Professional Appearance and Communication

Abstract

The professionally developed psychologist (despite the ongoing nature of professional development) views every day as an interview; this daily mindset instills daily professional behaviors as a lifestyle as opposed to a conscious choice. As the title of the chapter suggests, external appearance and communication styles as they relate to others are important components of professional development. Although professional communication and communication styles may sound like common sense to a psychologist, this chapter delves deeper into these areas in order to provoke consideration of different components of each. In this chapter, we will provide the rationale for approaching every day as an interview. Professional communication considerations will be reviewed from the lens of direct communication as well as telecommunication. The focus will then transition from basic communication to developing professional relationships through networking. These relationships include faculty, mentors, fellow colleagues, and prospective colleagues. Given the onus in psychology of being able to speak in public (presentations, speeches, interviews, etc.), the preparation and execution of public speaking engagements and job interviews will conclude the information in this chapter.