Communication is the ability to effectively exchange thoughts and ideas with others through speaking, writing, and nonverbal interactions. Your communication is one of the first opportunities to showcase your strengths and value to a potential employer, graduate program, research opportunity, or mentor.

Communication is one of eight National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career competencies that seeks to demonstrate preparedness for success in the workplace and as a professional.

Professional Communication is a way of conveying information that pays close attention to the practice of communication within professional contexts or settings. Several industries and/or fields require the effective use of outward messages to an often-unfamiliar audience or public. Professional Communication can be utilized for multiple purposes, including in networking correspondence, business cards, letters of recommendation, informational interviewing, and in important conversations.

How to Craft Your Professional Communication - Written

When thinking about creating a message using professional communication, think about:

  1. WHO are you communicating to?
  2. WHAT subject do you want to communicate?
  3. WHY do you want to communicate this subject?
  4. HOW can you create a meaningful message?

Emails

When using email in your professional communication, keep these tips in mind:

  • Include an appropriate subject line and greeting. Use titles, even if you know the individuals well, because your contact might forward your correspondence to others during the decision process.
  • Identify who you are and why you are contacting them.
  • Keep your email concise, using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Include your contact information in your signature.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn (insert hyperlink) contacts are a resourceful way to connect professionally with alumni and other business-related acquaintances. When using LinkedIn messaging in your professional communication, keep these tips in mind:

  • Keep your LinkedIn message brief (one paragraph or less).
  • Identify who you are (i.e. an Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering student studying ____________).
  • Explain what you want to accomplish and why you want to contact them.

Read more about crafting your written professional communication with this link from The Muse.

How to Craft Your Professional Communication – Verbal and Non-verbal

Verbal Communication occurs when we engage in speaking with others. It can be face-to-face, over the telephone, via Zoom, etc. Some verbal engagements are informal, such as chatting with a friend over coffee or in the office kitchen, while others are more formal, such as a scheduled meeting. Regardless of the type, it is not just about the words, it is also about the caliber and complexity of those words, how we string those words together to create an overarching message, as well as the intonation (pitch, tone, cadence, etc.) used while speaking.

Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions, posture, eye contact, hand movements, and touch. It is important to pay attention to both spoken word and non-verbal communication. Some examples of nonverbal cues are eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions.

Ways to use Professional Communication

Can I Use ChatGPT or another form of AI for Professional Communication?

Short answer: Yes, but it is strongly recommended to think about the request answered from ChatGPT or another form of AI as incomplete. Utilize these as tools to help craft a response that sounds like you (what makes your professional communication complete!)

More Professional Communication Resources: