How to Become a Communication Chameleon
Did you know a chameleon’s tongue snaps out at 13 miles per hour to catch unwitting crickets and flies? Pretty gnarly.
But let’s shelf that for now, since networking (usually) doesn’t involve any tonguing.
What about the fact that a chameleon’s eyes can move in two different directions at once, giving it a panoramic view of its surroundings?
That’s definitely more apt for networking, since you should always have strong awareness of the context and circumstances.
And of course, we can’t ignore the famous color-changing analogy, where chameleons’ brains trigger skin cells of certain pigments to blend in with their environment–much like a good networker adapting to their setting and audience.
Just for fun: this video shows off the chameleon’s security-camera eyeballs and its uncanny ability to almost instantly change colors.
Okay, okay, let’s take off our David Attenborough hat for now and give you several pro tips for becoming a Communication Chameleon in the world of networking.
Networking Tip #1: Communicate in the Style of Your Audience
Imagine you're crafting an email to a potential mentor. You notice their LinkedIn is strictly professional, peppered with industry jargon and formal accolades.
You wouldn't barge in with a "Hey there!" and a barrage of slang. Instead, you'd match their tone, perhaps starting with a "Dear [Name]," followed by a concise, jargon-laden message that shows you can walk their talk.
Conversely, if you're tweeting at a startup guru known for their laid-back lingo and love for brevity, you wouldn't choke up the character count with formalities. A crisp, clever tweet with a punchy question might win you a spot in their busy schedule.
Before you send a message, read it out loud in the voice of the receiver. Does it sound like something they'd nod along to? If not, it's back to the drawing board. The goal is to make your message resonate, not to echo your own preferences.
By tailoring your communication, you're not just sending a message; you're gifting an experience that feels personal and considerate. It's the difference between a hand-written letter and a generic email blast. One gets pinned to the fridge; the other, lost in the spam folder. So, take the time to tailor wisely and watch your network grow in style and substance.
Networking Tip #2: Learn to Think and Talk Intergenerationally
When it comes to networking, remember that you're not just dealing with peers who communicate in emojis and TikTok dances. The professional realm is a melting pot of generations, each with its own communication etiquette.
Baby Boomers might prefer a firm handshake and eye contact over a DM on LinkedIn, while Gen Xers could be the email aficionados who appreciate a well-crafted subject line. And let’s not forget the Millennials, straddling the digital divide with a foot in both worlds.
So, how do you bridge this communicative chasm without coming off as a try-hard or digital dinosaur?
Here’s a little exercise for your next networking event to help you play the Communication Chameleon:
Approach someone from a different generation and strike up a conversation. Pay close attention to their body language and word choice. Are they formal or informal? Do they talk through stories or get straight to the point? Mirror their style. If they're all business, save the memes for your mates. If they're telling tales, feel free to share a relevant anecdote. It’s about tuning into their frequency, not changing your playlist.
By the end of the conversation, not only will you have practiced adapting your communication style, but also made a connection who appreciates your effort to speak their language. It's not about selling your soul; it's about flexing your social muscles. So, stretch them out and be the most charismatic chameleon in the room.
Networking Tip #3: Practice Your “Digital Handshake”
A good portion of modern networking happens digitally, not in-person, so these chameleon appeals to your audience need to translate to things like emails.
Sure, your resume is crucial, but the initial email you send can make or break your chances. It's your digital handshake, your first impression, and let's be real—it's also the most awkward part.
The good news? Like a well-crafted tweet or the perfect TikTok, an effective outreach email can be engineered for maximum impact. The trick is to be respectful, clear, and to-the-point while still letting your personality shine through.
State who you are, why you're reaching out, and what you hope to achieve, all while making it irresistibly easy for them to say yes. And remember, before hitting "send," proofread that sucker like your future depends on it—because, well, it kinda does.
Let’s see how ChatGPT can help us:
Seems like a solid template, right? Sort of.
Let’s look at what happens if we take this template and try to individualize it.
Example of an Ineffective Email Outreach:
What’s Wrong with This Email?
- It’s too long and doesn’t encourage readership.
- It buries the purpose of the email with too much information.
- It lacks personalized appeals to Dr. Smith’s actual research.
- It could benefit from a better tone that balances being professional and conversational, rather than overly dry and academic.
Let’s apply these lessons and see if we can sharpen the email a bit.
Why This Email is Better:
Final Thoughts
Whether a chameleon is red, purple, green, or anything in between, it’s still a chameleon. It hasn’t completely changed its form or essence.
The same applies for you. Don’t feel like you have to completely change everything about yourself to be a strong networker.
But keep those prized eyeballs on the look for exciting opportunities and be ready to strategically color yourself a little differently when necessary to create the right tone, message, and style for your audience.
- Rob and Ryan
P.S. A great start to building your network is to forward this to a friend! 😉