Speaking the Right Language

1. Speaking the Right Language Next steps in effective communication with business professionals

2. Speak my language! • Finding a Universal Language • What constitutes communication is different based on styles, generation and gender. • What methods of communication work best for you? • How can we adapt to be more effective?

3. Different Styles • What is your communication style? • What are the best ways to communicate with you? • Are you open? • Are you reserved? • Are you a direct communicator? • Are you more of an indirect communicator? • How might that help? • How might it hurt?

4. Looking at the World from another’s View! • Talkin’ about my generation! • You have to understand where everyone is coming from. • What generations are generally represented in business today? society? • Baby Boomers • Generation Xers • Nexters or Generation Y

5. Who are the baby boomers? The Baby Boomers make up the largest percentage of the population today according to U.S. Census statistics. Boomers consist of people currently between the ages of 37-55 (born between 1947-1965). Baby Boomers value education, team work and connections.

6. The Baby Boomers Strike Back • They own the workplace right now • Face time is the key to begin • If they haven’t met you, they don’t know you

7. Communication with Baby Boomers • Boomers are the "show me" generation, so your body language is important when communicating. • Speak in an open, direct style but avoid controlling language. • Maintain eye contact, and look genuinely interested in what the other person is saying. • Phone calls can work well • Email – if it is detailed and makes connections • Don’t overwhelm them with too much information, but provide them with key information, and something that ensures they can connect you to the event or meeting.

8. Generation Xers • Generation Xers are people in the 25-36 age group • born between 1966-1977. • Techno Literacy • Use email as a primary communication tool. • Talk in short sound bites to keep their attention. • Ask them for their feedback and provide them with regular feedback. • Share information with them on a regular basis and strive to keep them in the loop. • You can be a bit more informal in your communication style.

9. Generation Y or Nexters • Under age 24 – should you still network with them? YES! • Gen-y is the most tech savvy group in terms of communication • Fast paced messaging, with little detail and more visuals • Use action words and challenge them at every opportunity. • They prefer email communication. • It’s all about the device • If you want to connect, seek their feedback constantly and provide them with regular follow up

10. Can Social Networking Work? • 37% of US adult internet users use social networks (projected at 50% in 2011) • 50%+ Facebook users are not students • The majority of new Facebook members are people over 35 • 69% of US female gen-y’ers use Facebook • 56% of US male gen-y’ers use Facebook

11. Can Social Networking Work? • Baby Boomers do not use Facebook and most other social media for business connections • Linked In is the preferred electronic connection • Generation Xers like Facebook Connections and know how to use them • How would/could you use them?

12. So we’ve met them..how to follow up? • So who do I write a thank you note? • Baby Boomers • Women professionals • Or is it ok to email? • What to say in that email? • When do you call? • When is it ok to Link In? • When do you stop?

13. Communicate!