staff members and to the people who perform many of the administrative
support functions. These people deserve your respect!
 Self-assess: Think about how you treat your supervisor(s), peers, and subordinates.
Would the differences in the relationships, if seen by others, cast you in an unfavorable
light? If so, find where the imbalance exists, and start the process of reworking the
relationship dynamic.
 What you share with others about your personal life is your choice, but be careful. Things
can come back to haunt you. Don’t ask others to share their personal lives with you. This
makes many people uncomfortable in the work space.
 Respect people’s personal space. This may be very different than your own.

Communicating

It’s sometimes not what you say, but how you say it that counts!

 Return phone calls and emails within 24 hours — even if only to say that you will provide
requested information at a later date.
 Ask before putting someone on speakerphone.
 Personalize your voice mail — there’s nothing worse than just hearing a phone number
on someone’s voice mail and not knowing if you are leaving a message with the correct
person. People may not even leave messages.
  Emails at work should be grammatically correct and free of spelling errors. They should
not be treated like personal email.
 When emailing, use the subject box, and make sure it directly relates to what you are
writing. This ensures ease in finding it later and a potentially faster response.
 Never say in an email anything you wouldn’t say to someone’s face.
 Underlining, italicizing, bolding, coloring, and changing font size can make a mild email
message seem overly strong or aggressive.

Meetings

This can easily be the most intimidating part of starting a new job. The environment of a meeting
requires some careful navigation to maintain your professional image, whether the meetings are
one-on-one, with several colleagues or with external clients.

 For a meeting in someone’s office, don’t arrive more than five minutes early, as they may
be prepping for your meeting, another meeting later that day, or trying to get other work
done. You may make them uncomfortable, and that is not a good way to begin your
meeting.
 Don’t arrive late…ever. If you are going to be late, try to let someone know so that
people are not sitting around waiting for you. Don’t forget that being on time for a
meeting means arriving 5 minutes early — for an interview, arrive 10 minutes early.
 When a meeting runs late and you need to be somewhere else, always be prepared to
explain where you need to be (understanding that the value of where you need to be will
likely be judged).
 Do not interrupt people. This is a bad habit to start and a tough one to end.
 There is a time and place for confrontation, and a meeting is almost never that place. You
will embarrass and anger other people, and you will look bad for doing it. Give people
time and space outside of meetings to reflect on issues that need to be dealt with.

Work Space

You may spend more waking hours in work spaces than in your home space so:
  Keep the space professional and neat with appropriate personal touches! People will see
the space and consider it a reflection of you.
 Whether it is a cubicle or office, respect others’ space. Don’t just walk in; knock or make
your presence gently known. Don’t assume acknowledgement of your presence is an
invitation to sit down; wait until you are invited to do so.
 Don’t interrupt people on the phone, and don’t try to communicate with them verbally or
with sign language. You could damage an important phone call.
 Limit personal calls, especially if you work in a space that lacks a door.
 Learn when and where it is appropriate to use your cell phone in your office.
 Food consumption should generally be regulated. Smells and noise from food can be
distracting to others trying to work.

International Business Etiquette

As the global market grows, the need to understand multiple international standards of business
etiquette grows. Research the country you will be working in or visiting; note the proper
etiquette, culture and customs for that country. There are, however, a few key things to keep in
mind when conducting business internationally:

 Knowing the language makes an excellent impression on the people you are doing
business with. Barely knowing the language, but feigning fluency, could really harm the
work you are trying to accomplish.
 Be mindful of time zones. You don’t want to wake someone up on their cell phone or call
someone with an unreasonable deadline or concern at an awkward time of day for them.
 As there is no standard global work day, you should keep in mind that work hours vary
from country to country. This is important when scheduling meetings or conference calls.
 Know the holidays that will be observed, and be respectful of the time surrounding the
holidays, as people may be less available.
 Meals can be extremely crucial in making a positive international business etiquette
impression. The customs that are followed when dining are often very important, and
mistakes in this area could be costly. Knowing the etiquette well in advance should allow
you to relax and enjoy what could be an amazing new experience!
Vigilantly observe the corporate culture in which you work, and be aware that change will
happen. Your eyes and ears are your best resource in this learning process! Numerous resources
exist on-line on the topic of business etiquette, and there are professional courses you can take to
help you learn more.

Workplace etiquette: the don’ts

Let’s face it: There are certain actions and behaviors you just shouldn’t bring with you into a
professional workplace. Doing so can have major negative impacts on your career. But for many
individuals, proper workplace etiquette does not come as intuitively as you might think. Below
are some of the biggest don’ts of office life.

1. Don’t “reply all” to an email chain.

Understand the differences—and repercussions—between hitting “reply” and “reply all” when
responding to an email. Carefully consider whether or not all of the parties who received the
initial email need to be included in your reply. Additionally, by “replying all,” you may find
yourself embarrassed as your entire organization reads details that were only meant to be shared
with one or two others.

When in doubt, always do your part to keep emails and other correspondences friendly and
professional. As a general rule, treat your emails as a professional form of communication, and
make sure that the information you share is appropriate for the time, place, and people involved.

2. Don’t have personal conversations at your desk.

If you work in an office and you must have a private or personal phone conversation when
you’re at work, try not to have the conversation at your desk where others can hear you. Many
workplaces have conference rooms that you can use for phone calls; otherwise, it might be a
good idea to step outside.

Having a personal conversation at your desk can be distracting to the coworkers near you, and it
may open you up to gossip about being someone who “can’t leave their personal life at home”—
which isn’t good for your professional image.
3. Don’t bring your emotions into the office.

It’s best to leave your personal emotions at the door when you get to work. Your desk neighbor
doesn’t want to hear your sob story from over the weekend. If you truly can’t focus on your work
because something has happened, it’s probably a better idea to take some personal time to
process your emotions. Or, if something in the workplace is bothering you, reach out to the
human resources department or your supervisor to resolve the issue so it doesn’t interfere with
your work.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Asking questions—no matter how silly they may seem—will help you clarify expectations and
avoid erroneously completing an entire project only to realize you did it all wrong. There’s little
worse than overconfidence—especially if it isn’t actually backed up by experience or skill.

So go ahead and ask your questions, and be sure to truly listen to the answer.

5. Don’t gossip about fellow co-workers…or your boss.

Gossiping is one of the cardinal sins of office work: Just don’t do it. Whether you’re tempted to
gossip about your boss, co-worker, or the company as a whole, you’re not hurting anyone but
yourself when you do.

Gossiping can portray you as someone who can’t be trusted or someone who isn’t a team player,
which won’t help you reach your professional goals. It can also be duly harmful if it gets back to
the target of the gossip.

6. Don’t use emojis or multiple exclamation points (if any) in work emails.

Disclaimer: This bit of advice will depend on the specifics of your workplace. Some workplaces
may embrace emojis and relaxed conversation; others may expect a level of formality at all
times. Regardless, be cognizant and intentional when crafting your communications. Work
emails don’t need to be all serious all the time, but you’ll want to maintain a sense of
professionalism so that others see you as the competent expert that you are.
When in doubt, always communicate professionally in your workplace emails, regardless of how
relaxed your superiors might seem. After you’ve spent some time on the job, you’ll have a better
idea of what is deemed appropriate in your workplace.

7. Don’t talk back to your boss.

This bit of advice should probably go without saying, but it’s an important one nonetheless. Even
if there isn’t much of an age difference between you and your boss, you should never talk back
to them. Always show your boss respect, and do your part to not be sarcastic or glib.

This is not to say you can’t disagree with them about aspects of the job, a project, or the
company’s strategy. You should always feel free to share thoughts or concerns if you’ve got
them. But the way that you do this matters.

Hopefully, you will have the chance to climb the career ladder someday. You will want to have
your boss in your corner to help you get there.

8. Don’t forget that at work events, you’re still at work.

Company outings can be a great chance to socialize with your coworkers and get to know them
outside of their nine-to-five personas. But while you should be yourself, it’s important to
remember that you’re still among office mates who you’ll be working side by side with
tomorrow. Be especially careful not to overdo it if alcohol is being served. Everyone will know
why you “called in sick” the next day.

9. Don’t be nervous, but also don’t overstep your boundaries.

In the workplace, you’ll often find yourself walking a fine line in how you present yourself. You
want to be respectful, but you don’t want to come across as being stuffy; you want to appear
confident, but you don’t want to overstep your bounds; you want to express your opinions, but
you need to keep them G-rated.

Learning the balance will take trial and error on your part, but it’s an important balance to learn.
10. Don’t forget an umbrella.

This one might sound silly, but it’s important to be prepared for all of life’s annoyances, even at
work. Sitting in wet clothes all day is not fun. Walking around with a coffee-stained shirt
because your coffee lid popped off is not fun. Talking to someone with spinach stuck between
your teeth from lunch is not fun.

Keeping an umbrella, spare pair of shoes, dental floss, and even a change of shirt in your desk
(or the trunk of your car) for emergencies can be smart.

Workplace etiquette: the dos

1. Do arrive early.

There’s some common advice often given to new workers: You want to be in the office before
your boss and stay until after he or she leaves. You will be remembered for answering your
phone at 8:01 a.m. in a world where tardiness is common (especially in major cities, where
traffic can cause all kinds of headaches). Conversely, you will also be noticed if you consistently
show up 15 minutes after everyone else—just not in the way you want.

2. Do network with people outside of your cubicle.

Of course, it’s important that you complete your work on time and up to standard. But it’s also
important to remember that a perk of having a job at a company you appreciate is meeting other
people with similar interests who can share advice from their past experiences that you can use
on the job.

That’s why it’s important to take networking opportunities seriously, especially when you’re first
starting on the job. Grabbing coffee or lunch with your co-workers, attending happy hour or
other company functions, and simply making yourself available can go very far.

3. Do be willing to help out a co-worker.

If one of your co-workers asks you for help in completing a task, you should generally say yes
—as long as you feel that you can realistically help them while also hitting your own deadlines.
This is an opportunity to stand out and demonstrate your own knowledge and skills. It’s also an
opportunity to make a friend and bring someone into your corner for the future; you never know
when that might come in handy.

4. Do bring in goodies.

Who doesn’t love to eat? Baking cookies, brownies, or some other treats if you have free time
one night or just picking up some bagels on the way in to the office can be a really nice gesture
for your coworkers—especially if they’re celebrating a big win or going through a stressful
period.

If you do choose to bring in treats, though, it’s important to understand ahead of time whether
any of your co-workers have allergies or dietary restrictions like gluten sensitivity. Bringing
something in that everyone can enjoy will only make the gesture that much more meaningful.

5. Do create a proper personal email address.

It isn’t uncommon to need to communicate with your co-workers after hours or on the weekend.
While many organizations allow employees to log into work email remotely, some do not. It’s
important in these cases that you have a professional email address in the event you need to send
an email to a co-worker or your boss. “Foxychick123” isn’t going to send the same impression as
“firstname.lastname”.

6. Do jump at the chance to complete a new task.

If you’re asked to work on a task that you’ve never worked on in the past, it’s natural to feel
nervous. But that’s no reason to decline the work. Accepting new projects expands your skill set
and can lead to exciting opportunities down the line.

You were likely chosen because they have confidence in your abilities. Just make sure to ask
questions, seek advice, and make sure you’re on the right track before getting too bogged down
in the task.
7. Do be flexible.

Sometimes, you’re going to be tapped for a project or initiative that requires you to be flexible.
You might be asked to work earlier or later hours than usual; you might be asked to perform
duties or tasks that you don’t necessarily want to perform, or that you weren’t hired to do. There
may come a day when you are asked to work a holiday—either to cover someone else’s shift or
to usher a project through to completion.

While it’s never fun to work a holiday or weekend or to do “someone else’s job,” being willing
to roll with the punches demonstrates that you value the company and take your role seriously,
which will only help you in the long run.

8. Do dress appropriately for the office.

What constitutes appropriate will depend on the particular culture of your workplace. But it’s
always a good idea to dress to impress, especially when you’re first starting a new role at a
company. Even if you don’t have a formal dress code, save the crop tops, flip-flops, and see-
through shirts for the weekend—no one will take you seriously if you don’t.

9. Do make sure your earbuds are plugged in securely to your computer.

Have you ever made the mistake of listening to music or a video on your laptop while in public,
only to realize that your earbuds weren’t plugged in and that everyone around you could hear?
Talk about embarrassing.

Take it from me: It’s only more embarrassing in the workplace. Your coworkers don’t want to
hear lyrics streaming from your 2 Chainz Pandora station.

10. Do be open-minded.

Whether you’re taking on new work, building relationships, or advancing in your career, you
should do your best to remain open-minded. Nothing is known for certain, and being flexible and
open to change will only help you in the long run.
And finally …

11. Do wear a smile.

Having a positive attitude about being at work will affect your job performance significantly.
Appearing happy, friendly, and approachable at work can do wonders for your career. Never
underestimate the power of a smile.

It’s OK to make mistakes.

It’s understandable to be nervous as you move into your first job after graduation or when you
make a career change to a completely new company or industry. But it’s also important to
remember that it’s OK to make mistakes. Nobody is perfect. As long as you’re constantly
growing and learning from those mistakes and make an effort to stop making the same mistakes
in the future, your co-workers will notice.

4. Business Etiquette

When it comes to business etiquette, there are rules that aren’t meant to be broken. Some of these
may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised by how many times you may have
made a mistake without even noticing it.

In recent years, companies large and small have embraced a more laid-back startup culture.
Cubicles have been knocked down and replaced with open floor plans. Office furniture can be
anything from bean bag chairs and nap pods to foosball tables and arcade games. Suits and ties
have been discarded for T-shirts and jeans. Remote work is getting more and more popular.

The less rigid office environment may have some feeling like business etiquette rules are
antiquated and unnecessary. Don’t throw them in the trash with floppy disks and strict dress
codes just yet. Although it may not be obvious, many companies still have implicit professional
and social rules of conduct.
1. Pay attention to names

Names are one of the first pieces of information that we learn about someone. It is how people
recognize and address you.

When you tell others your name, include your last name. This is especially important if you have
a common first name like Ashley or John.

When you first meet someone, pay attention to their name. If you aren’t sure how to pronounce
it, be sincere and ask. If it is an unusual or difficult to pronounce name, the person is probably
used to it and won’t mind. It shows that you have taken an interest in them and care about getting
it right. Don’t carelessly butcher their name or invent a nickname. Call people what they
want to be called.

Remembering names can be challenging, especially if you meet multiple people at one time. One
trick that you can use is to identify a characteristic that helps you differentiate them. Another is
to repeat their name and try to use it in your conversation 3 to 4 times, but not so frequently that
it is obvious.

2. Greet everyone

Greeting the people that you come in contact with isn’t only polite but it establishes rapport. You
never know who the people that you greeted could be, so it is important to greet everyone with
the same degree of kindness.

A simple “Hi, how are you?” or even a smile and nod is enough. However, adding more could
make them remember you and view you as friendly and pleasant. It can also strike up
conversation. Be considerate though. If they appear to be in a rush or not interested at the
moment, don’t force a conversation on them.

Some ways to strike up a conversation could be to:

 Compliment something that they are wearing and ask where they found it.
  Remark on your surroundings. This can be anything ranging from the weather to a book
they are holding or the office space.

The key is to ask open-ended questions that will require more than a “yes” or “no” and move the
conversation along.

3. Offer a handshake and make eye contact

Handshakes are the universal business greeting. A firm handshake is still considered a positive
trait. A weak one is negative.

Usually, the higher ranking person will offer their hand first, but if they don’t, you can still
offer yours. Make eye contact when you shake their hand and smile. Those who avert their eyes
are viewed as lacking confidence and honesty.

4. Give cues that show you’re paying attention

When someone else is speaking, it is important to nod or smile. This shows that you are engaged
and actively listening. It tells them that you care about what they say and value their thoughts.

Be careful not to interrupt. If you wish to speak, you may send a nonverbal signal by opening
your mouth, but it is polite to wait for them to finish.

5. Introduce others

No one likes to awkwardly stand with a group of people who have no idea who they are and
what they are doing there. It’s uncomfortable. If you strike up a conversation with someone and
are with a person that they haven’t met yet, it is polite to make an introduction.

Give a little more information than just their name though. You might add the person’s role
at your company and what they do. This gives others some background, but keep it brief.
6. Send customized, handwritten Thank You notes

It’s perfectly fine to send out auto-confirmation and thank you emails after customers make a
purchase online. However, a thank you by email─especially if it is a large account or long-
standing business relationship─is considered ingenuine and rude.

Instead, write out a thoughtful thank you and send it by snail mail. It may take a few more
minutes of your time and a little change for postage, but it is more appreciated.

7. Proofread emails for grammar and typo mistakes

If you are like most professionals, you will communicate a lot through email. Each message sent
reflects on you, so you need to make sure that they are professional and well-written. You
shouldn’t have typos in emails. It only takes a few seconds to proofread your emails before
hitting send.

Technology can even do most of it for you. For example, you can download the Grammarly
extension for free. It checks your emails for mistakes and offers suggestions to correct mistakes.

8. Be polite and professional in all forms of communication

It doesn’t matter if you are meeting face-to-face, by phone or through email, each interaction
needs to be professional.

When you communicate through text only, you don’t have the tone of voice, facial expressions
and other nonverbal cues that accompany it. Remember this when writing emails. Keep
messages short and to the point, but don’t send anything that you wouldn’t say in-person.

9. Always be on time

Whether it is arriving to work or a meeting or making a deadline, punctuality is critical. Time is

precious.

When you miss a deadline, the whole team is affected and may have to cover for you. Teams rely
on everyone to do their part. It is easy to underestimate how much time you’ll need to complete a
project if you don’t regularly track your work. Know how much time it takes you to complete
tasks by using a time tracking app like Toggl Track.

When you are late, you are being disrespectful and inconsiderate of another person’s time and
commitments. Don’t be late.

If you are running behind schedule, contact them as soon as you realize that you won’t make it
on time. Don’t show up too early either. Arriving between 5 to 10 minutes before your
appointment is ideal.

10. Dress appropriately

Dress codes have become much more relaxed in recent decades. However, just because there is
no rule that says you can’t show up for work in a hoodie, sweatpants and flip flops, it doesn’t
mean that you should.

As much as we like to tell ourselves not to “judge a book by its cover,” our immediate reaction is
to do just that. In fact, studies have shown that the first thing that people notice about others is
their appearance. It is the primary influence on first impressions.

You don’t have to put on a three-piece suit, but dressing smart shows that you put effort into
your appearance and are more likely to put the same enthusiasm into your work.

When you dress in loungewear in a professional setting, people may think that you are lazy. It
doesn't mean that you can’t wear a comfy shirt and jeans occasionally. If it is appropriate for the
work environment and situation, then go for it.

11. Always practice good hygiene

No matter what you wear, good hygiene is always a must. Comb your hair. Trim your beard.
Clean your fingernails. Make sure your clothes smell good. No one wants to sit next to and work
alongside someone who smells like body odor and fried food.
12. If you invite others to a business lunch, it’s your treat

Lunch meetings give you the opportunity to get to know a colleague better, impress an investor
or learn more about a client and their needs. The rule of thumb is that the person who extends the
invitation covers the bill. Don’t make a fuss over it.

13. Table manners matter

You should also be aware of other dining etiquette. Many of the rules that your parents enforced
at the dinner table are still in play.

 Don’t talk with your mouth full or chew with it open.

 No elbows on the table.
 Don’t blow your nose with the napkin.
 No texting or playing with your phone at the table.

Eating while talking business can be difficult if you choose a messy item from the menu. (Stay
away from finger foods like oysters and chicken wings.) The rules may change based on where
you eat. If you are eating a five-star, luxury restaurant, you’ll want to know the table placements.

14. Keep your workspace neat

A desk cluttered with old coffee cups, piles of paper and more Post-It notes than free space, will
distract you and annoy others.

If you can’t keep your workspace clean and organized, then how will you manage your work? It
is a question that colleagues, clients, and others will think.

Your workspace reflects on your professional image as well as on your company, so clean it up.
Dust a few times a month, develop a system of organization and promptly discard trash in the
bin.
15. Show respect for shared areas and items

Working in an office often means that you are sharing the space with others. Many offices will
have a shared kitchen or at least, a company fridge to store lunches, snacks, and drinks. Don’t be
the person that steals someone else’s food from the company fridge.

Clean up after yourself. If you use the company printer, stapler or other office supplies, then be
respectful. Replenish paper and staples for the next person who uses it.

16. Don’t overshare but don’t be too distant either

Don’t drag your personal life into professional settings. Telling everyone in the office about your
cheating boyfriend or your wild, drunken weekend escapades puts others in tense and awkward
positions. It’s not appropriate for work either, and those who overshare are often fired for it.

People want to know a little bit about you though. If you don’t share anything, you will come off
as snobbish or distant. It is important that you know which topics are work appropriate and
which are not. Talking about the great food and beaches you visited during a recent trip to
Thailand may be appropriate. However, sharing that you went skinny dipping after smoking a
huge joint while on vacation there is not.

In general, politics and religion are the two topics considered inappropriate in nearly every
professional setting. If you have a personal or medical issue that will affect your work, have a
private one-on-one meeting with your manager or boss to let them know.

Don’t be a nosy neighbor. Remember to respect the privacy and personal space of
others. You may be comfortable sharing details about yourself, but others may not be.

17. Be mindful of how others work

Some people like to work while blasting loud music. Others might need complete silence to
focus and concentrate.
In one office space, there is a mix of workers with different styles of working. If you like to
listen to music, do it through headphones. If you need silence, try headphones with active noise-
cancelling technology.

18. Use your inside voice

Some individuals have loud, booming voices that demand to be heard. Sometimes, we get
excited in conversation and forget about our inside voices. Either way, it is important to keep
sound volume to a decent level. A loud environment distracts and disturbs others.

Plus, your office may share a building with several other businesses. They may be holding
meetings or trying to work quietly. Be a good neighbor and use your inside voice.

19. Be aware of nonverbal cues

You might be surprised by how much your facial expressions, body language and hand
movements convey to others. Your facial expressions play a huge role in how others perceive
you.

For example, a recent study by Cornell researchers found that people formed impressions of
others based on their facial expressions in photographs. Whether the person in the photo was
smiling determined if they viewed their personality as negative or positive. Their first impression
from the photo even influenced how they felt about the person after meeting them face-to-face
months after.

Everything from your posture to your furrowed brow is a form of communication. Stand upright,
smile and if necessary, put on your Poker face.

20. Put away your phone

We've become so attached to our smartphones, tablets and wearable devices that it can be hard to
disconnect. However, there are times when pulling out your phone is offensive.
Texting or surfing the Internet on your phone during a meeting is plain rude. Checking your
Facebook feed or Twitter notifications in front of a customer reflects poorly on your company
and will likely cause you to lose that customer and your job.

It's impossible to give someone your full attention when you are distracted by your phone, so put
it away. Switch it to silent or turn it off completely.

21. Don't be a complainer

Nobody likes a Negative Nancy.

If you notice an issue that should be addressed, don't simply whine about it. (Of course, if it is an
issue that violates workplace policies or moral conduct, you should report it to the appropriate
person.)

However, if it is anything else, think before you speak. Offer solutions and be careful how you
broach the topic. Instead of expressing it as a weakness or a flaw, frame it as an opportunity to
improve or an exciting new project.

The rules of business etiquette may change based on the location and culture. For example,
how you start a meeting in the United States would differ from a Hispanic culture like Colombia.
Diving right into business in the United States is not only normal but expected. If you do that in
Colombia, it is viewed as rude and inconsiderate, which can negatively affect your business
relationships.

If your business is global or you travel internationally for work, research the business culture and
etiquette. In some cases, people are understanding if you mess up because of a cultural or
language barrier. However, showing that you are considerate of their traditions is appreciated.

You may not recognize it, but unspoken and implicit business etiquette exists in even the most
laid-back company cultures. It can be difficult to figure them out at first, but following these
universal rules can prevent you from making an embarrassing mistake.

5. Email Etiquette
What is Email Etiquette?

Email etiquette refers to the set of rules and principles governing the proper conduct of email
communication. It involves using appropriate language, tone, and format to convey a message
effectively and professionally.

Why is Having Email Etiquette Important?

Having good email etiquette is important because it enhances communication, promotes

professionalism, and avoids misunderstandings or conflicts. When emails are composed with
proper etiquette, they convey a sense of respect, consideration, and efficiency, which can lead to
improved relationships and productivity.

What are the Benefits of Having Email Etiquette?

The benefits of having good email etiquette are numerous, including improved communication,
enhanced reputation, increased efficiency, and better relationships. Effective email
communication can help to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations, which can lead to
conflicts or lost opportunities. It also promotes professionalism and credibility, which can
enhance one’s reputation and create positive impressions.

Businesses can improve email etiquette by establishing clear guidelines and standards for email
communication. This can involve creating email templates, providing training on proper email
etiquette, and monitoring emails for compliance with established standards. It can also involve
setting expectations for response times and prioritizing emails based on their importance or
urgency. Additionally, businesses can encourage the use of other communication channels when
appropriate, such as phone calls or in-person meetings, to avoid over reliance on email.

What are Some Examples of Proper Email Etiquette?

Some examples of proper email etiquette include addressing the recipient appropriately, using a
clear and concise subject line, starting with a greeting, being concise and to the point, using
appropriate language and tone, avoiding typos and grammatical errors, and ending with a closing
remark.
The benefits of having good email etiquette are numerous, including improved communication,
enhanced reputation, increased efficiency, and better relationships. Effective email
communication can help to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations, which can lead to
conflicts or lost opportunities. It also promotes professionalism and credibility, which can
enhance one’s reputation and create positive impressions.

What are Examples of Bad Email Etiquette?

1. Not using a clear and concise subject line that accurately reflects the content of the email.
2. Failing to address the recipient by their proper name or title.
3. Using overly casual or unprofessional language or tone.
4. Writing long, rambling emails that lack a clear purpose or message.
5. Using excessive formatting, such as bold or italics, which can make the email difficult to
read.
6. Not checking for typos or grammatical errors before sending the email.
7. Failing to respond to emails in a timely manner, or ignoring them altogether.
8. Sending large attachments without warning or without compressing them.
9. CC’ing or forwarding emails without permission, which can be seen as intrusive or
disrespectful.
10. Using email to discuss sensitive or confidential information that should be kept private.

professional email etiquette rules to follow

Knowing what to do and what not to do when writing a business email is the first step in
following proper email etiquette. Emails should reflect the kind of reputation you want to have in
the workplace. This means an email you write to a close friend differs significantly from an
email you send to a co-worker or manager.

Here are some rules for proper email etiquette.

1. Use a professional email address

When you land an office job, chances are you receive a professional email address. This email
address should only be used for work-related matters and should not be treated like a personal
email.

The standard format for a professional email address consists of your first name or initial, last
name and professional domain name. The domain name should indicate the name of the
company that you represent. It is also best to avoid including numbers, underscores or
nicknames, as these can lead to confusion.

Examples of professional emails are the following:

 johnsmith@domain.com.
 jsmith@domain.org.
 smithjohn@domain.com.
 j.smith@domain.org.

Setting up a custom domain can increase the professionalism of a given company over platforms
commonly associated with personal use, such as Gmail, Yahoo and Hotmail. When choosing an
email hosting option, it is best to consider the host's security measures for users.

2. Use a professional tone

While personal emails may contain clever phrases and jokes, these are not appropriate in a
professional email. Professional emails should never include inappropriate language, personal
hobbies, physical attributes, religious references or information unrelated to the profession.
Doing so could damage a person's reputation and jeopardize them being taken seriously in the
business.

The tone used in an email should convey the feeling and attitude that the subject of the email
intends. In a business setting, the tone is more formal than a personal email. The tone can be
shifted depending on the recipients. For example, for a new client, the tone of the email should
come across as friendly, approachable and clear. If it is a co-worker you have developed a
friendly relationship with, the email can be more personal, but still maintain a professional tone
and objective.

Things to consider when thinking about professional tone include the following:

 Avoid abbreviations, emoji and slang words. You should consider the feeling and
attitude of the email and how to best represent that through language -- using
abbreviations, slang, jargon and emoji can come off as unprofessional and confusing. For
instance, in an apology email, you should use phrases such as, "I am very sorry," and
"Thank you for your patience," and guide the recipient on the measures taken to fix the
mistake.
 Check spelling and grammar. You should not rely solely on standard spelling and
grammar check tools in email platforms to find mistakes. While these tools may find
some errors, they do not find words that are used in the wrong context. It's best to
proofread your work before sending.
 Avoid run-on sentences. This can lead to misunderstandings and come across as
unnecessary rambling. Sentences that are too short can also come across as demanding
and choppy.

3. Include a subject line

Consider your subject line the summarization of the email intent. According to an Experian
Marketing Services study, personalized subject lines have a 29% higher chance of being opened
than emails without one.

Subject lines should be clear, to the point and relevant to the content within the email. They
should be specific to any urgency or deadlines that the email entails. For example, when sending
an informative email, the subject line may look like, "Request for approval for July travel."

4. Proofread your email

According to a survey conducted by Preply, 90% of employees said email has led to
miscommunications at work.
Proofreading an email can avoid confusion and the risk of appearing untrustworthy to the
recipient. When looking at what to proofread, make sure to check tone, spelling, names,
pronouns, facts and sentence structure.

