Sometimes things don’t have to be said at all…

Body language and nonverbal communication are a huge part when it comes to interacting with others. Talking is only a fraction of the conversation, listening is also very important. It is so much easier to understand the message that the sender is sending in person rather than on the phone, email, or text message. It happens when people are in a disagreement, where in person they could be standing with arms crossed or fists clenched. Or when people are expressing words of gratitude, they could be reaching out to hold hands with very forward body language. Certain gestures likes these are unfeasible when the conversation is email, phone, or text. While the phone helps to hear the tone of voice and emotions, it doesn’t allow the people to read each others faces or body.

According to the Changing Minds site, “Nonverbal communication has a significant effect on what is communicated.” It comes to people so naturally to wear their emotions, feelings, or intentions on their sleeves. We use our heads to motion a direction or tilt in confusion. One thing I found interesting about the Changing Minds site is that nonverbal communication can even be generated by the material items possessed by the person, be it their clothing, car, items on their desk at work. It is so easy to go through the motions of the day and experience hundreds of different types of nonverbal language and body language. In a communication study done by Alfred Mehrabian, in which they studied people listening to certain words in different tones. The study concluded the formula that communication is 7% verbal, 38 % vocal (tone of voice), and 55% facial (i.e. the body language).

People experience so much nonverbal communication and body language comes from relationships. According to Helping Guide, “Nonverbal communication cues can play five roles: repetition, contradiction, substitution, contemplating, accenting.” For example, when a boss complements one of their employees on a job well done, the extra nonverbal communication comes in the form of a pat on the back. A good way for a person to really work to read nonverbal cues is in the beginning of a relationship when getting to know someone. When first meeting someone, that person who is interested will want to pick up on their regular gestures and expressions, trying to understand their normality.

Nonverbal communication cues can definitely help when a person is lying. According to Mind Tools, there are many typical signs when a person lies, such as, “Eyes maintain little or no contact, or there may be rapid eye movement, hands or fingers are in front of the mouth when speaking, body may be physically turned away, breathing rate increases, complexion changes, perspiration increases, and a change in voice.” Little signs like these start to show when a person who is trying to lie becomes uneasy in their speech.

A good, first hand example of nonverbal cues was a little disagreement I had with my boyfriend this afternoon. When we first began talking, our motions were at ease. However, when the argument escalated my arms became tense, kind of like a way of defense. Also, we readjusted the way we were sitting to be angled away and further apart. When he got frustrated, I could hear him let out deep breathes, and could see him roll his eyes. When we reconciled the argument, both of us let the stiffness in our composure subdue. Something like this is not what people normally think about unless looking at it from the outside or looking back on a situation.

The Basics of a Cover Letter

When it comes to a resume, a cover letter is an essential part of the ensemble. It is the first piece of the pie that any company seeking to hire will be reading. Writing a cover letter, a hopeful employee needs to be professional. A resume should help persuade the employer to further read the entire resume, and hopefully get you an interview for whatever job.

According to a helpful Virginia Tech website, it is aimed to help students about to graduate better prepare their resumes. The resume needs to call attention to the purpose in which it is being sent. First of all there are two different types of cover letters: those of application and those of inquiry. The website has several example resume links for each type. Application is applying for a definite open position, and inquiry is asking if there is a possible job position that could be applied for. There are also differences between a hard copy resume and email. According to the Virginia Tech website, “The main difference between e-mail and hard copy correspondence is format: your signature block (address, etc.) goes below your name in e-mail, while it goes at the top of the page on hard copy. Of course you won’t have a handwritten signature on e-mail, but don’t forget this on hard copy.”

It is important that your cover letter is specific to the position in which you are applying. The cover letter then, should stress the skills and experience that relate to the position you are seeking.

Thanks to About.com: JobSearch, they have given many templates for different types of cover letters. Check them out here, at Cover Letter Samples. The many links of the site can cater to your particular needs of the type of cover letter necessary. The cover letter is such an important part of the package because it is like making the first impression. You need to be knowledgeable about the certain type of cover letter needed, or the employer may just send your resume into the “reject” pile. Especially in the job market these days with not many college students being hired right after graduation, it is good to show that you know the requirements. About.com says, “Keeping in mind that your letter should express a high level of interest and knowledge about the job you are interested in.”

To get some good ideas going on starting your own cover letter for that important job opportunity, check out theCover Letter site, which provides free resume templates for many types of different jobs.  They are even willing to add those job cover letters that are not listed on their site! So helpful.

When it comes time to apply for the job, make sure that the cover letter gets as much time and effort as the resume. Obviously implying that all the details are in the resume is not that enticing for the employer. Just like the hook line of a story in the news, the cover letter needs to “hook” that employer’s interest in what you have to offer.

