Networking is a very vital part of a student’s job search process. One key element in networking is the ability to carry on conversations

Networking is a very vital part of a student’s job search process. One key element in networking is the ability to carry on conversations. Like listening, conversation making is a skill that can be learned. What are some recommendations for being a better conversationalist?

Be the first to say, “Hello.”

Think before you speak. Don’t be afraid to pause before making a statement so that you are making an intelligent comment and not making a preventable mistake.

Be receptive to new ideas. If you disagree with someone, at least get more information on his position without dismissing him verbally at the initial mention of the item.

Repeat someone’s name to yourself and then aloud when being introduced.  

Ask questions. This helps establish and demonstrate interest.

Listen as much if not more than you speak.

Use eye contact, smiles, and positive body language. Be aware of your posture.

Mirror the other person to some degree by repeating what they said.

Have an exit strategy ready.

Be prepared.

162. You have been asked to teach a business communication lesson on business e-mails. What are some important topics and tips you might want to include in that lesson?

Knowing the volume of e-mails sent each day and the number each individual employee is faced with each day, companies should provide their employees with some assistance in using this form of written communication, which studies indicate is the second most popular form of communication worldwide. Some tips include:

Do not send or forward chain e-mails.

Do not send cc e-mails to everyone.

Do not send, “reply to all” responses to every e-mail received.

Do not put anything into an e-mail that you would not want the world to see.

Do not write your message in all capital letters.

Do not hit the send button until you are absolutely sure you wish to send the e-mail.

Use a subject line with the e-mail.

Make your request early in the e-mail, preferably in the first line if possible.

End your e-mail with a brief sign-off like “thank you.”

Make sure to provide contact information on each e-mail.

Keep it brief.

Make sure the e-mail contains complete thoughts. Keep in mind that the recipient may not want to take the time to pull up and closely look at the preceding e-mail and thus you want to make sure that recipient understands what you are conveying.

163. Your company has just been received a phone call from the local news station requesting a response to a claim made on the air by a viewer. The viewer accuses your store of selling a toy she purchased that has made her child sick. The customer alleges that the paint used on the toy contains lead. Further, she has stated, on the air, that your firm was aware of the problem but because the toy is so popular and made exclusively for your store, you were unwilling to pull the item from the store shelves, choosing instead to make the profit on the toy. What will you do?

This scenario is obviously a crisis situation and the communication used in this instance is critical. Clear messages must be sent that are credible and that get to the parties necessary to address the issue and prevent further damage to your firm and the buying public.

A lesson learned from the Exxon Valdez incident as well as the Tylenol situation is to make certain that a high ranking official be the official spokesperson in any crisis situation. Also, keep in mind that while no one is happy when the unexpected occurs, they are even more unhappy when they find out you tried to hide something about the matter. Also, make certain that all communication is ethical and forthright. If the truth is missing people are demoralized. Employees want to be “in the know” and trusted with the truth about the business. If such a trust is established, employees are more loyal.

164. You are part of a group in a business communication class. You have a project due next week where you are to discuss nonverbal communication cues that differ depending on the country or culture. What will your segment of the project look like?

One aspect of nonverbal communication that can be examined is gestures around the globe. Some examples follow:

“V” for victory. In the U.S., this is a victory symbol, but in England, it is something like, “Take this.”

The “OK” gesture means things are going well in North America, but in France, it means that a person is worthless. In Brazil, Russia or Germany it means something not appropriate for the workplace.

The ‘thumbs up” means one in Germany, but five in Japan.

“Hook ’em horns” is the symbol for the Texas Longhorns at the University of Texas. In Italy, however, it means that you are being tricked.

Waving your hand in the United States means greetings; in Europe however, it signals disagreement.