Communication Etiquette in Professional Settings

This is a little advice for adik-adik out there in universities and colleges—especially when you're reaching out to and dealing with people in the working world. Many of us are more than happy to support your events, give talks, or share our experience. But how you approach someone matters. Small things, done right, show respect and maturity—and they help you build lasting professional relationships. Here are some things to keep in mind: 1. Get the name right: if you’re asking for someone’s time or support, please take a moment to spell their name correctly. 2. If there’s a deadline, say so: what’s urgent to you may not be urgent to the person you’re messaging. Be clear. Include a due date in your message so the other party can plan accordingly. 3. Follow the communication channel given: if you’ve been asked to speak to a PIC (person in charge) or coordinator, stick to that channel. You needed a form to be filled up and I have asked you to liaise with my PA, so liaise with my PA because that's what I hired her for. Sending me multiple messages on a Sunday asking me why the form hasn't been filled and when I could submit it is like calling the CEO of Petronas to ask what was the result of your internship interview. 4. Respect time: avoid texting outside working hours. Messaging someone that you don’t know personally, at 6pm on a Sunday, is inappropriate. You need to learn to assess the urgency of your requests. Whether you’re a student or CEO, boundaries matter. 5. Proofread your messages: Typos happen, but in the age of QuillBOT, ChatGPT, and autocorrect, take a moment to check. It shows you care about how you present yourself. These soft skills are just as important as the hard work that goes into planning an event. Because every email, every message, every interaction—is part of the impression you leave behind. Jangan sesekali guna ayat “I’m still a student”. How you show up now reflects who you are becoming. Professional etiquette matters and the time to start practicing it is yesterday. #ProfessionalEtiquette #SoftSkillsMatter #StakeholderManagement #LeadershipStartsYoung #RespectInAction #StudentLifeTips

I was told I would “never speak to a client again.” This was in my first job. After one client interaction, my boss revoked the opportunity and handed me that feedback — blunt, brutal, and confusing. I had no idea what I had done wrong. I was fluent in English. I was confident. However, over time, I learned: being fluent doesn’t mean being effective. #Communication isn’t just about language. It’s about what you say, how you say it, and when you say it. Over the years, I’ve taken this seriously. – I’ve attended communication workshops (check out Mira Swarup!) – Mentored by brilliant coaches (shout out to Paritosh & Amit) – Watched hours of content – Made mistakes, reflected, grown – And realised that personal and professional communication aren’t that different after all. At the end of the day, you’re speaking to humans. That’s why I created a set of rules for myself. I follow them in business, with my team, my clients, and in my personal life. Here are my 10 Communication Rules — the ones I live by: 1️⃣ Communicate more. Communicate often. Silence is never strategy. Over-communication > confusion. 2️⃣ Give a reason. Don’t over-explain. Confidence is clarity. Justification dilutes it. 3️⃣ Never make decisions when you're emotional. That includes too happy, too angry, or too anxious. Wait. Regulate. 4️⃣ Take ownership before you criticise. Accountability is the highest form of emotional intelligence. 5️⃣ Ask before advising. “Are you open to a suggestion?” is respectful. Unsolicited advice rarely lands. 6️⃣ No communication ≠ neutral. It’s ghosting. Ignoring or avoiding a conversation creates more harm than clarity ever will. 7️⃣ Keep people informed — early. Missed timelines? Running late? Made an error? Tell them before the damage is done. 8️⃣ Use the "Sh*t Sandwich" for feedback. Good → Constructive Feedback → Good. It's not sugarcoating. It's just humane. 9️⃣ Adapt to #Neurodivergent Communication styles. If you know someone is ND, learn. Adjust. Respect their rhythm. 🔟 Listen to listen. Not to respond. Hold space. Stay silent. Let others speak. Wait your turn. I’m still learning. But today, I’m proud to say I’m a strong communicator. Not just because of what I say — but because of how much I try to understand before I speak. ➡️ Which one of these rules resonated with you the most? Or do you have a communication rule you live by? Tell me in the comments below 👇 — I’d love to learn from you. ******** 🚀 Follow Gurnoor Kaur Behl for more! ******** #EffectiveCommunication #Mindset #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