To effectively proofread, tips include the following:

 Read sentences out loud.

 Read your email multiple times.
 Ask another person to read your email before sending.
 Don't completely rely on a digital proofreading tool.

5. Use a professional email signature

According to research from Exclaimer, 94% of marketers said that having a consistent branded
email signature significantly improved their email engagement rates.

An email signature ensures the recipient of the following three things:

1. They are talking to a real person.

2. They know how to contact the sender.
3. They know the organization that the sender represents.

An email signature should include the following information:

 Your full first and last name.

 The name and address of the organization you represent.
 Your job title and contact information.
 Links to social media accounts, such as LinkedIn and X, formerly Twitter.

6. Be mindful of hitting 'reply all'

The reply all feature in an email can be helpful in making sure all recipients are on the same
page. However, there is a time and place to use this feature.
Consider using reply all when you have questions that other recipients might have an answer to.
You can also use it when the content and/or questions might be relevant to everyone involved,
such as scheduling a meeting. Don't use the reply all function when information doesn't pertain
to some in the email chain. Doing so might cause annoyance and appear unprofessional.

7. Don't email confidential information

Just as people are told not to send personal information via text message, the same is true for
emails.

Email in any form is not considered a secure channel for sending private and personal
information. When a person sends confidential information via email, they risk that information
being sent to others or stolen during a data breach.

Some examples of information that should not be sent over email are the following:

 Birth certificates.
 Travel documents.
 Social Security numbers.
 Bank and financial information.
 Health information.
 Passwords.
 Private documents.

8. Introduce yourself

First impressions mean everything in a business setting -- this includes via email.

A simple introduction to the email recipient can help build connections and create a friendly and
polite reputation in the enterprise. Make sure to introduce yourself right away if you've had no
prior contact with them, refer to them by their respective name and pronouns, get to the point of
the email and leave your contact information for further contact.
9. Check attachments

A wrong attachment can cause confusion for the recipient -- and, in some cases, embarrassment.

It is a common mistake to click on the wrong file or, in many cases, forget to send one at all.
Double-checking the attachments can avoid any misunderstanding with the recipient and save
them the trouble of having to reach out for the correct information. Naming files accordingly can
also minimize the risk of sending something accidentally. File names can include dates, names,
file versions, projects and events -- for example, doe_launch _240520_v01.png.

However, in the case that a wrong attachment is sent, don't panic. Instead, immediately follow up
with an apology for the confusion, and make sure to attach the correct file.

10. Be concise

Email is a tool used for fast, efficient and remote communication, and the average person
receives roughly 121 emails per day, according to statistics from Venngage. With that many
emails, people don't want to take the time to read wordy, vague and confusing emails.

A concise email has a tight focus and omits unnecessary information. Be sure to reread your
email before sending it. If it seems too long, see what can be cut out.

11. Avoid using all caps

Using all caps in an email is not only unprofessional, but also rude.

In text messaging, capitalizing phrases or sentences can express excitement, anger and urgency.
Since texts are considered a less reliable form of communication than emails, an email to a co-
worker, manager or client uses different rules.

One rule when writing a professional email is to not assume the recipient understands the intent
of the sentences and words written the way a friend might. Avoid using all caps unless referring
to an abbreviation of another company. Otherwise, the recipient might get the impression that
they are being shouted at, and you may be viewed in a bad light.
12. Reply within 24 hours

If you are sent time-sensitive information, it is best not to keep the sender waiting. Sending a
simple acknowledgment of the email and letting the person know that their email will be
answered as soon as possible help you be seen as courteous and professional.

Knowing what time to send an email is key. According to research conducted by HubSpot, the
best times to send an email in the U.S. are between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon.

Additionally, the day with the highest email open rates in the U.S. is Tuesday, with 27%
engagement. Friday has the lowest open rate of weekdays with 13%. Weekend percentages were
significantly lower, so it is recommended not to send important emails over the weekend.

13. Create informative out-of-office replies

Out-of-office replies are a great way to let co-workers, managers and clients know that you are
not able to answer emails due to vacations, conferences, appointments and personal reasons.

In the message, include the reason for absence if appropriate, the return date and who to contact
in case of questions or emergencies. Don't provide too much detail or make statements that may
not be true. Also, be sure to ask a co-worker or your manager to be your point of contact before
providing their contact information in your out-of-office message.

An example of a good out-of-office reply looks like the following:

Thank you for your message,

I will be out of the office until July 21. Please contact Jane Doe at janedoe@domain.com with
any questions.

Sincerely,

John Smith
14. Include a sign-off

Sign-offs are a great way to add a personal touch to a business email, making the recipient feel
valued.

Sign-offs are located at the bottom of the email and can vary depending on the tone of the email.
For example, in an introductory email to a client, you could write, "Looking forward to hearing
from you." Or, for a more professional touch, write something like, "Best regards." The sign-off
always comes before the email signature and further reinforces that the recipient is talking to
somebody who is trustworthy and knows what they are talking about.

6. Meeting Etiquette

Company culture starts at the top. As a leader at your organization, you set the tone for
employees to follow when it comes to how everyone collaborates. A big part of that
collaboration — especially for hybrid and remote companies — is what happens in meetings.

Every company has its own culture and that culture will determine what it means to run a
successful, respectful, and efficient meeting at your organization. There are some important
meeting etiquette rules that are more universal, while others will be developed over time and be
unique to your culture. In either case, they ultimately determine what is appropriate, and what
isn’t, during a meeting.

Some business meeting etiquette rules are about behavior during a meeting itself, such as active
listening, speaking loudly enough, and being aware of body language. But it’s also about the
guidelines your company creates around how meetings are formed, such as how many people
can be in a meeting, if there are no-meeting days, or making sure each meeting has a distinct
purpose.

Be punctual

Being punctual is one of the most important business meeting etiquette rules. It shows
professionalism, respect, and proper preparation. This is especially important for leadership
because when leaders tolerate lateness, it means that people may begin to take advantage of that.
Most people will not and should not wait for you to arrive at the meeting if you’re late. It’s best
to be in the meeting in advance so that you have some time to sit down and prepare for the
discussion ahead.

This applies to a virtual meeting just as much as an in-person meeting. Joining the video
conferencing call a bit early is also a great way to get ahead of any potential tech issues, such as
problems with your audio, enabling permissions for screen-sharing, etc.

For leaders with a packed schedule, part of your meeting guidelines (which we’ll cover later),
can be leaving a five or 10-minute buffer between scheduled meetings so you have a moment to
prepare and arrive on time.

2 Come prepared

Set the expectation that meeting agendas are to be set far in advance, with time for the group to
collaborate and make suggestions for items to add.

You can easily add agenda topics to your Fellow meeting agenda by connecting Fellow to
communication tools like Slack. If there is any kind of documentation that was sent with the
meeting invite, be sure to brief yourself and familiarize yourself with the content so that you can
actively participate. Make sure to write down any kinds of questions you have or topics you’d
like to bring up before the meeting happens so that these things don’t slip your mind. If you’ve
been asked to prepare anything ahead, make sure that it is accounted for so that you can feel
confident and prepared.

3 Ensure a quiet space for virtual meetings

Clear communication is essential in any meeting, but even more so in virtual meetings. Before
joining the call, make sure your camera, microphone, and audio settings are all in order so that
everyone can hear and understand you. Additionally, be sure to reduce any background noise that
can interrupt the discussion, for example, by selecting a quiet area and turning your phone to
silent.
It’s also important to speak loudly enough and clearly enough so that everyone can understand.
Millennials and Gen Z tend to speak really quickly, as do leaders who are in a time crunch or
have a lot to get through in a particular meeting. If this is you, slow it down to a pace that is
easily understood by all.

4 Follow the agenda

Do not stray from the meeting agenda. Staying on topic is good meeting etiquette because it
respects the time and effort that has gone into organizing the meeting and the topics that will be
covered. Now is not the time to bring up other things that are not listed to speak about. This is
going to save time and make your discussion more productive.

If you notice you’ve drifted off-topic, take note of what it was and bring the conversation back to
its main purpose. You can always revisit these side discussions at a later time with the people
who are directly involved.

5 Be an active participant

Encourage employees to participate actively in meetings. As stated in Fellow’s Meeting Policy,

create a culture of “being a meeting participant, not an attendee.”

As a leader, you can find a balance between actively listening and participating in discussions. A
good rule of thumb is to listen at least twice as much as you speak, especially when there are a
lot of people in the room.

You may have the highest rank in the room, but all employees deserve a chance to contribute and
be heard. A few ways to show the speaker that you are actively listening are through non-verbal
communication, such as nodding your head, writing notes, asking questions, or contributing
comments. Active listening means that when it’s your turn to participate, you won’t repeat what
has already been discussed, and you can bring fresh insights, opinions, and contributions to the
table.
6 Give others the opportunity to speak

No one enjoys a meeting where one or two people dominate the entire conversation. Give others
the opportunity to speak and if you’ve just spoken, take some time to actively listen to others.

As a leader, a good time to contribute is when guidance and executive decisions are required.
Write down any points that come up while others are speaking so that you can revisit your list
and determine if they’re worth bringing up.

7 Ask clarifying questions

Asking clarifying questions is good business meeting etiquette because it shows that you are
listening and that you want to properly understand what has been discussed. That said, make sure
that you are asking questions at the appropriate time. If you’re facilitating the meeting,
periodically ask if there are any questions.

If you are meeting over a video conferencing platform like Zoom or Google Meet, use the option
to “Raise hand,” even if you’re the leader in that particular conversation. This allows attendees to
be aware of a question but doesn’t interrupt the conversation. Avoid asking all of your questions
at the end of the meeting because this can be time-consuming, especially if you’ve got a list.

Think about speaking to the appropriate person asynchronously by scheduling a one-on-one

meeting or shooting them a Slack message.

8 Be attentive to your body language

It’s important to be self-aware of your own habits and body language during meetings. It’s
natural to become restless or bored, especially during long meetings. That said, it’s important to
avoid things such as tapping or clicking your pen, fidgeting with your clothes, jewelry, or
notebook, swiveling your chair or playing with different heights, tapping your feet, rustling
papers, making quiet noises or humming, and last but not least, do not pull out your cell phone.
While you may think these actions are harmless, they are often seen as rude and disrespectful,
especially to reports. A good way to keep your focus is to take meeting notes and actively write
down questions that you would like to ask.

In virtual or remote meetings, it’s important to pay close attention to your body language. Your
nonverbal cues still convey a lot about your attitude and participation, even if you aren’t
physically in the same room as your coworkers or clients. Maintain proper posture, sit up
straight, and make eye contact with the camera to make sure you’re sending the right message.

7. Presentation Skills

A successful presentation requires good presentation skills and effective presentation techniques.
Here we provide you with 16 presentation tips for effective presentations. Whether you are an
experienced presenter, or just starting out, there should be ideas here to help you improve your
presentation skills.

Why presentation skills are important

Presentation skills are crucial in today's professional landscape, enhancing one's ability to
communicate effectively and persuasively. They not only help in delivering messages clearly but
also boost confidence and engagement with the audience. Mastering presentation skills can lead
to career advancements, improved professional relationships, and increased influence.

Benefits of improving presentation skills

Enhanced communication: clearer and more impactful message delivery.

Increased confidence: greater self-assurance during public speaking.

Career advancement: better job prospects and professional growth.

Stronger engagement: improved ability to captivate and maintain audience interest.

Influence and persuasion: more effective in convincing and motivating others.

How do you give a good presentation? This is how to succeed!

In order to be able to present successfully, not only the layout and the content of the presentation
must be convincing. The decisive step is to convey the content of the presentation to the
audience in the best possible way by presenting it correctly. The tips listed below should help
you do this by improving your presentation skills. The most important thing to keep in mind is a
healthy combination of the tips listed below. (The order of the tips does not give any information
about their importance).

Not every tip will lead to a successful presentation. What is important in a presentation?

As mentioned earlier, you should try to implement a combination of the tips to give a successful
presentation. It should be noted that not every one of these tips needs to fit in your own
presentation. In addition, too many of these tips can make the presentation look overloaded and
too "rehearsed". Therefore, think carefully in advance about what you want to pay particular
attention to.

Tip 1: Maintain eye contact while presenting and smile

In order to give each of your listeners the feeling of being important and to make them feel
personally addressed, it is particularly important to maintain eye contact with the audience
during the presentation. Not only does this exude confidence, but it also helps your audience to
connect with you and your subject. It also helps you feel less nervous.

Easier said than done right? Here's what can help:

 Find someone in the audience who seems to be genuinely interested in the topic and is
listening attentively (for example, your lecturer). Make eye contact with this person at the
beginning of the presentation. Once you start feeling more calm and confident let your
gaze drift over the audience to address the other listeners as well. Keep returning your
gaze to the initial person to stay calm throughout the whole presentation.
 Another alternative is to find a fixed point in the room (preferably on the wall behind the
audience) which you fix at the beginning of the presentation. Similar to the first example,
 after you have achieved confidence, you can let your gaze wander over the audience and
return to the previously selected fixed point again and again.

Don't look at the screen!

Don't look at the floor!
Don't just look at your index cards!
Don't just look at the laptop!

Tip 2: Use of gestures and facial expressions

To emphasize the content of your presentation, it is advisable to use appropriate gestures and
body language to get your message across. Avoid crossed arms, hands behind your back, or in
your pockets during a presentation.
Always stand up straight, and try not to appear tense or stressed. You can do that by using your
hands and arms to emphasize what you are saying and get your message across.
Your facial expressions should always be friendly and open. Smile and show that you enjoy the
topic and you are confident in the information you are presenting.

Tip 3: Avoid distractions

Often you will not be able to avoid the use of aids. For example, you may need to use a laser
pointer to show something on the screen, or you may need to use a pen to write something down
on a flipchart.
To avoid distractions for you and the audience, get into the habit of putting down tools you don't
need! That way you will not be tempted to deal with them in the first place. You will also have
your hands free for gestures.

Tip 4: Be prepared: Practice makes perfect

Practice makes perfect, right? If you prepare well before the presentation, you will feel more
relaxed and confident while presenting and it will also improve your body language.

Here are some ways to help you prepare for a presentation:

  Rehearse in front of a crowd
 Take notes
 Experiment
 Time yourself
 Record yourself

Tip 5: Be confident

By appearing self-confident, you convey to the listener that you are confident in your topic and
have prepared yourself sufficiently. Try to relax and not appear too stressed or nervous.
Another tip for advanced speakers: Step out in front of the podium and walk around the room
and get closer to the audience. This also exudes self-confidence and helps in attracting your
audience's attention.

