Job Campaign: Happy Talk


In your job campaign, think “happy talk”! One of my favorite movies is the 1949 musical, South Pacific, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. As a child, I used to dance around the living room to all the songs. I knew them by heart. One of my favorites, “Happy Talk,” to this day inspires me. Though its words may sound a bit clichéd, there is a job campaign message. Happy talk during your career—whether exploring what that is, finding it or keeping it—is quite simply, good advice.

“Happy talk, keep talkin’ happy talk,

Talk about things you’d like to do.

You got to have a dream.

If you don’t have a dream,

How you gonna have a dream come true?”

Job Campaign: Happy Talk It has to happen

Positive (happy) talk during your job campaign is one of the most productive things you can do. Once you have focused on and researched your targets, and created your resume and other career communications (pitches, etc.), the goal is to market—get the word out. Talking about your job campaign helps in three ways:

  • It enables you to become at ease with selling yourself. Practice does make perfect. If coupled with asking for feedback, you have the bonus of refining your campaign.
  • It helps open doors. This is the essence of networking. People really do want to help.
  • It brings clarity. Is your message what you want it to be? Do you sound confident and excited in delivering it? If not, how might you refine your oral messaging?

Job Campaign: Never underestimate the power of small talk

The knack of small talk requires skills, but can be practiced and learned. Talk happily about what it is that you do. Then if you really listen to the people around you, you may be surprised at what you hear and learn. Skilled small talk is actually listening more than you talk! It’s being a good conversationalist. It’s a doorway to cultivating new relationships and for preserving established relationships. Mastering the art of small talk will make you more confident and professional in business and social situations.

Job Campaign: Talk about your job search to many

Talk about your job campaign in a positive way with anyone who will listen: a family member, friend, former colleague, neighbor—even your dog. Don’t sit quietly during your campaign. Don’t wait for an interview or formal networking event; get it out! Every day! Talk about what you want and offer. Talk about what this opportunity will do for you and employers. Talk happy while you are standing in line at the check-out counter; when you are having coffee at church; when you are enjoying your child’s soccer game. “Happy talk, keep talkin’ happy talk! Enjoy the video of “Happy Talk”!

Photo: Mike Johnston

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