Someone just cut you off in the middle of a meeting. "Let me stop you there..." Your every instinct screams: Fight back. Now. The brutal truth no one tells you: Your response in that moment matters more than their disrespect. Because here's what happens when you fire back impulsively: ✗ You sound defensive (even if you're right) ✗ The room remembers YOUR reaction, not their rudeness ✗ Your response under pressure becomes your reputation ---------------------------- I've watched brilliant professionals destroy their credibility in 30 seconds. When you react defensively under pressure, people question: → Your judgment  → Your temperament  → Self-control  → Leadership maturity Your reaction becomes proof you lack composure. Here's the mindset shift that changes everything: It's not about winning the moment. It's about winning the room's respect. ---------------------------- 𝟏𝟎 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮: 1. Don't say: You've interrupted me three times now. Instead say: I'd like to finish my thought before we continue. ↳ Why: Calls attention to the behavior w/o making it personal. 2. Don't say: What did you mean by that? Instead say: Can you clarify what you're trying to say? ↳ Why: Sounds curious, not confrontational. 3. Don't say: That's below our professional standard. Instead say: Let's raise the bar on this. ↳ Why: Preserves tone & encourages shared ownership. 4. Don't say: We both know that's not what happened. Instead say: My perspective on this is slightly different. ↳ Why: Avoids accusation & invites dialogue. 5. Don't say: I've considered your view. Here's mine. Instead say: Thanks for sharing your view. I'd like to offer another angle. ↳ Why: Acknowledges others before contributing your own. 6. Don't say: That doesn't align with our values. Instead say: How does that connect back to our values of X and Y? ↳ Why: Encourages reflection w/o sounding dismissive. 7. Don't say: I'm confident in my expertise. Instead say: From what I've seen work well, here's my approach. ↳ Why: Demonstrates expertise w/o sounding superior. 8. Don't say: Here are the facts. Instead say: Let me share the data that informed my thinking. ↳ Why: Sounds collaborative, not combative. 9. Don't say: I've earned my place at this table. Instead say: Here's what I can offer based on my experience. ↳ Why: Reaffirms credibility w/o fueling ego. 10. Don't say: That's not an accurate reflection of my work. Instead say: I'd like to clarify a few things about my approach. ↳ Why: Corrects the narrative w/o triggering defensiveness. ---------------------------- Your composure in disrespectful moments? That's real leadership. P.S.: Which one hits home for you? (For me #8) ♻ Repost to help your network. 🔔 Follow Priya Mehrotra for daily communication upgrades that grow your career not your workload. #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalGrowth #ExecutivePresence

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗗𝗼'𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁𝘀 𝐃𝐨'𝐬 1- Structure Commence your correspondence with an appropriate salutation, such as "Dear Dr. [Last Name]," "Ms. [Last Name]," "Mr. [Last Name]," or "Mrs. [Last Name]." Next, express a courteous opening remark, for instance, "I hope this message finds you well." Proceed by introducing yourself and articulating the objective of your communication. Conclude the message with a polite closing statement, such as "Have a great rest of your day," followed by "Best Regards," and include your title and contact information. 2-. Be Clear and Concise: - Stay on topic and keep your message straightforward. - Use short paragraphs and bullet points where appropriate for readability. 3. Use Proper Grammar and Spelling: - Proofread your message to correct errors. 4. Maintain a Professional Tone: - Use courteous and respectful language. 5- Include a Clear Subject Line: - Ensure your email subject line is descriptive and relevant. - This helps the recipient prioritize and understand the topic at a glance. 6. Use Professional Formatting: - Use standard fonts, sizes, and spacing. - Include a signature with your contact information at the end of emails. 7. Follow Up Appropriately: - Send reminders if no response is received within a reasonable time. - Refer to the original message in follow-ups to maintain context. 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭𝐬: 1. Avoid Informal Language and Jargon: - Exclude slang, emojis, and overly casual phrasings. - Avoid technical jargon unless you are sure the recipient understands. 2. Don’t Use All Caps or Excessive Punctuation: - Using all caps can be perceived as shouting. - Multiple exclamation points or question marks can seem unprofessional. 3. Avoid Overloading with Information: - Don’t include unnecessary details that might confuse the primary message. - Be selective about what information is crucial. 4. Don’t Make Assumptions: - Avoid assuming the recipient knows background details unless you’re certain. - Don’t presume understanding of technical terms without explanation. 5. Avoid Being Overly Familiar: - Steer clear of overly personal comments unless you have a well-established, appropriate relationship. - Maintain a polite and respectful distance in your language. 6. Don’t Send without Review: - Never send an email or document without reading it over first. - Mistakes can undermine your professionalism and clarity. 7. Avoid Negative Language: - Don’t be confrontational or use negative phrases. - Frame constructive criticism positively and offer solutions. 8. Don’t Forget Attachments or Links: - Ensure any mentioned attachments or links are included. - Verify that all links work correctly before sending.