Need more help? Check out this video

All About Me :) Beginning 2010

Well, I’ve had this blog for about a year now, so I’m sure there is already an “about me” blog or two along the lines. This is my second time taking a course with Mrs. Nixon, and I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy this one as well. I am a junior public relations major at Georgia Southern. I am also a fashion merchandising minor. I belong to a sorority, and am also a member of PRSSA. So far, I have a fairly light schedule this semester. After last semesters load of classes, I think that taking only thirteen hours is totally worth it. I really enjoy being a public relations major. My goal with that degree and my minor is to work for a major fashion magazine, and hopefully have that be in New York. I would like for it to be soon after I graduate from Southern, just to be able to keep up with the fast-paced environment. I have a big passion for the fashion industry and really hope to get my foot in the door with whatever internship I could manage to land in the next year.

Other than being a student, I love reading, watching movies, exercising, being outdoors, spending time with my family and friends, and now being a new dog owner. Over the Christmas break, I rescued my first dog. She is a two-year old mutt named Chloe, and she officially owns me. I am adjusting to the schedule of owning a dog, and I will tell you it is a full-time job. But, she melts my heart and I could not have asked for a better dog. I highly recommend rescuing or adopting from the animal shelter.

As for the start of the new decade, I am hoping for a few things. I want to try and curb the procrastination, especially since I am taking my major courses. I also would like to read more for fun, because I have a full stack of books to go through. I am ready for another good semester, and hope that I will be able to do as well as the last.

Last Official Week of the Semester

I cannot believe how fast the time flew this fall semester. I have begun many of my major courses and it has been a whirlwind of work and fun. Coming back from Thanksgiving break, I am still in vacation mode because winter break is just around the corner. I only have four official class days left! While this semester has been a blast, I will be so glad to be at my own home in Duluth, resting on my big comfy couch and being lazy. I’ve put in a lot of effort this semester, so it is a well deserved break. I cannot wait to see all my old friends and hang out with my new ones. I’ll spend time with the boyfriend and his family which is always a fun time.

The only thing that stands between the break and I is this week and next. I am so busy with assignments this week, and beginning to study for my finals. I have my media kits, a five-page paper, the quizzes, and reviews. Not to mention all of the reading that needs to get done. It’s crunch time in the college world, and I think I’ll be able to make it out. Not only will I have to hang tight and get through all the assignments I’ve procrastinated, I’ve decided that I should have enough food at my apartment to not go grocery shopping. I’m sure by the time I reach my house for break, I’ll clear out the fridge.

Being Thankful

Well let me start off by saying that I am thankful for Mrs. Groover to cancel our class on Friday, because this week is going to be the worst.

What I am really thankful are the great relationships I have in my life. I have a wonderful family, a great group of friends, and a boyfriend who’s awesome (especially when it comes to general semantics assignments). But without the love from all of those people, I would not be the person I am today. Throughout high school, and a little bit of college, I have been through some trials and tribulations that I am not most proud of, but my mother, being the supportive person that she is has seen me through them. I owe her everything, because she is the one person I always look up to. She is also the one person that will always answer my phone calls, even if it is just to let me vent about how I’ve procrastinated and I have two research papers and a presentation due in the next week.

I am also really thankful for my brother, Sean. Since I’ve been away at Georgia Southern, our relationship has gotten ten times better. Probably because I was itching to get out of the house and on my own, everything little thing that his then middle school age annoyed me. But, now he’s matured (somewhat) and I look forward to seeing him when I go home. Were able to talk more closely about things, and share just a few secrets that the parents don’t know.

This Thanksgiving holiday, I am most thankful for those in my life that I love, and who love me too.

School Spirit!

Whether it is the t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other articles of clothing worn by the sleepy college kids trucking to class for a test, or it could be the stickers on the back of the giant truck on the way to Walmart, there is school spirit all around. I remember when I first found out I got in to Georgia Southern, I put a pink eagle bumper sticker on the back of my Jeep Cherokee. School spirit is about the pride that person has in what they belong to. As a student of Georgia Southern, I wear the logos because of my love for this great school.

Also being in a sorority, I have much spirit for the organization. On my car, I have my letters stuck high on the back windshield. One my shirts, hoodie, and rain jacket I have my letters for everyone to see. It is because I am so involved and have such a love for my sorority that I want people to know what I belong to. The spirit also shines through when my sisters and I support each other in things like the Homecoming voting, and other competitions that are held on campus.

