In Business
Laura Ewert
Business Communications
Dr. Donna Gutschmidt
Author’s Note:
This research paper is to be handed into Dr. Donna Gutschmidt on Monday October 20, 2014 for BUSN 334: Business Communications. In this paper I am going to discuss how to demonstrate nonverbal communication in the business world. I will include how to make a good first impression, how to pass an interview with your nonverbal communication, different forms and practices of nonverbal communication as well as just how important it is overall.
So let’s just start out with first impressions. The best way to make a good first impression is to have a nice and solid handshake. A handshake can make or break a relationship before it has even started, especially in the business world. Of course there is always more to a first impression than just a hand shake.
I want you to do a little activity that I found in an article by Kathleen M. Hiemstra, she said “create a list of characteristics describing the first impression you would like to make in a business situation, typical characteristics include honest, intelligent, trustworthy, competent, experienced, educated, dependable, sincere, friendly and confident.” (Hiemstra, 1999) This will help with getting exactly what you want to portray. It will also help when we learn what certain movements mean or portray. By having this list you can make the best out of a first impression.
Now let’s talk about that handshake. First Hiemstra suggests to practice shaking hands with your friends and discuss how each other’s was, was it soft, firm, or too tight. You want to try and get your handshake just right. Remember there are different types of handshakes, Hiemstra lists a few of them as “the ‘pumper,’ who shakes and shakes forever; the ‘crusher,’ who always provides a painful experience; the person with a limp handshake; and, worst of all, the person who ‘takes’ your hand.” (Hiemstra, 1999) You don’t want to
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