30 day Challenge Communication skills for Professionals! Day 1 Art of Listening Active listening is crucial for effective communication. Here are various techniques along with tips, tricks, and a step-by-step framework: 1. Maintain Eye Contact: Tips: Maintain natural eye contact without staring. Tricks: Look at the speaker's eyes intermittently to show interest and attentiveness. 2. Provide Non-verbal Cues: Tips: Nod occasionally to show understanding and agreement. Tricks: Use facial expressions such as smiling or furrowing your brow to reflect the speaker's emotions. 3. Paraphrase and Summarize: Tips: Repeat the speaker's main points in your own words. Tricks: Use phrases like "So what you're saying is..." or "If I understand correctly..." 4. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Tips: Encourage the speaker to elaborate by asking questions that can't be answered with a simple yes or no. Tricks: Start questions with words like "how," "what," or "why" to delve deeper into the topic. 5. Avoid Interrupting: Tips: Resist the urge to interject or finish the speaker's sentences. Tricks: Take a breath and mentally count to three before responding to ensure the speaker has finished. 6. Reflect Feelings: Tips: Acknowledge the speaker's emotions and validate their feelings. Tricks: Use phrases like "It sounds like you're feeling..." or "I can see why that would make you..." 7. Practice Mindfulness: Tips: Stay fully present in the conversation, avoiding distractions. Tricks: Focus on your breathing or anchor your attention on the speaker's voice to stay engaged. Step-by-Step Framework: Prepare Mentally: Clear your mind of distractions and focus solely on the speaker. Show Interest: Use verbal and non-verbal cues to demonstrate that you're engaged. Listen Actively: Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, absorbing the speaker's message. Paraphrase and Summarize: Repeat key points back to the speaker in your own words to confirm understanding. Ask Clarifying Questions: Seek clarification on any points that are unclear or ambiguous. Reflect Emotions: Validate the speaker's emotions and show empathy for their experiences. Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback or guidance if appropriate, based on what you've heard. Follow-Up: Summarize the conversation and confirm any action steps or agreements made. By following these techniques, tips, tricks, and framework, you can enhance your active listening skills and improve your overall communication effectiveness. #communicationskills Dr.Shivani Sharma

