The reading level for this article is All Levels
Keep your conversations professional and maintain a positive image. If you want people to walk away with a good impression, then don’t blow it by bringing up the “freaky five.”
1. We were hoping you could replace the person we just fired.
Yikes! Although you may have been perfectly justified in getting rid of said person, the job prospect doesn’t know that. All he hears is “fired” and thinks, Uh-oh… what kind of a jerk am I dealing with here?
2. Sorry I’m late – I got laid on my lunch break.
The details of your sex life is nobody’s business, unless of course you’re a phone sex operator. In that case, it’s probably a good idea to elaborate. Even if you feel like high-fiving people on the street because you finally broke your six-month dry spell, your future boss, coworker or client does not need to hear the news.
3. I’m totally broke.
Another huge faux-pax… giving the old “I’m dead broke” sob story to a future business prospect. You may as well be wearing a big sign that says “Hi, I’m a huge loser.” Think about it: what kind of people are broke? Ones that have no business coming in. Who doesn’t get any business? People who suck!
4. Yeahh, we’re pretty disorganized here…
Even if the person you’re dealing with is applying for the job of problem-fixer-upper, they don’t need to be hit with the shock of knowing your business is an utter calamity. Keep quiet at least until the contract is signed… then, deliver the news just as they’re sitting down in their new cubicle with that first cup of coffee!
5. Ohh, GOD! The lab test results came back POSITIVE…
The professional world is no place to air your personal issues. Even if you’re near to a nervous breakdown from the waiting, do not divulge your private oogies to a mere stranger who you want to feel good about doing business with you. For all you know, your lab test results got mixed up with somebody else’s. When you find out that you’re going to live after all… well, you’re gonna need some money coming in to pay those doctor bills!
Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.
Dina Giolitto is a copywriting consultant and ghostwriter with 10 years of experience writing corporate print materials and web content. Trust her with your next e-book, article series or web project, and make a lasting impression on your audience of information-hungry prospects. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com for more information.
