One lesson all colliegttes should learn, is how to communicate efficiently. Whether it is reminding your roommate that it is her turn to take out the trash, or an oral report for an internship, proper communication can make all the difference in the way people perceive you, and how well your ideas are translated. Seeing as how October 1st was the 80th birthday of the incomparable Julie Elizabeth Andrews, it seems fitting to use her as an example of how to communicate with class and confidence.
Ms.Andrews, the charismatic charmer she is, always took the time to say “please” and “thank you” even when she did not feel so inclined. Having manners may not seem like a big deal in the midst of a busy schedule, but a thank you note at the end of an internship, or even the beginning, can leave a lasting impression.
Being late is usually awkward and embarrassing, but Ms.Andrews, the dream woman who floats across the room, reminds us that even when your five alarms just couldn’t get you out of bed, to still walk into a room with your head held high. Perhaps calling yourself a queen is not the best fit for your situation, but a brief and well-spoken apology should suffice.
An under-utilized type of communication is body language. In fact only about 7% of communication comes from actually talking (Albert Mehrabian). Body language makes up more than half of communication, and Ms.Andrews, the mysterious wonder, knows how to get a message across. Sometimes, it’s not what you say; but whether your shoulders are straight and your eyes are focused when you say it.
Lastly, the charming and succinct Julie Andrews, shows us how to be concise when stating what we will and will not do. This may be the world-renowned star’s best example because in a time where saying how you feel is perceived as “uncool,” a lot of students are giving into both mental and physical pressures. Crisply stating your boundaries will not only earn respect from others, but help avoid awkward situations down the line.
As the magnificent royal divinity that is Julie Andrews puts it, “behaving like a princess is work,” and communicating efficiently is a tool we all can exercise, while still having a little fun.
Photo credit:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rj…
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http://omghowgirl.tumblr.com/post/85569635354/how-to-have-great-posture-…
http://tomhiddles.tumblr.com/post/36523344207
http://seemlyandunseemly-rph.tumblr.com/post/54710682199/julie-andrews-g…