Projecting a Professional Image Journal March 25, 2008 What does a professional look like in your opinion? Think of someone that has that image and tell us why you believe they are professional.

Characteristics of a professional image Professional Image ConfidencePoise Assertiveness Immediacy

Confidence A strong voice with an attentive and positive attitude

Poise To be in control of your communication and situation.

Assertiveness A strong sense of purpose and self confidence

Immediacy Approachable, friendly and open

Characteristics of Voice Pitch Volume Duration

Nonverbal Speech Pauses and Silence Laughter Vocalizations

Body Talk Nonverbal Communication Personal AppearanceKinesics Facial Communication Gestures

Personal Appearance How you dress and how you groom yourself

Kinesics The use of the body during communication –Posture –Muscular tone and tension

Facial Communication The look on your face

Movement and Gestures –The way you walk or move from one place to another. Gait. –Movement that reinforces or substitutes for speech

Nonverbal communication Environmental Cues Spatial Time Others

Spatial Space and Distance – Intimate distance: 18 inches – Personal distance: 18 inches to 4 feet – Social distance: 4 to 12 feet – Public Distance: 12 to 25 feet

Spatial Territory –Organization Touch –Handshakes, hugs, pats and other forms of affection

Time Your time management shows how you value yourself and others Think of your day as slices of time. – 8 hours of work/school – 8 hours of sleep – 8 hours for other commitments

Others Artifacts –Articles of adornment used to decorate yourself and your surroundings. Fragrance and Odor –Smell is believed to provide the most direct link to the emotion center of our brain.