Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Use your grown-up voice! Ditch vocal fry, baby talk, bro-language

Use your grown-up voice Ditch vocal fry, baby talk, bro-languageUse your grown-up voice Ditch vocal fry, baby talk, bro-languageI was on a crowded conference call recently waiting for the CEO of a major international corporation to join in. The rest of us chatted amiably for a short while exchanging pleasantries when suddenly a tiny, breathy voice cut in. Ill be honest, I thought it was a joke at first, but then this voice that sounded like the love child of Betty Boop and Marilyn Monroe took the lead and led things for the rest of the 90-minute call. The thing is, that this woman really knew her stuff, but I was so distracted by her affectations that as soon as she started speaking I tuned her out.I started asking friends and colleagues whether theyd ever had similar experiences and the stories began to flow. One friend told me about the gruppe leader who sounded like a highly enthusiastic frat boy who began or ended each sentence with yo or bro. His nickname in the office? YoBro, n aturally.A colleague told me about attending a conference where four out of the five panelists projected some variation of vocal fry (that almost crunchy style of talking popularized on reality TV and dating shows in which you sound almost hoarse or creaky). Apparently, the entire audience burst into raucous laughter when two panelists tried to speak over each other and had the identical intonations and tone. The moderator broke in and asked if they needed water or cough drops since it was hard to understand them.You seem less experiencedThe thing is that whether you realize it or not, the way you speak might be alienating others in the workplace or your work orbit. Using cutesy, child-like, or high-pitched voices might seem like the friendly, approachable way to go, but it can actually do more harm than good, said psychotherapist Dr. Kathryn Smerling.More than that, it might annoy your colleagues and prevent them from wanting to have serious, professional conversations with you. Dr . Smerling also believes that vocal affectations will also make others perceive you to be a younger, less experienced employee (even if this is not the case).You lose credibilityIts hard to distinguish oneself in the workplace at the best of times and competition can be killer. Why would you want to hobble yourself as being the one with the silly speech affectations?Your communication skills are some of the most important factors that play into your overall credibility, said Dr. Smerling. Speaking in a voice that doesnt match up to your skills, age, etc. will hold you back tremendously since youll have a harder time being taken seriously.You seem less confidentYou can psych yourself out before that next big presentation and memorize every word, stat, and projection but if you present in a goofy intonation, you might be setting yourself up to fail.In a professional setting, always remember you want to command a presence of confidence, self-respect, and authority, no matter what your role may be at that company, said Dr. Smerling. Studies show that womens unusual speech patterns and vocal fry in the workplace are holding them back from promotions, salary raises, and a more equal playing field.So, what can you do to change the way you speak, sound or project? Dr. Smerling says to learn how to confidently communicate with your boss, clients, and colleagues- whether it means seeing a voice/speech coach, joining a public speaking group like Toastmakers or a therapist to work on your personal and professional confidence.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Body Language Tips for Your Next Job Interview

Body Language Tips for Your Next Job InterviewBody Language Tips for Your Next Job InterviewHeres how to make an interviewer feel dubious about your candidacy shake hands for the briefest of seconds, slump in your seat avoiding eye contact, and crack your knuckles before answering tough questions. Appearance counts during interviews - not only how you dress, but also how you carry yourself. Even if your responses to questions are flawless, the wrong body language can send the wrong signal and sour how youre perceived. Job Interview Body Language Tips Follow these recommendations to project poise and confidence (not jitters and arrogance) during your next job interview. Before the Interview Put on your confidence even before the interview commences. In the waiting area, have good posture while standing and sitting.Keep your back straight and your chin parallel to the ground. While you may not have honigwein your interviewer at this point, its still possible that the reception ist or potential future co-workers are observing you. When you sit down to wait, place your briefcase or purse to the left side of your chair - that will reduce awkwardness when you have to shake the interviewers hand, and grab your personal items. The Interview Kick-Off The Handshake Most likely, the handshake will be your only moment of physical contact with the interviewer. Studies say that handshakes play a significant role in first impressions, so make it count. Your shake should be neither bone crushing, nor limp fish. Aim for a firm handshake, and as you shake, make eye contact and smile. During the Interview While first impressions do count for a lot, its during your conversation that interviewers will have an extended time to take you in. Your answers to questions are important, as is your stance while listening and responding. Keep these body language tips in mind Posture and Sitting StyleFirst and foremost No slumping. Keep your back straight. Lean forward slightly to indicate interest. Do not recline back into the chair fully this can make you seem bored or disengaged. Avoid crossing your arms or placing items in your lap these habits indicate defensiveness, nerves, and a need for self-protection when what youd ideally convey during an interview is confidence. Tip If youre offered a choice of seating, opt for the straight-backed chair - plush, cushioned chairs and couches may be comfy, but its hard to sit gracefully within them. Avoid Crossing Your LegsMost experts recommend against crossed legs. With a long interview, you might need to re-cross them because your leg is falling asleep. This could come across as fidgeting. Suppress Restless HabitsSpeaking of fidgeting, if youre a nail-biter, knuckle cracker, hair twirler, or leg tapper, dont allow these habits to make an appearance during the interview. All will appear unprofessional and convey nerves. Plus Most of these actions are generally considered impolite. Use Your HandsDo you natural ly talk with your hands? Go ahead and let them move during the interview. Stopping the natural gestures may lead to an awkward appearance. Just make sure your motions dont become so enthusiastic that they distract from your words. Eye ContactIts important to make eye contact during your interview, but dont mistake that for a directive to make constant eye contact. That is disconcerting and aggressive. At the same time, avoiding eye contact entirely comes across as untrustworthy and distant - it could make it seem like your answers are dishonest. Balance it out Aim to make eye contact as you listen and respond to questions, but allow it to break occasionally, and let your eyes wander. Think How would I make eye contact if I were chatting with a friend?

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Technical Trainer Job Description

Technical Trainer Job DescriptionTechnical Trainer Job DescriptionTechnical Trainer Job DescriptionThis technical trainer sample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements.Technical Trainer Job ResponsibilitiesPrepares employees to accomplish job results by planning, conducting, and evaluating computer training.Technical Trainer Job DutiesConducts computer training needs assessment by collecting information pertaining to work procedures, work flow, and reports understanding job-specific functions and tasks.Determines ordnungsprinzip utilization requirements by researching and testing systems.Designs computer training manuals by identifying and describing information needs using desktop publishing submitting initial versions for review revising and editing final copy.Maintains safe and healthy training environ ment by following organization standards and legal regulations.Conducts training classes by presenting job-specific, company-specific, and generic software applications and personal computer classes.Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements following manufacturers instructions troubleshooting malfunctions calling for repairs maintaining equipment inventories evaluating new equipment and techniques.Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.Evaluates training by evaluating effectiveness of training to specific job applications.Maintains technical knowledge by attending educational workshops reviewing publications.Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.Technical Trainer Skills and QualificationsPresentation Skills, Written Communication, Training , Training Management, Technical Zeal, Self-Development, Technical Leadership, Presenting Technical Information, Self-Confidence, Dealin g with Complexity, Microsoft Office SkillsEmployers Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers Search Technical Trainer Jobs and apply on now. Find out more about social media recruitingYour Companys Social Media Policy 2.0Is your Social Media Policy Generation Facebook-Friendly?Smart Social Media Policy for Healthcare Employers