Tip 6: Effective beginning/end

Good presentation skills can help you in captivating your audience straight away. In order to do
that, you should start your presentation with a bang. Many studies show that if you can capture
someone’s interest straight away, there’s a good chance they’ll listen to the rest of the
presentation. Shock the audience, ask them to imagine something or think of a what-if situation,
share a personal story, share a joke, use a quote, or a video. You should also give an overview of
the time and structure of your presentation. This outline should run through your presentation so
that you can always assign the individual contents to an outline point. It is also helpful for your
audience to have the outline displayed in a slimmed-down form during the whole presentation.

How you end the presentation is as important as how you start it. A weak ending will leave the
audience uninspired. But a good ending will motivate them and help them walk away on a
positive note. For example, include a call to action, end the presentation with a memorable quote,
or a personal story, and don't forget to thank and acknowledge the audience.
Tip 7: Speak freely

The headline speaks for itself. To make the presentation as lively and enjoyable as possible, you
should avoid reading it off. Speak freely, slowly, and clearly. If you are not yet confident in what
you are presenting, try using note cards. But keep in mind: No continuous text, but only short,
concise bullet points!
If you use note cards to support you, it is especially advisable at this point to memorize at least
the beginning and end of your presentation, as eye contact is crucial at these points.

Tip 8: Avoid filler words

In order to make your presentation flow as smoothly and confidently as possible, you should
avoid using filler words such as "um," "so," and so on. For your listeners, these words convey
insecurity and inadequate preparation.

Tip 9: Bring along something to share

In addition to a handout, other small takeaways can also significantly improve your presentation.
For example, if you are giving a presentation on gummy bears, why not offer some to your
audience? If you are giving a presentation about your fishing hobby, why not show the audience
your fishing equipment?

Tip 10: Use different types of media

A presentation can quickly become boring and monotonous. To avoid this, it is advisable to use
different types of media. For example, combine videos and flipcharts, use the whiteboard, or
show something practical on a model. This will increase the attention of your audience
enormously and will help in keeping them engaged until the end.

Tip 11: Use effective pauses

When giving a presentation, you should keep in mind that you have already heard the content
several times - your audience probably hasn't! Therefore, give your audience enough time to read
and understand the content of your slides.
Effective use of speech pauses is a master technique. It is one of the most versatile tools in a
presenter's toolbox. Yet very few people perform it well. A pause, if used correctly, can add a
great deal to your presentation or speech. Pause before, during, or after saying something that
you would like to emphasize. Pausing between two different parts of your presentation can
indicate to the audience that something new is coming. A quick pause could also help you in
remembering your next point, without the audience noticing that you forgot what to say.

Tip 12: Speak the language of the audience

When creating your presentation, you should already think about your target audience. This will
help you present successfully later on. It is especially important that you speak the language of
the audience. Use appropriate and relevant examples. Use "strong" and meaningful words in
short sentences to avoid losing the audience.
Make sure to use appropriate analogies and anecdotes and avoid foreign words, empty phrases,
and clichés. If you have to use foreign words, explain them in a handout or footnote within the
presentation.

Tip 13: Engage with the audience

Always try to keep the attention of your audience and keep them engaged during a presentation.
To do this, it is advisable to regularly involve the audience. One way to do this is to ask
questions. Deliberately ask "easy" questions so that can easily be answered by your audience.
Another way to involve the audience in your presentation is by interacting with them. To make a
point clearer, you can use an example to explain it in more detail, using a person (whose name
you should know). You can address participants directly and refer to their work.

Tip 14: Don't fight the stage fright & take deep breaths

Stage fright is one of the biggest enemies of a presentation, yet you shouldn't let yourself be a
victim of your feat. Do not fight it, rather address your fear and try and accept it, and transform it
into positive enthusiasm. Don't let your stage fright get you all worked up and nervous. Take a
couple of deep breaths to get oxygen to your brain and relax your body.
Tip 15: Choose the right angle on standing during a presentation

One of the most frequent questions that speakers ask themselves during a presentation is, how do
I best position myself, and where do I stand in front of the audience?

You have a free stage without a podium

In many cases, you will be facing your audience in a "free space", without a podium. This gives
you a lot of room to move, but at the same time, it creates uncertainty because you don't know
how to position yourself properly or how to move.
Avoid standing frontally in front of the audience! This frontal facing is unconsciously perceived
negatively by the audience. It is perceived by the audience as a kind of frontal attack and causes
stress in your audience.
Make sure to stand slightly to the side of the audience. If you notice during the presentation that
you are again standing frontally in front of your audience, simply move your right or left foot 20
cm forward.

You have a podium at your disposal

A podium makes it easier to decide how to position yourself and where to stand in front of the
audience. In order not to make your presentation too monotonous, it is advisable to leave the
"safe position" behind the lectern from time to time, e.g. to walk to the other side of the screen or
to show something on the flipchart. This brings movement into your presentation and helps keep
the connection with your audience.

Tip 16: Create something with the whiteboard during the lecture

PowerPoint is no longer the tool of choice for a successful presentation. Photo collages, company
logos on every slide and flashing text boxes often distract from the essentials. A presentation
convinces the audience especially when they witness how something is being created. In addition
to the classic flipchart, the whiteboard is recommended for this purpose. This is because
diagrams, keywords and the results of a brainstorming session are written in real time on a
whiteboard. Board markers allow a wide range of colors and the magnetic property of pinning
additional information. The result of the presentation produced in this way is remembered longer
than ready-made slides.

8. Professional Competencies

What is a professional competency?

Professional competencies are abilities bringing together soft and hard skills. These abilities
enable an employee to competently manage tasks assigned to them as part of their role.
Professional competencies are often listed at the end of curriculum vitae. Whether they are
acquired in your personal or work life, all competencies that are relevant to the profession you
wish to exercise must be mentioned, as they can be put to use.

The various types of professional competencies

There are several types of professional competencies. They may be developed through
professional training, your work experience (in which case, in France, they can be highlighted
through the VAE scheme, which stands for “Validation d'Acquis d'Expérience”), or your
personal experiences.

Knowledge

This relates to competencies learned over the course of your education pathway, at school, for
example. For example, you may have acquired managerial competencies at a business or
management school. Abilities developed over the course of a short or long training course are
also part of knowledge. These professional competencies are highly sought after by French
employers, particularly when they are confirmed by a diploma (validation, qualification,
certification, etc.) or training certificate, or are learned at a training centre or high-profile school.
Hard skills

These are the technical competencies that are essential for a specific profession. These
competencies are not the same as knowledge. They are not theoretical, but practical, and are
developed through your various work experiences. For example, we can consider the ability to
manage a group and lead it through change to be a hard skill, rather than knowledge. Expertise in
IT or the ability to use a foreign language in a work environment are also hard skills. There is a
multitude of hard skills, which vary from one field of activity to the next.

Soft skills

These skills are innate or developed through personal experience. They are directly linked to
your personality and your workplace behaviour. They are acquired personality traits. Soft skills
are very important during interviews, as these skills are increasingly taken into consideration by
recruiters. Non-learned soft skills, such as an ability to manage conflict, can be honed.

Which professional competencies are essential?

Many other types of knowledge and skills are sought in professional settings. Some of them are
even essential to exercise a particular profession. Here are a few examples:

 Critical thinking: having a strong analytical ability and pragmatic mindset is a big asset
in today’s work environments. Your ability to put forward well-thought-out and
constructive arguments will stand you in good stead in your job search.
 Problem-solving: measuring risks, taking initiatives and decisions, and formulating
assumptions are an important part of the world of work. These abilities are crucial if you
are looking for a role with responsibilities.
 Analytical ability: this involves taking a neutral stance on a situation to find the right
solution./li>
 Adaptability: recruiters are always looking for people who can work independently and
adapt smoothly to changes (such as new roles, policies, teams, processes and work tools).
  Organisation: being well-organised is important to be able to work efficiently. This
competency is important for employers, as it says a lot about your ability to manage your
time or a project, for example.
 Team spirit: being able to work alone is good, but being able to work with others is even
better. Your ability to communicate and work as part of a team can help make the
difference in an interview and your day-to-day work.
 Communication skills: your speaking and writing abilities, as well as the way you
express yourself within a group, or with new people, are often observed during
interviews.
 Stress management: certain positions require you to keep a cool head in the face of
stressful work situations.
 Emotional intelligence, empathy: these personality traits determine how you get along
with others. Generally speaking, employers look to recruit people who are empathetic,
attentive to others and respectful. These competencies are required in most professional
sectors.
 Ability to recognise competencies: this is essential for recruiters, HR managers and
team managers.
 Teaching ability: this is sought after for positions that involve helping a person or group
develop their skills and abilities.

You are now familiar with the key professional competencies. Learning how to highlight them
is essential in order to get your career off to a good start. We recommend setting aside a
dedicated section for them in your CV to win over recruiters. Remain pragmatic and never
overrate your competencies. Be specific when talking about competencies, and don’t hesitate to
replace them with a complete experience. For example, it is better to write ‘Manager of a team
of ten people’ than simply ‘Management’. This type of information is more convincing and
concrete in the eyes of future employers.

9. Analytical Thinking
Analytical thinking involves using a systemic approach to make decisions or solve problems. By
breaking down information into parts, analytical thinkers can better understand it and come to a
sensible conclusion.

For instance, once analytical thinkers identify a problem, they typically gather more information,
develop possible solutions, test them, and analyze which works best. Solving complex problems
often requires analytical reasoning, which may involve:

 Determining causation (if and how one event causes another)

 Examining similarities, differences, and relationships
 Predicting the next event by following a sequence
 Recognizing patterns or trends
 Using conditional and converse (if-then) statements

Why is analytical thinking important?

In daily life, analytical thinking allows you to sift through a steady barrage of information from
the news, social media, and accounts from friends and family to get to the truth. Analytical
thinking also offers professional value. Employers look for candidates with good analytical skills
to help solve problems and make sound decisions in the workplace.

How is analytical thinking different from creative and critical thinking?

To better understand analytical thinking, it helps to learn how it's different from other types of
thinking. For instance, when solving a problem, analytical thinkers take a methodical approach,
breaking up information and analyzing each part until they form a conclusion.

Creative thinkers take a less organized approach to problem-solving. They examine a problem
from many angles and welcome new information to devise a creative solution.

Critical thinkers are open-minded and have superior evaluative skills. To develop a logical
solution to a problem, they study evidence, ask questions, assess other points of view, and
explore any relative assumptions or biases.
4 good-paying careers for analytical thinkers

If you can think analytically, it can benefit you in a variety of careers. Explore four good-paying
careers for analytical thinkers.

7 Steps To Improve Your Analytical Thinking Skills

If you think your analytical thinking skills need some brushing up or you just want to improve it,
here are some strategies you can employ:

Be Observant

Take a walk outside or observe people in your office. Use as many of your senses, see what’s
happening around you. Is there anything that interests you? Remember you have to actively
engage your mind.

Read Books

Once again, the key to improving your analytical thinking skill is to keep your mind active and
running. Read books and try to work on an active reading strategy: proactively read and digest
and question what you’re reading. You can highlight, raise questions, read aloud or make
predictions to stay engaged with your reading material.

Learn How Things Work

Don’t just find the solution but know how exactly certain things work. By scrutinizing how
things work, you will have a better understanding of the process which is vital in stimulating
your analytical skills.

Ask Questions

Did you know that curiosity makes us smarter? According to Neuroscientist Aracelli Carmago,
“The more curious we are about a subject, the more it engages our cognitive functions, such as
attention and memory.” With that said, asking more questions can help develop better problem-
solving skills, retention, and memory of a subject. So don’t be shy to ask questions, especially if
your query is valid.

Play Brain Games

If you want to improve your analytical thinking skills, it may be time to play Sudoku or other
brain games like puzzles, chess, or crosswords. The best part of working on brain games to
develop your analytical skill set is it is fun and doesn’t require a lot of motivation to get started.

Practice Your Problem Solving Skills

Keep in mind that for every problem, there is a solution. Visualize and be articulate in the
presentation of a particular concept. Prepare two, three or even more solutions to a problem.
And, if possible, do test runs on those solutions. See which one is the best and the most logical.

Think About Your Decisions

Making important decisions at work is very common. Thus, think hard and rationalize your
decisions. What are the pros and cons of your decision? Ask for an expert opinion if available or
do extensive research. Ask yourself, is this the best solution for this problem? Take a step back
to rethink it a bit more, and then you can finally decide.

At the end of the day, like any skill development, you have to a lot of practice and application.
Learn from your everyday experiences. Then, practice your analytical skills until it comes
naturally.

Consider Opposing Viewpoints

While engaging with opposing viewpoints can help you expand your perspective, combat bias,
and show your fellow employees their opinions are valued, it can also be a useful way to practice
analytical skills.

When analyzing data, it’s crucial to consider all possible interpretations and avoid getting stuck
in one way of thinking.
For instance, revisit the example of tracking users who click a button on your site to download an
e-book. The data shows that the user’s age is positively correlated with their likelihood to click
the button; as age increases, downloads increase, too. At first glance, you may interpret this trend
to mean that a user chooses to download the e-book because of their age.

This conclusion, however, doesn’t take into consideration the vast number of variables that
change with age. For instance, perhaps the real reason your older users are more likely to
download the e-book is their higher level of responsibility at work, higher average income, or
higher likelihood of being parents.

This example illustrates the need to consider multiple interpretations of data, and specifically
shows the difference between correlation (the trending of two or more variables in the same
direction) and causation (when a trend in one variable causes a trend to occur in one or more
other variables).

“Data science is built on a foundation of critical thinking,” Tingley says in Data Science
Principles. “From the first step of determining the quality of a data source to determining the
accuracy of an algorithm, critical thinking is at the heart of every decision data scientists—and
those who work with them—make.”

To practice this skill, challenge yourself to question your assumptions and ask others for their
opinions. The more you actively engage with different viewpoints, the less likely you are to get
stuck in a one-track mindset when analyzing data.

Play Games or Brain Teasers

If you’re looking to sharpen your skills on a daily basis, there are many simple, enjoyable ways
to do so.

Games, puzzles, and stories that require visualizing relationships between variables, examining
situations from multiple angles, and drawing conclusions from known data points can help you
build the skills necessary to analyze data.

Some fun ways to practice analytical thinking include:

  Crossword puzzles
 Mystery novels
 Logic puzzles
 Riddles
 Sudoku
 Strategic board games or card games

These options can supplement your analytics coursework and on-the-job experience. Some of
them also allow you to spend time with friends or family. Try engaging with one each day to
hone your analytical mindset.

Take an Online Analytics Course

Whether you want to learn the basics, brush up on your skills, or expand your knowledge, taking
an analytics course is an effective way to improve. A course can enable you to focus on the
content you want to learn, engage with the material presented by a professional in the field, and
network and interact with others in the data analytics space.

