I was reading a copy of Management Today recently and saw an article entitled “Are you suffering from ‘someday syndrome’?” What they meant by this was procrastination – putting things off instead of getting on with them.
We’re all guilty of this to some degree. I sometimes find myself putting off starting to write a difficult report or – even worse – completing my annual tax return!
But there’s no point promising yourself that you’ll lose weight or get fit or learn a new skill unless you actually start the process. So, whether you’re already enrolled with us and need to press on with your studies – or you’re still contemplating which course to choose – don’t put it off! There’s no time like the present. And you’ll find that with our Business English with Spoken English Diploma Course we provide you with a study schedule that won’t make you feel stressed – but it will keep you motivated.
Often, how well you do in your work life and how well you do in your studies comes down to self-confidence. When you’re feeling on top of your game things seem easier and far more achievable. We often feel that we are more in sync with the people around us and we make a better impression. But there are still some positive steps that you can take to make yourself more credible both professionally and socially. Try these:
Make sure your body language is right. Sit up, don’t slouch. Don’t cross your arms as though you’re trying to keep people at a distance. Make sure you come over as being alert and interested in what is going on around you.
When you’re talking to people, make eye contact – but not in such a way that makes them uncomfortable. Or, worse still, makes you seem ‘odd’.
Don’t invade people’s personal space. If you stand too close to someone when you are talking to them this is another thing that might make them feel uncomfortable. Especially in these difficult times where ‘social distancing’ is expected.
In conversation, make sure you listen as well as talk. Ask question; make the other person feel that you are interested in them.
When you’re speaking don’t be loud or too boisterous – but do make sure that you sound animated. Use hand and facial gestures but don’t overdo them – stay in control. If you’re unsure, film yourself and then study your movements and the sound of your voice. Then take action! Modify anything that you think might irritate other people or make you seem unprofessional.
Again, this is particularly important if you are involved in a meeting using Zoom, rather than face-to-face. Fussy gestures and the noise of turning pages can be distracting for other people who are taking part. Also, if you are working from home, set up your laptop in a room where you will not be disturbed, and preferably with a neutral background behind you, that doesn’t distract other participants. Ensure your laptop is at the right height and that you are not so close that people can see every blemish or so far away that they can’t read your expression when you need to join in.
Make sure you are dressed appropriately. If you wear clothes that are too tight, too revealing, scruffy or dirty people will focus on that rather than what you are saying and how intelligent you are. So, always dress smartly. You don’t need to wear the latest fashions but your clothes should never detract from you as a person.
We can’t promise that following this advice will make you an overnight success – but it will certainly improve your career prospects!
Author: Diana Nadin
