Let's get Talking!

Networking is the key to being successful.  What you know, only matters after who you know.  Finding a job can be a very long, discouraging process.  If you start networking now, then when you need a job you will already have connections.  If you wait until you are desperate for a job, then it is too late.  Job openings usually don't happen at the exact moment you need a job.

A good way to meet people and follow up with them is by using a business card.  If you want someone to be able to contact you, then you need to give them your information.  Plus it makes you look more professional anyways. I am considering doing this.  At least once I get into grad school, I definitely will.  The two ways people fail in networking is: (1) what's in it for me? (2) no follow up. You can't only think about yourself and you have to build a relationship before they can help you.

Um, uh, uh

Today in class we did our first presentations.  A lot of people's mistakes, were little things that can be fixed easily.  For example, where to stand, not to look at the screen, and not talking loud enough.  Things like fidgeting will come as we get more comfortable and with more practice. 

BUT... the thing that is hardest to stop and the most irritating and distracting thing is everyone's filler words.  We all have one.  Some of us say um or uh or like.  Whatever it is, we need to work on not saying it.  Especially when presenting.  I think this is the hardest thing for me.  It is hard to pick up on it, when I am doing it. Which makes it hard to stop when you don't know that you are doing it.  One thing that I do that helps is to practice what you are going to say beforehand.  The more prepared you are, the less likely you will need filler words because you know what you want to say.  It doesn't need to be memorized because then you will sound like a robot, but you need to know your outline well.  We all need to find out what our word is and try to stop it.  I am an UMer, and need help.

Who is watching you?

Today in class we were talking about different cultures.  Some hand gestures in other countries are offensive.  If you do the O.K. sign or the thumbs up sign, then you might be offending someone from another country. If you are presenting to a large group of people, then you should be aware of these signs.  Also what I found interesting is that in Asia making eye contact is rude, but here in the states it shows respect. Just something to think about. You never know who you will be talking to or who is judging you.  Some job interviews, like to take you out to eat so that they can judge your manners.  A general rule is to start with outside utensils and then work your way in.  How you butter your bread can tell your employer if you know good manners.  You should put butter on your bread dish and then butter individual pieces NOT the whole bread. So remember, someone is always watching your actions.  Don't get caught with your fork in the wrong hand!

Getting Started

Hey there! This is my first blog I have made. My sisters and I have a blog we created to share recipes, but honestly I have never used it because I never took the time to learn how. And I am a huge Pinterester! Anyways, the reason for making this is for an assignment for my MCOM class. I am excited to learn! We are supposed to talk about something new we have learned each week in class.  Today in class I learned that communication is only 7% verbal. That is crazy to me! Why does it not matter what I say? To me this means that how we are dressed, how we use our hands, and how we talk determine what people think of us more than the words coming out of our mouth.  If I show up somewhere, anywhere in sweats and my wear in a bun no one will take me seriously or want to talk to me.  So on Sunday my husband and I have been asked to speak in Sacrament.  Can I get away with blabbering on about what I did this weekend, if I dress nicely and act like I know what I am talking about?  Probably not. I do have to talk about my topic which is "New Beginnings." If I act confident up on the podium and come prepared, then I believe people will be interested in what I have to say.  My goal is to try to keep my audience's attention and not bore them to tears. I am going to look nice and focus on my nonverbal cues more than just on what I have to say.