For a beginner, courses like Harvard Online's Data Science Principles can provide a foundation
in the language of data. A more advanced course, like Harvard Online's Data Science for
Business, may be a fit if you’re looking to explore specific facets of analytics, such as
forecasting and machine learning. If you’re interested in hands-on applications of analytical
formulas, a course like HBS Online's Business Analytics could be right for you. The key is to
understand what skills you hope to gain, then find a course that best fits your needs.

Engage With Data

Once you have a solid understanding of data science concepts and formulas, the next step is to
practice. Like any skill, analytical skills improve the more you use them.

Mock datasets—which you can find online or create yourself—present a low-risk option for
putting your skills to the test. Import the data into Microsoft Excel, then explore: make mistakes,
try that formula you’re unsure of, and ask big questions of your dataset. By testing out different
analyses, you can gain confidence in your knowledge.

Once you’re comfortable, engage with your organization’s data. Because these datasets have
inherent meaning to your business's financial health, growth, and strategic direction, analyzing
them can produce evidence and insights that support your decisions and drive change at your
organization.

10. Listening Skills

Active listening is the practice of listening to understand what someone is saying. When you
practice active listening, you’re exclusively focused on what the other person is saying instead of
planning what to say in response, as you would during a debate or conversation. To confirm you
understand, you then paraphrase what you heard back to the other person. Depending on the
conversation, you can also ask a specific, open-ended question to dig deeper into the topic.

Active listening helps you have more meaningful and engaged conversations. When you’re
paying full attention to what the other person is saying—without planning what you want to say
or interrupting their conversation—you develop more effective communication skills.

Good listeners:

 Ask open-ended questions to learn more.

 Paraphrase and summarize what the other person is saying to make sure you fully
understand.
 Practice non-judgmental listening by setting aside their own biases or points of view.
 Demonstrate patience by focusing on the other person instead of your own thoughts.
 Exhibit positive, nonverbal communication like eye contact and leaning in.
 Avoid distractions and multitasking.

4 types of active listening

Ready to become a better listener? Here’s how. There are four different types of listening:
 1. Empathic listening is when you listen to understand. Think of listening when someone
shares a personal story. In this type of listening, you’re focused on the other person,
instead of yourself.
2. Appreciative listening is when you listen to enjoy yourself. Think of listening to music,
a motivational speaker, or attending a religious ceremony.
3. Comprehensive listening is when you listen to learn something new. This type of
listening happens when you listen to a podcast, the news, or an educational lecture, like a
class.
4. Critical listening is when you listen to form an opinion of what someone else says. This
type of listening happens when you’re debating with someone or when you’re listening to
a sales person.

Active listening—or listening to understand—falls under the category of empathic listening. This
type of listening helps you build strong relationships, gain a deeper understanding of your friends
and colleagues, and even deepen your own sense of empathy.

Active listening is a key component of effective communication and interpersonal skills. By

mastering these active listening techniques, you can become a better listener, improve your
relationships, and foster open communication in a variety of scenarios and contexts.

1. Be fully present and attentive

To practice active listening, give the person speaking your full attention. Minimize distractions,
maintain eye contact, and focus on the speaker's words, tone of voice, and nonverbal cues. Being
fully present demonstrates that you value the person's feelings and their point of view.

2. Use positive body language and nonverbal cues

Your body language and facial expressions play a significant role in active listening. Maintain an
open posture, lean in slightly, and use encouraging nonverbal cues like nodding and smiling.
These positive nonverbal cues show the speaker that you are engaged and interested in the
conversation.
Tip: If you're meeting virtually, like during a video conference meeting, use positive body
language and facial expressions to show you're engaged. Maintain eye contact by looking at the
camera, smiling, and nodding along while the person speaking is sharing their thoughts. Avoid
multitasking or looking off screen—instead, keep your video on and give your full attention to
the speaker to show you’re engaged.

3. Avoid interrupting or judging

Resist the urge to interrupt the person speaking or rush to judgment. Allow them to express their
thoughts and feelings without interjecting your own opinions or biases. Interrupting can lead to
miscommunication and hinder the development of mutual understanding.

4. Paraphrase and reflect to show understanding

Paraphrasing involves restating the speaker's main points in your own words to ensure you have
understood them correctly. By reflecting on what has been said, you demonstrate that you are
actively listening and making a conscious effort to comprehend their message.

5. Ask clarifying and open-ended questions

Asking open-ended questions encourages the speaker to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings.
Use clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of their perspective and probing questions
to explore the topic more deeply.

Once the person speaking finishes their thought, demonstrate you're engaged by asking specific,
open-ended questions. Avoid adding your own biases or judgments to those questions—
remember, you're focusing on what the other person has to say. For example, ask:

 "Tell me more about that."

 "How did you feel in that situation?"
 "What made you pursue that option?"
 "What can I do to help or support you?"
Avoid asking questions or making statements that indicate judgment, as this can hinder open
communication and mutual understanding. For example, instead of:

 "Why would you do that?" Try asking, "What motivated you to make that choice?"
 "You didn't really mean that, did you?" Try asking, "What did you mean when you said
that?"
 "That doesn't make sense." Try asking, "I'm not following; could you clarify the main
points for me?"

6. Validate the speaker's perspective and emotions

Validation is an essential active listening skill that involves acknowledging how the speaker
feels. Show empathy and understanding, even if you don't necessarily agree with their point of
view. Validating the speaker's emotions creates a safe space for open communication and fosters
a stronger connection.

7. Withhold advice unless asked

As an active listener, your primary role is to understand, not to advise. Unless the speaker
specifically asks for your input, refrain from offering unsolicited advice or solutions. Instead,
focus on listening and supporting them as they work through their own problem-solving process.

8. Summarize key points and action items

Towards the end of the conversation or at key transition points, summarize the main themes,
ideas, and any action items discussed. This active listening technique ensures that both parties
have a clear understanding of the key points and next steps. It also provides an opportunity for
the speaker to clarify or add any final thoughts before concluding the discussion.

11. Time Management

Time management is the process of consciously planning and controlling time spent on specific
tasks to increase how efficient you are. You may be familiar with setting deadlines, writing to-do
lists, and giving yourself small rewards for accomplishing certain activities.
Motivating ourselves is a core part of time management—and it takes a bit of effort not only to
motivate yourself but to cultivate good habits to work and live more efficiently.

To develop good routines and habits, you can start by knowing what strategies and best practices
are out there. You can experiment with them in your own life to see what works for you.

Conduct a time audit.

Start by assessing where you actually spend your time. Create a visual map of the approximate
hours you spend on work, school, housework and chores, commuting, social media, and leisure
activities. Then, you can drill in on school or work, dividing your previous week into days, then
hours. How much time did it take to finish that paper? Did a work project take longer because
you were scrolling on your phone?

Set goals based on this outcome. Planning ahead and setting time limits on your tasks and
priorities can free up time for what’s most important to you, like spending more time with
friends and family.

Start by dedicating a half hour every Sunday to intentionally planning your week ahead and
setting daily goals.

Use the Eisenhower Matrix to set your priorities.

The Eisenhower Matrix is a popular tool that helps you distinguish between tasks that are
important, not important, urgent, and not urgent. The quadrant has four boxes in which you can
split your tasks to prioritize what you should focus on first. They also correspond with the 4 D’s
of execution: do, defer, delegate, and delete.

 Quadrant 1: Important and urgent. Do these tasks first. These are the priorities that are
most relevant to your goals.

 Quadrant 2: Important but not urgent. Defer these for later in your schedule.
  Quadrant 3: Urgent but not important. Delegate these to others, if possible, especially
if they do not contribute to your long-term goals.

 Quadrant 4: Not important and not urgent. Delete these tasks, or do them when you
have free time because they are distractions from your priorities.

For an even simpler approach, create a task list and mark each item as urgent or important.
Often, we prioritize urgent tasks instead of important ones—such as tasks that may be creative,
important, and fulfilling but do not have a deadline—so identifying and labeling them can be a
helpful step toward accomplishing your personal and professional goals.

3. Employ methods to “chunk” your time.

Once you have a better idea of what your priorities are, setting limits can be an excellent time
management tool. You have several options for chunking your time into digestible pieces.

Try the Pomodoro method. This technique was developed in the late 1980s by Francesco
Cirillo, a university student who was overwhelmed by studying and assignments. The Pomodoro
method requires using a timer to break down your work into 25-minute intervals, separated by 5
minutes of break time. After four pomodoros, you may take a longer 15- to 30-minute break.
Pomodoro (“tomato” in Italian) promotes concentration and relieves mental fatigue, which is
especially useful for open-ended work like conducting research, studying for an exam, or
finishing a consulting project.

By “chunking” time, you make big projects and goals less daunting. Less procrastination, more
productivity.

Focus on one thing at a time.

For most of us, multitasking is generally less efficient than focusing on one task at a time. In
fact, research over the last 30 years demonstrates that multitasking can result in mental overload
and that switching between multiple tasks costs us efficiency [3]. Doing too many things at once
can impact your cognitive ability, making you feel unproductive or dissatisfied with your
progress. Arranging your time so that you complete one task before starting another can boost
your confidence.

Further, it may be helpful to compartmentalize tasks. If you are a writer, for example, you might
dedicate Monday to research, Tuesday through Thursday to writing, and Friday to editing.

5. Give yourself a reward.

Rewards can be a great source of motivation for adopting good time management habits. For
each important task you accomplish, you can give yourself a little treat. It doesn't need to be
extravagant or expensive. Simple ways to motivate yourself might include:

 Taking a break to enjoy your favorite snack

 Going for a short walk outside
 Call a friend or family member
 Meditate for five minutes
 Listen to a podcast episode or a chapter of an audiobook

For bigger rewards, you can indulge in activities like reading a book in the bath, planning a night
out with friends, or booking a getaway. Exciting rewards can help you push through an
especially tough project or work period.

6. Use apps to block out distractions.

Sometimes, rewards and good intentions are not enough to keep us focused. An app or browser
extension can help you minimize distractions by blocking you from using social media or
touching your phone. Some apps and extensions you can try include:

 Forest is an app that helps you stay focused and off your phone. The company partners
with an organization called Trees for the Future to plant trees when you spend virtual
coins earned in Forest.
  StayFocused is a browser extension that prevents you from using time-wasting websites
like Reddit, Twitter, Wikipedia, Instagram, and more. It’s highly configurable, so you can
customize it to your specific distractions.

 Freedom is a tool that can block websites and apps on all of your devices simultaneously.
Take advantage of its free trial to see if it’s right for you.

How to create a time management strategy

Now that you have some potential time management tips and methods in your toolkit, it’s time to
create a strategy. You might experiment with several techniques before establishing the most
effective long-term habits and routines for you.

Establish goals and priorities.

Consider your lifestyle, whether you are a student or a working professional (or both), whether
you have a family or aspire to become a digital nomad (or both!). Think of your long- and short-
term goals for your career and personal development. Make sure the goals are SMART: specific,
measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. What will it take to achieve them? How can you
manage your time to maximize your productivity?

Once you have established your goals, prioritize them in order of importance. It may be helpful
to use Post-its or pen and paper to visualize them.

Choose the best method for you.

Using the list of tips above, decide upon a method or two to implement. Based on what has
worked for you in the past, you can mix and match different time management skills. If you are
unsure of which ones will work for you, pick one at random and give it a try.
Plan and implement.

Apply your chosen method over a period of time. A month is typically enough time to evaluate
whether a strategy is working. Over 30 days, monitor your progress. Take notes on how you feel
after one or two weeks. Was one method more effective than the other?

Reassess.

After one month of your new time management methods, it’s time to reassess. What’s working?
What’s not working? Adjust your strategy and plan to be more effective. Continue to practice
these habits each month, adapting them as your priorities change. What works for you when you
are a student may not be the same as when you start a new job.

Remember, practicing time management is an ongoing process, and life happens. It’s about
progress, not perfection.

12. Team Skills

Teamwork skills are the interpersonal soft skills that help groups have productive interactions.
Some teamwork skills examples include conflict management, respect, and active listening
— each of which promotes fluid conversations and projects.

Groups that work well together have strong teamwork skills. It’s a direct correlation. But the
skills you need might depend on what kind of team you’re working on. A software development
team might need communication and patience to debug code together, and a product team might
need more self-awareness and empathy to share ideas without judgment. These skills all connect
to the team’s shared goal.

10 teamwork skills all groups should have

Team-building skills are the unique qualities that drive productive collaboration. They determine
group members' ability to work with others and make their peers feel safe and valued in the
workplace — all while innovating and getting the job done.
The following 10 skills are essential for any team:

1. Communication

Communication makes the top of the list because it doesn’t just foster better teamwork; it’s
essential to it. If individuals silo information, others don’t have a clear picture of what
everyone’s crossing off the to-do list, leading to confusion, mistakes, and even conflict.

Team members always need to express themselves clearly and frequently, whether they’re
working independently or collaborating in a group setting. But it’s a fine balance between that
and overcommunicating. Non-stop chat messages can be distracting, and too many meetings take
up precious time. That’s what makes communication a difficult skill to develop.

2. Active listening

Active listening is a communication skill that benefits both speakers and listeners. When people
listen actively, they focus on what the other person is saying — not what they’re planning on
contributing next.

Active listeners use body language and nonverbal communication gestures like eye contact and
nodding to show they’re paying attention. They also repeat what they’ve heard to confirm their
understanding. This makes everyone involved feel more comfortable and avoids
miscommunications in the process.

3. Respect

Teammates don’t have to be best friends to get along. They just have to respect one another and
focus on solutions, not arguments.

Respectful team members avoid reacting negatively in challenging moments, and they approach
disagreements with openness instead of hostility. This is especially important for managers
because disrespected staff might not want to put in the same effort or share their ideas. The key
is to give constructive feedback, avoid emotional reactions, and honor people’s differences.
4. Conflict resolution

Conflict is inevitable — even healthy. Constructive conflict surfaces opposing ideas and
encourages teams to try new ways of working, think outside of the box, and ultimately grow. It’s
the difference between closing a meeting early out of frustration and starting a productive
conversation about where that frustration comes from.

Team players with solid conflict resolution skills listen without judgment, address issues as they
arise instead of putting them off, and focus on solutions. And when you can’t reach an
agreement, you should know how to respectfully negotiate a compromise.

5. Accountability

Teams are as strong as the individuals in them. Fewer conflicts arise when everyone takes
accountability for the tasks they must complete and acknowledge when things go wrong. It’s not
about playing the blame game but being honest about mistakes and missteps.

Accountability also implies assuming responsibility for errors without waiting for a leader, like a
project manager, to intervene. Everyone makes mistakes, and those who admit theirs prevent
further issues. And having a precedent for this kind of communication sets the team up for
smoother workflows.