Basic Etiquette for Working in Cybersecurity Technical skills matter in cybersecurity, but how you communicate, collaborate, and conduct yourself professionally can make or break your career and reputation. Here are essential etiquette tips to keep in mind: 🔹 Email & Communication Matters. * Use proper spelling and grammar—this isn’t a WhatsApp group. “ur,” “thx,” and “pls advise” don’t belong in professional emails. * Subject lines should be clear (not just "Help!!" or "Urgent!!"). * Write clearly & concisely. Don’t send long, unreadable paragraphs—get to the point and proofread before hitting send. * Reply promptly, even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt. Don’t ghost emails. * Address people professionally with appropriate salutations—start with “Hi [Name]” instead of “Yo” or “Hey.” * Avoid unnecessary jargon—clear, simple language ensures non-technical stakeholders understand your points. 🔹 Respect People's Names, Titles & Pronouns * Write names correctly and capitalize the first letter. It is “Jonathan Ayodele,” not “jonathan ayodele” or “JONATHAN AYOLEDE.” * Use appropriate titles where needed. Some people prefer being addressed as Dr., Prof., or Engr. etc—when in doubt, ask. * If you're unsure, double-check—it’s a sign of respect. 🔹 Be Direct—Don't Ask to Ask 
Instead of: "Who knows AWS IAM here?"
Say: "I need help with setting up AWS IAM role permissions. How do you attach a policy?" 
Being specific saves time and gets you the help you need faster. 🔹 Know When & How to Report Issues * Security alerts? Follow escalation protocols. Don't just slack it away * Phishing email? Report it properly, don’t just forward it without context. * Found a vulnerability? Document it clearly—avoid vague messages like "This is not working". 🔹 Meetings & Slack Etiquette * If you're going to be late, communicate ahead and don’t ask for a recap immediately—check meeting notes or recordings first. * Don’t flood Slack/Teams with “Good morning” messages—go straight to the point. This also applies to LinkedIn. When you DM people, go straight to the point Others; * If you share knowledge from someone else, credit them. Don’t pass off someone’s research or insight as your own. * If a junior colleague makes a mistake, correct them privately—not in front of the whole team. * When receiving feedback, listen first, respond second. Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field. How you communicate and interact professionally can impact your reputation as much as your technical skills. #CybersecurityCareers #WorkplaceEtiquette #CybersecurityCareerGrowth #Cybersecurity

Neuroinclusive email etiquette ensures our digital communications are accessible to everyone, including neurodivergent colleagues 😊. Confusion can lead to waste effort.. e.g. doing the wrong work without the intent to do so.. By crafting clear, concise emails, we not only share information effectively but also create a more inclusive work environment. Start with a descriptive subject line and use simple, direct language. Break your content into short paragraphs or bullet points to help guide the reader’s eye 👀. A brief summary at the beginning can also provide clarity and reduce cognitive load. Also try these and more.... • Use clear, jargon‐free language. • Structure your message with bullet points or numbered lists. • Keep sentences short and to the point. • Allow for extra time when expecting responses, recognising diverse processing speeds 🤝. Adopting these practices makes our communication friendlier and more effective for everyone. Let’s lead by example and foster a workplace where digital correspondence is both respectful and accessible 😊.

Have you ever wondered why you don't get responses effectively most of the time when you reach out to someone? Let's talk about effective communication and avoiding common pitfalls when reaching out to others for help or guidance. Over the years, I have learned some valuable lessons that have greatly improved my communication skills, especially when connecting with busy professionals like physicians or senior colleagues. Here are some key points to consider: 1. Start with a Proper Greeting: Instead of jumping straight into your message, take a moment to greet the person respectfully. Avoid informal greetings like "hey bro" or "hi," and opt for a more professional approach. 2. Introduce Yourself Clearly: Make sure to introduce yourself early in the message so the recipient knows who they're talking to and the purpose of your communication. 3. Be Direct and Concise: Clearly state what you need or want from the recipient concisely. Avoid unnecessary details that may clutter your message and make it difficult to understand. 4. Express Gratitude: Always remember to thank the person for their time and consideration. A simple closing statement or expression of gratitude goes a long way in demonstrating professionalism. 5. Organize Your Message: Ensure your message is well-structured with proper spacing and formatting. Avoid sending multiple disjointed messages and instead, consolidate your information into a single coherent message. 6. Watch Your Grammar and Punctuation: Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and capitalization to convey professionalism and attention to detail. Simple mistakes can detract from your message and give the impression of carelessness. 7. Respond Promptly: Show respect for the other person's time by responding to their messages promptly. Delayed responses can signal a lack of seriousness and commitment. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your communication skills and make a positive impression when reaching out to others for assistance. Remember, professionalism starts from the very first interaction, so strive to communicate effectively from the outset. I'll continue to share more insights on this topic, but for now, let's focus on implementing these practices into our communication efforts. Our journey as aspiring healthcare professionals must demonstrate professionalism and effective communication skills right from the start. #communication #usmle #match2025