This week is a great way to exemplify school and sorority spirit with the campaigning of the King, Queen, and court. While there is some competition, Homecoming week is also a good way to pull people together for the one thing that everyone has in common at this school. For my sorority, it’s a week of socials and activities that everyone contributes.

Let’s show some school pride!

Read All About It!

Okay not going to lie, I don’t think I’ve picked up a book for fun since the summer. Actually, I left halfway through Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I’m also reading a book called I am Not but I Know I AM for my bible study class. It’s a fun read by Louie Giglio, and it really opens my eyes.

However, I always find time to read Cosmo. This popular womens magazine is quite the hit in my apartment. Every month, one of the girls invests in the new issue and we all sit around and share the articles. Some are humorous and some are for the up and coming in fashion. That is one of the reasons why I love that magazine. My minor is fashion merchandising, and I love looking at the crazy, unique, and interesting designs that come out. I also like to look through Vogue and Elle because these two magazines are more based on fashion than women health and sex.

When it comes to my favorite author, I cannot pinpoint one. I enjoy reading Nicholas Sparks like any normal girl. I will admit that I do this Tucker Max’s I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell is a hysterical read. Authors that can keep the humor in the writing are what catch my eye.

Over the summer, I read The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, a pastor in California. This book really is one of the best I’ve ever read because it breaks down a course of 40 days, and each day it adds on to the values that are taught through the church.

Almost Mountain Weekend!

This weekend is mountain weekend! It’s a tradition that a small group of my friends and I have made starting last year. We rented a cabin in Gatlinburg the first time, and it was a blast! It’s always good to get away for the weekend, especially when nothing is happening in Statesboro. I will be sad I’m missing some of the Halloween bashes, but this year we booked an amazing cabin in Helen, Georgia. About 4 hours North of Statesboro, we will be partcipating in Octoberfest! I’ve only been to Helen for a day trip, but that was years ago. I cannot wait to be up in the mountains!

The surprising thing about these trips are the great deals we get on the rentals. For only $100 each, we are getting a beautifully decorated cabin with pool table/game room, hot tub, and grill. What else do college kids need? We are also only a short drive from downtown Helen, which gives us the opportunity to stroll down the streets. The cabin also has an fire pit in the backyard, and is located on the river. It’s the perfect time of year to get a good fire going and roast some marshmallows. One of my favorite things about getting away to the mountains, or even the lake in the summer, is the stars at night. Obviously in Statesboro, those are easy to see, but from Atlanta you can’t see the beauty. This mountain weekend is going to be one of the best road trips yet. We’ll have to go out with a bang because one of our friends in the group is graduating this fall!

When I Grow Up…

This week in our public relations writing class, to hot topic for the blogs is the “dream job”. Since I was about 12, I have always wanted to work for a fashion magazine. I love the idea of a fast-paced environment filled with chic, desirable clothing and accessories. To this day, I can’t get enough when I flip through the pages of Elle, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan. It was hard for me to find my route when I came to college, because I knew that writing was my strong point but I didn’t want to be a writer for a fashion magazine. I want to work behind the scenes, helping to pick what should and should not make the cut in the next month’s issue. I want to be there on photo shoots, and meet the brilliant designers and artists.

Not only is this job perfect for me, most fashion magazines are located in New York City, one of my favorite places on earth. I love that there is so much culture, so much to do, and so much to learn in such a big place. It is also filled with history, as well as everything that is on the rise. My family and I usually take a short summer trip up the to Big Apple once a year, and every time I leave feeling like I can’t get enough. I know that I could only live there for a short while, but to ne able to experience such an industry as fashion, and a city like New York would be worth a lifetime.

Pet Peeves

Well while I’m sure there are several things that overall annoy me, there are two that take the cake. One of my biggest pet peeves are kids in Walmart, or any grocery store. Those kids that are running, darting, yelling, screaming, crying, and nagging their mothers for this, that, and the other sugary item. Not only does the idea of Walmart give me a headache, the kid down the aisle wailing loudly because they couldn’t get the cookies they wanted makes me want to run out the door. I also pity the parent that has to tote the unruly child around the store. Maybe it’s because I have so many siblings that these kids bother me so much, but it makes me want to avoid to store at all cost.

I think my biggest pet peeve would be when people can’t stick to their word. I don’t think anything makes me more upset then when a person says they will do something and they don’t follow up. I have had this happen to me in the past, and I think it is such a let down.  Personally, I make it a point to keep my word. If I know that I won’t be able to hold a promise, then I will reluctantly not make one. No one really likes the feeling that they can’t rely on someone, especially if that someone is close to them.

Another pet peeve of mine is messiness. I am like OCD clean, so when things are a mess I will try to fix them.