Communication

There are many different ways to communicate, and only certain forms of communication is appropriate with certain people. For example, you would always want to have a serious, calm, and nice tone of voice when talking to an employer or parents but while talking with friends, it's okay to have a more playful tone of voice. While listening to people, it is okay with most friends if you are not directly looking at them, however, with employers it is best to look them in the eye to imply you are listening and taking in everything they have to say. Body language also varies, depending on who you are communicating with. You might show playful body language or not so great posture while talking with friends or family, but with employers it is important to have good posture and well controlled body language. Written communication is also very different, it is okay to text in abbreviations and texting language to your friends. Texts or emails to family needs everything to be completely written out but it does not need to be formal. Any written communication with an employer needs to be formal with no abbreviations. Each situation is different because you are not trying to impress friends or family but a good impressions need to be made on employers.  



Friends do not expect much in conversation. They expect a decent listener and someone to keep the conversation going. They do not normally expect a formal conversation every time, conversations between friends are normally very informal. Family members expect someone who will listen but also contribute to the conversation. These conversations are a little less informal but not completely formal either. Lastly, an employer expects much more than friends and family. They expect a great listener, someone who could carry on the conversation, and someone who can carry on a conversation with substance, rather than just gossip and drama. Conversations with employers are expected to be very formal.

There are a couple things I will keep in mind when talking to my mentor. The first thing is answering question with quality answers rather than just one word answers. Another would be my listening skills, I will make sure my only focus is my mentor rather than everything else that is going on at that moment. I will also keep my body language, eye contact, and posture in mind as that can make a good or bad impression without even saying anything.  I will also pay attention to the communication style of my mentor and coworkers. I will make it my goal everyday to communicate well with everyone keeping the fact that my mentor could be a future professional reference.