6. Delegation

The strongest leaders know how to delegate workloads appropriately so no single person has too
many tasks. And team members that delegate well also know when they’re taking on too much.
Saying “no” to a surplus of work prevents the errors and burnout that can throw a wrench into
the workflow.

You can start on the right foot by clearly delegating roles and responsibilities, communicating
openly about everyone’s bandwidth, and using planning tools to visualize the distribution of
work.
7. Problem-solving

Teams tackle problems daily — whether something simple, like ensuring a new member has
access to tools, or more complex, like roadmapping a project together. Problem-solving skills
help them navigate through those problems as a team without stepping on each others’ toes.

Groups that problem-solve healthily allow all to share thoughts and opinions before agreeing
upon a route forward. They also take a solution-oriented approach when obstacles.

8. Open-mindedness

One of the best qualities of a good team member is an open mind: the ability to appreciate and
respect others’ differences and learn from them. In addition to gleaning new insights, open-
minded people help foster a safer, more inclusive workplace.

Without an open mind, you can’t truly accept other people’s suggestions or understand their
perspectives when things go wrong. A team full of stubborn people might be set in their ways
and lack the insights they need to move forward.

9. Self-awareness

Tense or stressful situations at work often spark emotional reactions, whether people decide to
share those reactions or not. Being self-aware helps them track their own feelings and recognize
when they’re reacting harshly.

Be honest with yourself, learn what makes you tick, and pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.
It’s okay to admit you’re overtasked or don’t have the right skills or tools for the job. Ultimately,
speaking up can save the team a problem, and you’ll learn something new about yourself.

10. Trust

Building trust takes time and a combination of many other skills to build. Team members can
start by maintaining strong communication, respecting one another, and navigating conflicts
calmly. Taking responsibility for work and accountability for errors also helps.
Trusting team members know they can count on others to complete tasks, admit mistakes or
issues, and help resolve problems. It’s the key to a productive team that relies on each other
instead of avoiding collaborative work.

How to improve your teamwork skills

Soft skills might seem simple, but they’re often more challenging to foster than hard skills
because they’re harder to define. You can take a course if you want to learn a new project
management methodology or coding skill, but becoming a more trustworthy teammate takes on-
the-job effort.

Here are a few tips for improving your teamwork skills:

 Set goals — change won’t come if you don’t know what you’re working toward. Set a
goal and try to develop one skill at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself. Maybe you’ve
historically jumped to conclusions instead of listening actively. Make a point to pay
better attention in conversations to absorb everything the other person says.
 Get feedback — asking for honest feedback about soft skills can feel vulnerable. No one
wants to hear that they aren’t great at taking accountability or resolving conflict. But
weaknesses are just areas of opportunity, so ask a friend or coworker you trust to help
you pinpoint the teamwork skills you can improve.
 Observe others — perhaps there’s someone on your team with exceptional listening
skills or who’s excellent at resolving conflict. Observe how this person handles situations
and mimic their habits. In time, those skills will become natural to you.

How to list teamwork skills on your resume

Soft skills aren’t just crucial to the role you currently hold. They’re essential to the jobs you
apply for in the future. Communication or problem-solving could be the thing that sets you apart
from other applicants, so don’t skip them.

Here’s how to list teamwork skills on your resume:

  Include relevant skills — research what values are essential to the company you’re
applying to, and include skills that mesh with them. If an organization takes pride in its
inclusivity, highlight your ability to be respectful and open-minded.
 Use examples — provide a brief explanation for every soft skill you list. If you highlight
your organizational skills, give an example of something you organized.
 Be brief — choose a few important skills and examples rather than writing a laundry list.
Teamwork qualities are just one small part of the document, and writing too many could
look like you’re trying too hard.

Keep your team organized with Notion

Groups that project plan well, delegate tasks, and monitor progress deliver high-quality outputs
and work more efficiently. And they need a platform that supports them every day.

Use Notion to stay organized with a diverse library of templates and tools. Learn how to generate
roadmaps, have productive one-on-one meetings, and create a team page and wiki for shared
information.

13. Assertiveness

Assertiveness is a healthy, prosocial behavior in the middle of a continuum. While no one enjoys
being walked on, many dislike being overly aggressive. Respect comes from standing up for
yourself. Not only will others respect you, but you will respect yourself for speaking up. You
bring value, and what you say is impactful. Share it!

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Work & Career Coaching
Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients identify
opportunities for professional growth and create a more meaningful career.

Before we begin, it is critical that we understand what assertiveness is and is not. Assertiveness
is sticking up for yourself without causing harm or humiliation to others.
It is standing up for the values you hold. Assertiveness does not impede another’s right to get
what you want. It is not coming out as the champion of a heated argument. Assertiveness is
knowing when and how to demonstrate your view.

Assertively is the adverb form of assertive. When something is done assertively, it is done in an
assertive manner. In other words, someone has done something confidently and decisively.

The Benefits of Assertiveness in the Workplace

“Allowing yourself to be nonassertive will threaten interpersonal relationships, and emotional

problems will arise; lowering self-esteem can even be a ‘time bomb,’ which at any time can
threaten the continuity of one’s personal and social relationships and mental health, namely, the
risk of anxiety and stress”.

1. Role-play and behavioral rehearsal

The American Psychological Association (n.d.a) suggests role-play and behavioral rehearsal to
help train clients to be more appropriately assertive in real-life situations.

To role-play, participants act out various roles within a dramatic situation. Similarly, behavioral
rehearsal involves teaching effective interpersonal strategies or behavior patterns to the client
and then allowing them to practice before using them in a real-life situation.

In both exercises, rehearse what you want to say; use appropriate body language such as an
upright posture, eye contact, and a neutral or positive facial expression; and keep emotions in
check by remaining calm, breathing slowly, and speaking in a firm, even voice (Mayo Clinic,
2022). Perhaps try these exercises with a friend or family member.

2. Using ‘I’ statements

Clear and specific “I” statements allow us to share our thoughts without seeming accusatory
(Peneva & Mavrodiev, 2013).
For example, try saying, “I disagree,” or “I would like you to help with this.” Keep the focus on
yourself instead of on your coworker. Use sentences like “I work better when …” instead of
“You need to stop …”

Practice saying no. A simple no without hesitation is direct and effective. “No” can be your
entire response, or you can provide a brief explanation if appropriate. If this is a challenge for
you, perhaps you may consider saying, “No, I am not able to do that right now.”

3. Declare needs

Declare your needs unapologetically. Do not provide multiple excuses when declaring your
needs; just declare them.

When asking for time off, do not provide countless reasons, such as the fact that you have been
really busy with family issues, you have been having headaches, and one of your coworkers
recently got time off. Instead, just firmly ask for time off and say you will be ready to resume
working hard when you get back to work.

Sometimes, declaring your needs will require you to refuse a task. In this case, recall what we
said about “No.” It can be a sentence in its entirety. Saying no can be difficult; however, it is a
necessary part of being assertive (Peneva & Mavrodiev, 2013).

4. Nonverbal communication

As we mentioned when discussing the role-play and behavioral reversal activities, it will be
critical to maintain eye contact and body language. Both will convey confidence.

Gaze has the power to modulate cognition and attention (Senju & Johnson, 2009). Not only does
it show your attention, but it also commands the attention of the person you are speaking to.

Likewise, be mindful of your tone and volume. You will want your tone to be friendly but firm,
and your volume should be loud enough to convey confidence but appropriate for the space that
you are in.
5. Stick with it

After declaring your needs, such as a day off, stick with it! If you double back on what you said,
you may not be taken seriously in the future.

For example, if you were previously granted a day off and later asked to come into work for a
few hours, politely but firmly decline. If you concede, well, you know the next time will not be
much different. The same goes for changing your statements. Remember that assertiveness is the
“tendency to actively defend, pursue, and speak out” for your own interests (Ames & Flynn,
2007, p. 1). Do not concede.

6. Consequences

Although you shouldn’t have to over-explain yourself, sometimes communicating the

consequences of an alternative solution is effective.

For example, “Could we schedule a meeting to reevaluate my job expectations? I feel that with
these new demands, I will need to reprioritize my time while at work, or my other assignments
may suffer.”

Try not to make threats or be manipulative. Instead, point out natural consequences involved in
your request. Think of yourself as the leader of the conversation. Afterall, leadership emergence
and effectiveness are positively related to assertiveness (Ames & Flynn, 2007).

7. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is bringing one’s attention to the present moment. Try practicing daily meditation or
doing a quick body scan before going into work.

These types of exercises will help you be more present, which will help improve your ability to
process your emotions in front of others and have more positive perceptions, which will help in
making fewer communication errors.

Examples of exercising one’s assertiveness at work may include:

  Requesting a raise from your boss
 Asking a coworker to do their share of a project
 Not tolerating someone’s interruption
 Suggesting an alternative solution
 Saying no to additional duties outside of your job description
 Maintaining boundaries
 Asserting your point of view or perspective
 Suggesting another strategy or course of action

Now let’s have a look at the research and real-life examples of effective assertiveness.

“Assertiveness is an important part that supports the development of student academic

performance and helps students maintain their social relations to remain harmonious in
differences and/or neglect” (Blegur et al., 2023, p. 877).

Unfortunately, peer pressure has the potential to distract students from studying. Assertiveness
can prevent this phenomenon.

Blegur et al. (2023) observed, interviewed, and documented 11 university students’ assertiveness
strategies. They found that students who showed more assertiveness had good academic
performance.

The researchers further identified six strategic models students used to maintain academic
performance when tempted by peers with non-academic ventures (Blegur et al., 2023):

1. Being open, objective, and rational in expressing their aspirations

2. Being firm and brave when making decisions
3. Believing in one’s abilities
4. Prioritizing
5. Carrying out obligations without disturbing the rights of other classmates
6. Accepting differences of opinion/views
In their quantitative study, Thangal et al. (2023) investigated the potential effects of assertive
behavior on organizational climate. The researchers administered the Rathus Assertiveness
Schedule to 57 participants employed at a multinational company in Malaysia.

The assertiveness dimensions included:

 The right to be respected

 The right to feel and express feelings
 The right to make mistakes
 The right to say no
 The right to ask questions

The result of this quantitative study emphasized the importance of establishing a platform that
encourages employees to feel part of the system. The researchers also noted that although
employees may work for the same company and hold the same values, their behavior varies.

Assertiveness may help employees voice valuable opinions and share pertinent perspectives.

Nikolaiev et al. (2023) studied assertiveness in 72 adolescents at a summer camp over 61 days.
The researchers employed several questionnaires to help identify and investigate the
neuropsychological features of the development of assertiveness.

The results indicated that adolescent assertiveness can be optimized by experiencing effective
communication in a specially organized adolescent interaction.

By optimizing assertiveness, adolescents are provided a character tool to help achieve future
success.

13. Stress Management

It may seem like there’s nothing you can do about stress—no way to avoid it and no way to de-
stress completely when it hits. The bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more hours in the
day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding. But the truth is, you
have a lot more control over stress than you may think. In fact, the simple realization that you’re
in control of your life is the foundation of stress management.

Managing stress is all about taking charge: of your thoughts, emotions, schedule, environment,
and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work,
relationships, relaxation, and fun—plus the ability to hold up under pressure and meet challenges
head on.

Stress management involves using various techniques and coping strategies to improve the way
you react to stressful things in your life and build resilience. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. That’s
why it’s important to experiment and find out what works best for you. Whether you’re looking
to reduce your overall stress levels, avoid unnecessary stressors in your life, or deal with stress in
the moment, the following stress management techniques and strategies can help.

Identify the causes of stress in your life

Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. This isn’t as
straightforward as it sounds. While it’s easy to identify major stressors such as changing jobs,
moving, or going through a divorce, pinpointing the sources of chronic stress can be more
complicated.

It’s all too easy to overlook how your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contribute to your
everyday stress levels. Sure, you may know that you’re constantly worried about work deadlines,
but maybe it’s your procrastination, rather than the actual job demands, that is causing the stress.

To identify what’s really stressing you out, look closely at your habits, attitude, and
excuses:

 Do you explain away stress as temporary (“I just have a million things going on right
now”) even though you can’t remember the last time you took a breather?
 Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life (“Things are always
crazy around here”) or as a part of your personality (“I have a lot of nervous energy,
that’s all”)?
  Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it as entirely normal
and unexceptional?

Until you accept responsibility for the role you play in creating or maintaining it, your stress
level will remain outside your control.

Practice the 4 As of stress management

There are many healthy ways to reduce stress or cope with its effects, but they all require change.
You can either change the situation or change your reaction. When deciding which option to
choose, it’s helpful to think of the four As: avoid, alter, accept, or adapt.

Avoid unnecessary stress

Not all stress can be avoided, and it’s not healthy to avoid a situation that needs to be addressed.
But you may be surprised by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate.

Learn how to say “no.” Know your limits and stick to them. Whether in your personal or
professional life, taking on more than you can handle is a surefire recipe for stress.

Avoid people who stress you out. If someone consistently causes stress in your life, limit the
amount of time you spend with that person, or end the relationship.

Take control of your environment. If the evening news makes you anxious, turn off the TV. If
traffic makes you tense, take a longer but less-traveled route. If going to the market is an
unpleasant chore, do your grocery shopping online.

Avoid hot-button topics. If you get upset over religion or politics, cross them off your
conversation list. If you repeatedly argue about the same subject with the same people, stop
bringing it up or excuse yourself when it’s the topic of discussion.

Pare down your to-do list. Analyze your schedule, responsibilities, and daily tasks. If you’ve
got too much on your plate, distinguish between the “shoulds” and the “musts.” Drop tasks that
aren’t truly necessary to the bottom of the list or eliminate them entirely.
Alter the situation

If you can’t avoid a stressful situation, try to alter it. Often, this involves changing the way you
communicate and operate in your daily life.

Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. If something or someone is bothering you,
communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way. If you don’t voice your feelings,
resentment will build and the stress will increase.

Be willing to compromise. When you ask someone to change their behavior, be willing to do
the same. If you both are willing to bend at least a little, you’ll have a good chance of finding a
happy middle ground.

Be more assertive. Don’t take a backseat in your own life. Deal with problems head on, doing
your best to anticipate and prevent them. If you’ve got an exam to study for and your chatty
roommate just got home, say up front that you only have five minutes to talk.

Find balance. All work and no play is a recipe for burnout. Try to find a balance between work
and family life, social activities and solitary pursuits, daily responsibilities and downtime.

Adapt to the stressor

If you can’t change the stressor, change yourself. You can adapt to stressful situations and regain
your sense of control by changing your expectations and attitude.

Reframe problems. Try to view stressful situations from a more positive perspective. Rather
than fuming about a traffic jam, look at it as an opportunity to pause and regroup, listen to your
favorite radio station, or enjoy some alone time.

Look at the big picture. Take perspective of the stressful situation. Ask yourself how important
it will be in the long run. Will it matter in a month? A year? Is it really worth getting upset over?
If the answer is no, focus your time and energy elsewhere.
Adjust your standards. Perfectionism is a major source of avoidable stress. Stop setting
yourself up for failure by demanding perfection. Set reasonable standards for yourself and others,
and learn to be okay with “good enough.”

Practice gratitude. When stress is getting you down, take a moment to reflect on all the things
you appreciate in your life, including your own positive qualities and gifts. This simple strategy
can help you keep things in perspective.

Accept the things you can’t change

Some sources of stress are unavoidable. You can’t prevent or change stressors such as the death
of a loved one, a serious illness, or a national recession. In such cases, the best way to cope with
stress is to accept things as they are. Acceptance may be difficult, but in the long run, it’s easier
than railing against a situation you can’t change.

Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Many things in life are beyond our control, particularly
the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can
control such as the way you choose to react to problems.

Look for the upside. When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for
personal growth. If your own poor choices contributed to a stressful situation, reflect on them
and learn from your mistakes.

Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make
mistakes. Let go of anger and resentments. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and
moving on.

Share your feelings. Expressing what you’re going through can be very cathartic, even if there’s
nothing you can do to alter the stressful situation. Talk to a trusted friend or make an
appointment with a therapist.
Learn to manage your time better

Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. When you’re stretched too thin and running
behind, it’s hard to stay calm and focused. Plus, you’ll be tempted to avoid or cut back on all the
healthy things you should be doing to keep stress in check, like socializing and getting enough
sleep. The good news: there are things you can do to achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Don’t over-commit yourself. Avoid scheduling things back-to-back or trying to fit too much
into one day. All too often, we underestimate how long things will take.

Prioritize tasks. Make a list of tasks you have to do, and tackle them in order of importance. Do
the high-priority items first. If you have something particularly unpleasant or stressful to do, get
it over with early. The rest of your day will be more pleasant as a result.

Break projects into small steps. If a large project seems overwhelming, make a step-by-step
plan. Focus on one manageable step at a time, rather than taking on everything at once.

Delegate responsibility. You don’t have to do it all yourself, whether at home, school, or on the
job. If other people can take care of the task, why not let them? Let go of the desire to control or
oversee every little step. You’ll be letting go of unnecessary stress in the process.

Reach out and connect to people who make you feel good

There is nothing more calming than spending quality time with another human being who makes
you feel safe and understood. In fact, face-to-face interaction triggers a cascade of hormones that
counteracts the body’s defensive “fight-or-flight” response. It’s nature’s natural stress reliever
(as an added bonus, it also helps stave off depression and anxiety). So make it a point to connect
regularly—and in person—with family and friends.

Make time for fun and relaxation

Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by
carving out “me” time. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to
take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. If you regularly
make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors.

Set aside leisure time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Don’t allow other
obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge
your batteries.

Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether
it be stargazing, playing the piano, or working on your bike.

Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. The act of laughing
helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.

Take up a relaxation practice. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep
breathing activate the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the opposite of the
fight or flight or mobilization stress response. As you learn and practice these techniques, your
stress levels will decrease and your mind and body will become calm and centered.

Maintain balance with a healthy lifestyle

In addition to regular exercise, there are other healthy lifestyle choices that can increase your
resistance to stress.

Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful
of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind
clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.

Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary “highs” caffeine and sugar provide often end with a
crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar
snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an
easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Don’t avoid or mask the issue at hand;
deal with problems head on and with a clear mind.
Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will
increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

Tips for reducing stress in the moment

When you’re frazzled by your morning commute, stuck in a stressful meeting at work, or fried
from another argument with your spouse, you need a way to manage your stress levels right now.
That’s where quick stress relief comes in.

The fastest way to reduce stress is by taking a deep breath and using your senses—what you see,
hear, taste, and touch—or through a soothing movement. By viewing a favorite photo, smelling a
specific scent, listening to a favorite piece of music, tasting a piece of gum, or hugging a pet, for
example, you can quickly relax and focus yourself.

14. Interview Facing

People feel stressed as they hear about INTERVIEW. Most of them focus only on the questions
to be answered in the Interview. But the interview is the test of not only knowledge but
behaviour and honesty too. It does not matter where you went to school, the number of degrees
you may hold, the experience you have or whom you know. It is important do the interview
successfully. It is vital to approach interviews in the correct manner and with the right attitude, as
that is the key to success.

These tips will help you to stay calm and focused instead of being a nervous wreck. Follow these
to remain cool and confident in your interview and so achieve professionalism and be successful.

Go prepared

Research the Company

 Do some homework, e.g. Find out about the company’s vision, goal, strategy, products,
finances, departments, competitive advantages, competitors, the work culture and the
management from the website. If the company does not have a web presence look them
up at the library, call the Chambers of Commerce, and find out everything you can about
 them. Make sure you know as much about it as you can, so that you can impress your
interviewers and show them how much you care.
 You can find ways to show that you know your stuff during the interview. You can say
something like, “I’ve read all about your mission and I think being committed to
educating the world for free is an amazing goal.”
 Show that you know what the position entails, too. If you know the qualities the
interviewers are looking for, then it’ll be easier to sell yourself and to show that you
possess them.

Be thorough with your CV

 You should be familiar with whatever is mentioned in the CV. Read it thoroughly so that
you’re not stumped by any question regarding your past employment and education.
 Come up with answers to common resume questions.

Prepare to answer common questions.

 Though each interview is different, there are some common interview questions and if
you’re prepared for them, half the battle is won. You’ll be less tongue-tied and appear
more confident if you’re ready with the response. It’s good to have some answers
prepared so you don’t look unprepared or caught off guard. Here are some questions you
should be prepared to answer:
 “What are your biggest strengths?” Pick strength or strengths that illustrate your
capabilities.
 Make a list of your main strengths and the things you are currently working on towards
your professional growth, with examples of each.
 “Why do you want to work at this company?” Instead, point out several things you like
about the company and be as detailed as possible; also make it clear why you think you
would be able to contribute to their team.
 Also, be prepared to talk about your weaknesses and how you are trying to overcome
them.

Prepare to ask at least two questions.

  At the end of most interviews, your potential employers will ask you if you have any
questions you want to ask them. You should prepare at least a handful of questions and
pick the ones that are the most relevant to ask; this shows that you’ve done your research
and are excited about the position.
 Asking what your daily work life on the job would look like,
 Asking about other ways you can get involved at the company in addition to the job
description. For example, if you’re applying for a teaching job at the high school, you can
ask if you can be involved in extracurricular activities too.

Prepare to explain why you’d be a good fit for the company.

 Another thing you need to get ready to say is why you’d be a great fit for the company.
Check out what the employees at the company are like and what the company values the
most when it comes to the position you’re seeking; use buzzwords to show why you
possess those qualities and why you’d be a perfect fit for the job you’re interviewing for.
Here are some things you can say:
 “I know that strong communication skills are essential for this position, and I would be a
great fit for it because of my years of management, training, and hiring experience. I’ve
communicated with employees, customers, and managers for years and have learned how
to give positive feedback as well as how to respectfully discuss room for improvement.”
 “I’m excited about all of the teamwork that the position requires. I’ve successfully
worked in teams and have collaborated with my team members, and I would be eager to
bring that experience to this company.”

Practice answering these questions in different ways.

 Have a friend read out your list of questions, or do it alone in front of a mirror. Answer
them without reading from your paper, although glancing down at first is fine. Do this
several times, trying to word your answers in different ways each time. The more you
practice, the more natural you'll sound when the interviewer asks a similar, but not
identical, question.

Be prepared to talk about any career changes you may have had.
  Be prepared to summarize your previous work experiences, and to explain how they
contributed to skills and knowledge that applies to the job you're trying to get.

On the day of Interview

Good Timekeeping is Essential

 Travelling to the interview can be stressful, especially if you’ve to commute a long

distance. Try Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Showing up a little bit early to the
interview shows that you’re punctual and that you really care about your job. Remember,
arriving late for whatever reasons is totally inexcusable. Plus, if you rush in there just
before it’s time to begin, you won’t have time to decompress and get into a relaxed state
of mind.

Dress professionally

 The way you dress makes a statement about yourself. Avoid bright colours and loud
jewellery. Regardless of the job that you are applying for, it is a good idea to wear a neat
and clean suit, even in a casual business environment. you have to start off by dressing
professionally to make a good impression in front of formally-dressed interviewers. Here
are few tips.
o Make sure to groom yourself well and to pay attention to your hygiene, too. If you
don’t put time and effort into your appearance, it will show.
o Try on your outfit at least a few days before to make sure that it’s flattering and
that there are no problems with it.

Facing an interview

 Introduce yourself with confidence - “Self-introduction?” Prepare your Introduction &

Key points. The introductory speech is your two minute opportunity to enlighten the
interviewer about yourself and what you have to offer. When you walk into the room,
stand tall, make eye contact, put a smile on your face, and give your interviewers a firm,
confident handshake when you introduce yourself. Walk with confidence and avoid
 fidgeting or looking around the room; remember that you only have one chance to make a
first impression, and you want it to count.
 Smile, be natural and speak with confidence.
 Even if you don’t feel confident, act as one emanating confidence. Your body language
should be accurate and you should be making a positive impact during the interview.
 Sit straight on the chair and look into the eyes of the interviewer. Remember, you’ve
nothing to lose and go with that mind-set. This causes less palpable stress.
 Be articulate when you answer the questions - Speak as clearly and confidently as you
can and make eye contact when you share your thoughts and ideas. Try to avoid saying
“like” or “um” too much and focus on getting your points across, even if that means
pausing to think. The most important thing is that you deliver your words with
confidence and sound like you really mean what you say.
 Practising saying what you have to say aloud can help you gain the confidence to be
articulate during your interview. That said, you should make sure your words sound
natural, not rehearsed.
 Identify Achievements - Employers want to know how hiring you will make their
organisation better and contribute to their overall success. (Assuming you did your
homework as suggested in point 1 you can offer examples of innovations, process
improvements or revenue saving ideas that may be of interest).
 Engage in a Dialogue - Remember, a conversation is a two-way exchange. Be curious
and ask lots of questions to get a good understanding of how the company, department
and management operate. Ask about the job responsibilities and company culture, e.g.
Employee Recognition Programmes, opportunities for Personal and Professional
development, current and future challenges of the position, etc.
 Be Open and Honest - When responding to the employer's questions, tell the truth! If
you made a mistake, say it in a positive way, accept responsibility for it, and explain how
you have benefited from the experience & what you have learnt. Do not pretend to be
something that you are not, it will not work!
 Avoid sharing overly personal information. - Though you may feel like your
interviewers really like you and that they’re getting buddy buddy with you, you should
avoid mentioning anything overly personal about yourself. Don’t talk about your
 significant other, your kids, or your personal problems at home; this shows that you’re
not focused on the job and that you’re unprofessional. Of course, if you see that your
interviewer has a big poster of your favourite sports team in his office, you can mention
the connection in passing if it comes up, but don’t get much more personal than that.
 Make sure to thank your interviewers in person.
 When the interview is over, show that you’re grateful for the fact that your interviewers
took the time to meet with you and to get a chance to talk to you about your skills and
qualifications. As you leave the room, shake your interviewer’s hand again and make
sure to look her in the eye and give her a sincere smile and a real thank you; this shows
that you’re considerate and that you’re really grateful for the opportunity.
 Just say something simple like, “Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me.
This has been a wonderful opportunity and I really appreciate it.”
 As the conversation wraps up, you can also ask about a time frame and next steps. They
should tell you when they’ll get back to you and what the next steps would be.
 Lastly, it goes without saying, be relaxed and don’t worry too much. The job interview is
for both parties, ie. Both for you and the employer to decide on the respective
suitabilities; so go with an open mind and try to be calm.

Know what not to do

There are a few things you should avoid at all costs when you go into an interview. Many people
don’t know that a few innocent comments can actually cause a big red flag to go up for the
interviewer. Choose your words carefully and make sure you give an impression of being a
respectful, hard worker who is truly excited about the position. Here are some things you should
avoid in your interview:

 Don’t ask about the perks of the job before you’ve been given an offer. This will make it
look like you’re more interested in vacation days than in working.
 Don’t talk about how you’ve applied to a million jobs without being asked for an
interview. Make it look like you really want this specific position.
  Don’t say something that shows how little you know about the company or how little
research you’ve done. Make sure your potential employers see that you really care about
the company.
 Don’t bad mouth your current job or employer - Even if your boss is a rude, petty,
inconsiderate, condescending jerk and your job is unsatisfactory and you feel completely
unfulfilled there, you should say something like, “I’ve gained a lot of great experiences at
my current position, but I’m ready for a new challenge.” If you say horrible things about
your job or your boss, then your potential future employers will think that you may turn
around and say the same about them in the future.

UNIT – IV

Significance of Grammar

It is interesting to note that in the past 5 decades, the disconnect related to grammar in English
resulted in its deletion from the secondary school syllabus both in Britain and the USA. But once
again, the world is back to square. And we are acknowledging the rules in grammar and therefore
consider it an integral part of the English language.

This article will uncover the importance of grammar for students. Let’s start with the basic
definition first.

What is English Grammar?

The origin of the English language dates back almost 5000 years. Today, English is spoken by
1/3rd of the world’s population i.e. around 2 billion people.

Grammar is defined as the important study of rules about the forms and combinations of words
that contribute to sentence construction. In the language learning process, grammar is the solid
foundation that determines the right acquisition. And also helps the learner to be proficient in the
language. All in all, grammar is the system or set of language rules that apply to the use of
language in all forms.

Practice Makes Perfect

If learners want to learn something well, they must practice it often. If they’re going to speak
fluently, they should converse in the language and listen carefully. Listening is perhaps even
more important than speaking as it helps one understand what people are saying, which is better
than talking.

Learning grammatical rules will help learners to communicate appropriately when talking is
required, such as while ordering food at a restaurant or making plans with friends. If learners
want to use their new skills to converse with native speakers quickly and easily, they must take
time to practice speaking the language daily.

Helps understand the English language

Grammar is the study of words, their structure, and function. It is essential to learn grammar
because it helps learners understand the English language better. Grammar also enables them to
understand how sentences are formed.

It also allows them to write good essays and articles that can be understood by people who do not
know much about grammar. Grammar is also used in everyday life when discussing something
that happened or will happen in the future.

Grammar helps one understand the English language by helping them understand the way words
work together as a system. Understanding grammar can be one of the essential skills learned as
an English language student.

Simplify the Learning Process

Grammar is a vital part of any language. It’s essential to allow learners to express their thoughts
adequately and form and communicate precise ideas. Grammar is not just about spelling or
punctuation. It is an integral part of a language because it allows them to construct sentences and
write coherently.

