How to kill it in the office (body language, vocal inflections, vocab) part 3 of 5
This is the next part of office domination. Do you want to excel in the office environment? Do you want to keep your job? Work on the shit that I post and talk about.
But you don’t have to listen to me, you should though. I have based my conclusions on life experience and research.
Most of this stuff seems common sense, yet I see many people lacking these skills.
Apply something simple and measure your results.
Moving on.
#1 Body language
Your body language is going to be perceived as negative or positive by most of your office folks (or people in general).
You body language usually starts inside and projects out. So you may have to practice shit like gratitude and happiness if you have a horrible slouch or a resting bitch face.
Sometimes you can do external shit like keep your posture upright or workout and it will fix some of your issues.
Anyways, some things you want to consider with your body language are maintaining or improving your smile, hygiene, eye contact and the like.
Improving those things will get you more positive responses from people.
If you saw a new or existing co worker coming in to work smelling nasty, frowning, untied shoes and dirty clothes, what would you think? Probably that he got dumped and gave up on life.
On the flip side, what if that co worker came in the next day smelling pleasant, smiling, with nice shoes and clean matching clothes? You would think he got laid, won the lottery or something similar.
Aim for the latter. Body language and appearance matter.
#2 Vocal inflections
How you say shit and write stuff means something to people.
What do you think when someone answering the phone in a deep, cracked, tired and angry voice saying, “How can I help you?”
I would think this person is close to being pissed off at me directly or doesn’t want to help me. He wants to start shit or hates his job.
What if you called someone who answered the phone with a crisp, pleasant and cheerful voice saying, “Hello, thank you for calling, How can I help you??”
You would likely feel more warm and fuzzy.
Aim for the latter, it matters.
The same thing with email, make sure you edit and check your emails before they get sent; especially if it is important and going to important people. You can’t take back a misspelled word, bad joke or sexist statement.
If you have issues with any writing, have someone review the email before you send it.
#3 Vocabulary is important.
You want to be perceived as articulate, smart and educated (even if you aren’t). Perceived is the key word. That doesn’t mean you have to use long ass words all the time, or at all.
Just work on speaking simply, clearly and pleasantly. You need people to understand you, like you and respect you.
You can’t control their reactions, but you can handle your own shit and will be able to move the masses by starting with yourself.
So when you speak, focus on what you say, how you say it and speak with confidence.
Here’s a contrast example.
Guy #1, “Hey yo, I was hopin’ to help you with yo’ claim. Can I get your digits?”
vs.
Guy #2, “Hello sir/maam, I would love to assist you today. Can I please get your best contact information?”
I’m not bagging on slang or ebonics, but you need to know your audience and be very fucking conservative in the workplace. That is, if you want to kill it.
Learn to speak like a news announcer and you will be safer than safe.
Summary
Body language is your total physical look. Get on the positive side of that, chip away slowly at it if you need to, but try to look and act good and positive.