My brother-in-law, Blake, almost lost his life due to a doctor’s poor bedside manner. 7 years ago this week, he got into a serious accident resulting in a broken femur, punctured lungs, and more. After hearing from a trusted friend (an extremely accomplished ER doc), Blake’s mother asked the attending doctor about the potential risk of a fat embolism. Fat embolisms (FE) are a common complication after a femur fracture. FE happens when bone marrow fat enters the bloodstream, and fat globules travel to organs, obstructing pulmonary vessels. The doctor reacted horribly to the suggestion, raising his voice and arguing with her about the likelihood of that occurring. HE was the doctor, HE knew what he was doing! Not this random mom who never went to medical school getting advice from some nobody. That night, a fatty embolism traveled to Blake’s lungs, causing him to stop breathing. His mother was vigilantly watching for it, despite the doctor's pushback, and quickly alerted the staff possibly saving Blake's life. The phrase "bedside manner" refers to behavior and attitude toward patients. Data shows that good bedside manner can help put patients at ease, build trust, and improve the overall patient experience and outcomes. Have you ever thought about your bedside manner in a professional setting? We aren’t doctors, so poor bedside manner in the workplace won't put anyone’s life at risk (thank goodness). But it is definitely putting your deal at risk. Your employee retention at risk. Your culture at risk. Your bottom line at risk. Bedside manner for professionals might look like: 1. Empathy vs indifference ↳ Are you getting curious? ↳ Or are you getting to the point? Ex: A CSM listens attentively and responds with genuine concern to a customer's problem. 2. Listening to listen vs listening to speak ↳ Active listening means I’m not thinking about what I’m going to say next.  ↳ I’m thinking about your thoughts, words, and feelings.  Ex: An AE’s ratio of listening to talking is 70-30. 3. Communication vs assumption ↳ Clear communication progresses deals and relationships. ↳ Assumptions lead to misunderstandings and a lack of trust. Ex: A BDR pauses their pitch, realizing the buyer has different problems than expected, and digs deeper. 4. Compassion vs coldness ↳ Compassion connects and strengthens us. ↳ Coldness isolates and weakens us. Ex: A leader motivates with empathy/vision rather than fear/humiliation. 5. Respect vs disregard ↳ EVERYONE deserves respect. ↳ Disregard leads to disengagement. Example: A manager provides constructive feedback in a supportive and non-confrontational way. BTW - when that doctor heard about Blake, he never faced my mother-in-law again, opting to swap patients with another physician 💀 It doesn't matter if you're right if you make a customer/employee feel terrible in the process. And it certainly doesn't serve you when you are wrong 🤡 Who else has a good horror story??

Have you ever felt like you said all the right things, yet your message didn’t land the way you intended? Maybe an email got ignored, a request was misunderstood, or your executive made a decision without your input—despite you having the information they needed. As administrative professionals, communication isn’t just part of our job. It is our job. We bridge gaps, anticipate needs, and ensure the right messages reach the right people at the right time. But if we don’t communicate clearly, strategically, and with confidence, we risk being unheard, overlooked, or misunderstood. Here’s the truth: The most successful assistants aren’t just task managers. They are skilled communicators who know how to adapt their message, influence decisions, and build trust with their executives and teams. If you’ve ever struggled to get your point across or felt like your input wasn’t valued, you’re not alone. That’s why my recent free webinar focused on practical communication strategies tailored specifically for administrative professionals. A few key takeaways: ✔ Pay attention to verbal cues and match your executive’s communication style ✔ Use structured messaging to get to the point and drive action ✔ Master upward communication to influence, not just inform ✔ Learn the unspoken rules of office politics to navigate challenges effectively ✔ Present with authority so people listen when you speak If any of this resonates with you, I encourage you to download the free slides from the webinar (below). They’re packed with actionable tips you can use right away. What’s one communication challenge you’ve faced as an administrative professional? #AdministrativeProfessionals #CommunicationTips #OfficeDynamics #ExecutiveSupport #CareerGrowth