Grammar can be considered an invisible language that makes written communication more
effective. Moreover, it can also help learners in other areas, such as speaking or understanding
what others are trying to communicate.

The importance of grammar cannot be emphasized enough because it helps us know what is
being communicated and how we can respond appropriately. If learners want to improve their
English skills, they must start by learning the grammar rules and then practising them until it
becomes a habit.

Become a Better Communicator

The primary purpose of grammar is to improve the speaking and writing skills of the learner. In
addition, grammar can help them become a better communicator.
Grammar studies the rules and structure of language, including parts of speech, sentence
structure, and punctuation. Learning grammar is essential because it helps one communicate
clearly and effectively with others in any situation.

The key to good grammar is consistency, ensuring that the writing follows a uniform set of rules.
For example, if learners want to use a single quote mark to emphasize something, follow that
style throughout the text. If they use double quotes instead, ensure that’s the punctuation mark
they use throughout the text consistently.

The better they get with their hold of grammar, the more confident they will feel when speaking
or writing in English. It will also help them avoid common mistakes that may cause confusion or
annoyance for others listening to or reading what they say.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering grammar in English is not merely about following rules; it’s about
unlocking the door to effective communication and understanding. Through consistent practice,
learners not only refine their language skills but also gain deeper insights into the structure and
nuances of English. By embracing grammar, individuals simplify their learning journey, paving
the way to becoming proficient communicators who can express themselves with clarity and
confidence.

2. One and one basic conversation skills

Communication involves conveying and receiving information through a range of verbal and
non-verbal means. When you deliver a presentation at work, brainstorm with your coworkers,
address a problem with your boss, or confirm details with a client about their project, you use
communication skills. They're an essential part of developing positive professional relationships.

While it might seem like communication is mostly talking and listening, there’s more to it than
that. Everything from your facial expression to your tone of voice feeds into communication. In
this article, we'll go over what communication skills at work look like and discuss ways you can
improve your skills to become a more effective communicator.

4 types of communication

Your communication skills will fall under four categories of communication. Let's take a closer
look at each area.

1. Written communication

Writing is one of the more traditional aspects of communication. We often write as part of our
job, communicating via email and messenger apps like Slack, as well as in more formal
documents, like project reports and white papers.
Conveying information clearly, concisely, and with an accurate tone of voice are all important
parts of written communication.

2. Verbal communication

Communicating verbally is how many of us share information in the workplace. This can be
informal, such as chatting with coworkers about an upcoming deliverable, or more formal, such
as meeting with your manager to discuss your performance.

Taking time to actively listen when someone else is talking is also an important part of verbal
communication.

3. Non-verbal communication

The messages you communicate to others can also take place non-verbally—through your body
language, eye contact, and overall demeanor. You can cultivate strong non-verbal
communication by using appropriate facial expressions, nodding, and making good eye contact.
Really, verbal communication and body language must be in sync to convey a message clearly.

4. Visual communication

Lastly, visual communication means using images, graphs, charts, and other non-written means
to share information. Often, visuals may accompany a piece of writing or stand alone. In either
case, it's a good idea to make sure your visuals are clear and strengthen what you're sharing.

We use our communication skills in a variety of ways in our professional lives: in conversations,
emails and written documents, presentations, and visuals like graphics or charts. Communication
skills are essential, especially in the workplace, because they can:

 Improve your relationships with your manager and coworkers

 Build connections with customers
 Help you convey your point quickly and clearly
 Enhance your professional image
 Encourage active listening and open-mindedness
 Help advance your career
 Communicating effectively in the workplace is a practiced skill. That means, there are
steps you can take to strengthen your abilities. We've gathered 17 tips to provide
actionable steps you can take to improve all areas of workplace communication.
 1. Put away distractions.

 Improving your overall communication abilities means being fully present. Put away
anything that can distract you, like your phone. It shows others that you’re respectfully
listening and helps you respond thoughtfully to the conversation.
 2. Be respectful.

 Be aware of others' time and space when communicating with them. Thank them for their
time, keep presentations to within their set time limits, and deliver written
communications, like email, during reasonable hours.
 3. Be receptive to feedback.

 As you’re working to improve your communication skills, ask your colleagues for
feedback about areas you can further develop. Try incorporating their feedback into your
next chat, brainstorming session, or video conference.
 4. Prioritize interpersonal skills.

 Improving interpersonal skills—or your ability to work with others—will feed into the
way you communicate with your colleagues, managers, and more. Interpersonal skills
have to do with teamwork, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution,
and often go hand-in-hand with communicating.
 Written and visual communication tips

 Writing and imagery share a lot in common in that you're using external mediums to
share information with an audience. Use the tips below to help improve both of these
communication types.
 5. Be concise and specific.

 Staying on message is key. Use the acronym BRIEF (background, reason, information,
end, follow-up) to help guide your written or visual communication. It's important to
keep your message clear and concise so your audience understands your point, and
doesn't get lost in unnecessary details.
 6. Tailor your message to your audience.

 Your communication should change based on your audience, similar to how you
personalize an email based on who you're addressing it to. In that way, your writing or
visuals should reflect your intended audience. Think about what they need to know and
the best way to present the information.
 7. Tell a story.

 When you can, include stories in your written or visual materials. A story helps keep your
audience engaged and makes it easier for people to relate to and grasp the topic.
 8. Simplify and stay on message.

 Proofread and eliminate anything that strays from your message. One of the best ways to
improve communication is to work on creating concise and clear conversations, emails,
and presentations that are error-free.
 Verbal communication tips

 Remember that verbal communication goes beyond just what you say to someone else.
Use the tips below to improve your speaking and listening abilities.
 9. Prepare what you’re going to say.

 If you’re presenting an idea or having a meaningful talk with your supervisor, take some
time to prepare what you’ll say. By organizing your thoughts, your conversation should
be clearer and lead to a more productive interaction.
 10. Get rid of conversation fillers.

 To aid in your conversational improvement, work to eliminate fillers like “um,” and “ah.”
Start listening for these fillers so you can use them less and convey more confidence
when you speak. Often these phrases are used to fill the silence, which is a natural part of
conversation, so try to embrace the silence rather than fill it.
 11. Record yourself communicating.

 If you need to deliver a presentation, practice it in advance and record yourself. Review
the recording and look for places to improve, such as catching the conversational fillers
we mentioned above or making better eye contact with your audience.
 12. Ask questions and summarize the other person's main points.

 Part of being an active listener is asking relevant questions and repeating pieces of the
conversation to show that you understand a point. Listening makes communication a two-
way street, and asking questions is a big part of that.
 13. Be ready for different answers.

 Listen without judgment. That’s the goal of every conversation, but especially if you hear
responses that are unexpected or different than you anticipate. Listen to the person
openly, be mindful of your body language, and don’t interrupt.
 14. Make sure you understand.

 Before ending a conversation, take a moment to ask a few follow-up questions and then
recap the conversation. You can finish by repeating what you've heard them say and
confirming that you understand the next actionable steps.
  Non-verbal communication

 Lastly, your body communicates a lot. Use the tips below to become more mindful about
your body language and other important aspects of non-verbal communication.
 15. Work on your body language.

 Body language comes up in a range of scenarios. When you're listening, try to avoid
slouching, nod to show you hear the person, and think about your facial expressions. If
you're speaking, make eye contact and use natural hand gestures.
 16. Be aware of your emotions.

 How you're feeling can arise non-verbally. During a conversation, meeting, or

presentation, stay present with your emotions and reflect on whether your body language
—and even the loudness of your voice—are conveying what you want them to.
 17. Use empathy.

 Consider the feelings of others as you communicate with them. Part of having a
meaningful conversation or developing a meaningful presentation is being aware of
others—bein empathetic, in other words. If you try to put yourself in their shoes, you can
better understand what they need and communicate more effectively.

A subfield and study of speech and linguistics are called phonetics. It studies how speech sounds
are created and categorized throughout the world. In contrast to phonemics, which is the study of
how speech sounds are arranged into linguistic systems, phonetic studies can be conducted
without necessarily considering the linguistic structures in which they may be found.

When we talk about speech classification, we mean the categorization of speech sounds into
groups that may be observed in what is known as the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is a framework that employs a single symbol to indicate
each unique sound in the language. It is used in dictionaries and textbooks all around the world.

The three methods researchers have historically employed are determined by the problems they
are trying to solve. The study of how speech sounds are perceived and processed is known as
auditory phonetics. This area of phonetics frequently employs highly sophisticated tools to
assess test subjects’ capacity to hear or distinguish between certain speech sounds. The extent of
phonetics, known as acoustic phonetics, examines the physical characteristics of sound waves
propagating through the air as observed by devices like sound spectrometers. Finally, the study
of the vocal tract movements that produce speech sounds is known as articulatory phonetics.
How are speech sounds produced?
Classification of sounds

Air is moved via the vocal tract, which includes the nasal cavity, and stretches from the larynx to
the lips to create speech sounds. Vowels and consonants are the two natural categories for speech
sounds. Vowels are formed when air passes through the respiratory system unhindered; the
quality of the vowel is influenced by the tongue’s location and tension, as well as the presence or
absence of lip rounding. For instance, [u] (the vowel in boot) is high, backward, tense, and
rounded, but [a] (cot) is low, back, lax, and unrounded.

By blocking the air in some way as it leaves the neck, consonants are created. Consonants are
typically characterized in terms of the larynx’s condition (voiced or voiceless), the location of
articulation (bilabial, labiodental, etc.), and how they are pronounced (stop, fricative, nasal, etc.).
For instance, [f] is a voiceless bilabial fricative, while [b] is a voiced bilabial stop.

By creating a computer-generated model of the Neandertal hominids’ vocal tract and utilizing
this to establish the sounds they could have produced, Lieberman and Crelin attempted to
ascertain the vocal sounds that Neandertal hominids were capable of producing. This was a novel
and effective use of acoustic phonetics, even though they most likely underestimated the
Neandertals’ capacity for speech.

Types Of Articulation

Six main types of articulation can be used at these points:

1. Stop
2. Fricative
3. Approximant
4. Trill
5. Tap
6. Lateral

STOP

To impede the airstream, stops include closing the articulators. You might think of nasal and oral
stops when describing this articulation style. A nasal finish is defined as the soft palate being
down while allowing air to exit the nose still. For example, the words my and nigh have similar
sounds at the start of the phrase. The airstream will be entirely blocked, mouth pressure will
increase, and an oral stop will form if the soft palate is lifted to close off the nasal passage in
addition to the mouth’s articulatory closure. A plosive quality will be present as the articulators
open, releasing the airstream.

This kind of sound occurs in the consonants of pie, tie, buy, die, and guy.
FRICATIVES

A fricative sound is produced when two articulators are near one another, partially obstructing
the airstream and creating a turbulent airflow. When the wind “whistles’ ‘ around a corner,
similar physical forces are at play that can be likened to the technologies utilized to produce
these noises—examples of the first sounds of the phrases fie, thigh, sigh, and shy. According to
the design of the constriction in the mouth needed to produce them, some authors classify
fricatives as either slit and grooved or rill and flat. In addition, some authors distinguish between
sibilants, like shy and sigh, like fire and thigh. Using acoustic criteria, this divide was made.

APPROXIMANT

Approximants are formed when two articulators are close to one another without causing the
vocal tract to become too narrow and create a turbulent airstream. Some of the sounds produced
with this method of articulation are frictionless continuant, semivowel, and glide. You and we
both contain approximants in their consonants.

TRILL

When two articulators are held loosely and relatively close to one another, the airstream causes
one to vibrate, producing a trill. The only articulators that can be utilized in this manner are the
lips, uvula, and the tip and blade of the tongue. Some dialects of Scottish English use tongue tip
trills for words like rye and ire. Although they are uncommon, uvular trills are employed in
various French dialects but not Parisian French. Lip trills are even less common but found in a
few African languages

TAP

One articulator is thrown against another to create a tap, like when the loosely held tongue tip
taps the upper teeth or the alveolar ridge. American English frequently makes the middle
consonant of words like letter or Betty in this fashion. Although the term “flap” is also used to
describe these noises, some authors distinguish between taps, as defined above, and flaps, in
which the tongue tip impacts the alveolar ridge before returning to its original place behind the
lower front teeth.

Some languages have a distinction between words with a flap and those with a tap, like the
primary language of Northern Nigeria, Hausa. In Spanish, the difference between a trill and a tap
is utilized to distinguish between Perro, which means “dog,” and Pero, which means “but.”

LATERAL

A lateral sound originates when the airstream is blocked in the middle of the oral cavity and
there is insufficient closure between one or both sides of the tongue and the roof of the mouth.
For example, in most American English dialects, the sounds at the beginning and end of the word
lull are laterals.
These six fundamental ways of articulation produce a wide variety of sounds. For example,
fricative pauses are used at the beginning and end of the word “church.” First, the tongue tip or
blade and alveolar ridge, the articulators, come together for the stop. Then, instead of completely
separating, they only slightly do so that a fricative is produced at the exact articulation location.
An affricate is a name for this particular combination. Along with other types of articulation,
lateral expressions can also occur in a mixture. For example, if the airstream travels smoothly
between the tongue’s sides and the mouth’s roof without creating a turbulent airstream, the
laterals in a word-like lull would be better described as lateral approximants.

Phonetic Transcription

The visual depiction of speech sounds (or phones) using symbols is called phonetic transcription,
also referred to as phonetic writing or phonetic notation. A phonetic alphabet, such as the
International Phonetic Alphabet, is frequently used in phonetic transcription.

Most contemporary languages have established standard orthographies or ways of expressing

them in written or typed characters or symbols. However, these methods need to consider all the
peculiarities of spoken language or changes in pronunciation through time. For instance, the term
knight was pronounced with the first /k/ sound in Old and Middle English. The k is silent in
speech but is still present in written modern English. Furthermore, not all languages have
separate graphemes (written symbols) for each phoneme (a distinct speech sound).

Conclusion

The study of speech sounds is called phonetics. It discusses how they are articulated (articulatory
phonetics), how they sound (acoustic phonetics), and how they come together to form syllables,
words, and phrases (linguistic phonetics). Indian scholars who worked to preserve the
pronunciation of sacred Sanskrit writings were the earliest phoneticians (about 300 BC).
However, the first writing system built on a phonetic alphabet is attributed to the Classical
Greeks.

Alexander Melville Bell (1819–1905), whose Visible Speech (1867) established a system of
accurate notation for writing down speech sounds, is credited with founding modern phonetics.
Linguists spent the 20th century working to create a classification scheme that would allow for
comparing all human speech sounds. The mental processes involved in perceiving speech are
another issue with current phonetics.