What is Professional Presence

Communicating a professional image is essential in all professional settings. A professional image is essential in interviewing for a new position, meeting new clients, and establishing a professional reputation in a current position. A strong professional image involves nonverbal and verbal components. First impressions are lasting impressions, and it is imperative to present a strong professional image in all aspects of one's career. This chapter addresses ways to create a professional image and addresses ways impression management impacts the ways others view you in professional settings. Topics covered in this chapter include communication style, accountability, emotional intelligence, behavior and attitude, written communication, and nonverbal communication. A brief overview of creating a professional image through social media will also be covered. A more detailed discussion related to professional use of social media will also be addressed in forthcoming chapters.