Starting your first “adult” job can feel like entering a whole new world. You’re suddenly expected to act professional, understand workplace politics, and communicate effectively with coworkers of all ages and positions. It’s a lot to take in!

Having good communication skills is especially important for succeeding at work. How you talk to your boss, coworkers, and clients impacts how others see you and whether they want to work with you.

When I started my first office job out of college, I had no idea how to conduct myself. I dressed super casual, peppered my emails with emojis, and talked to the CEO like he was my best bud. Yikes! It didn’t take long for me to realize I needed to level up my workplace communication stat fast.

Through trial and error (ok, mostly error), I learned the unwritten rules of communicating effectively in a professional setting. Here are five tips I wish someone had told 22-year-old me:

Know Your Audience

Not everyone wants to be communicated with the same way. What’s totally fine when talking to your buddy after work may be inappropriate when speaking to your manager. Before hitting send on an email or Slack message, think carefully about who you’re addressing and adjust your tone accordingly. With practice, you’ll get better at switching communication styles fluidly.

For example, it’s often appropriate to use a casual, conversational tone with coworkers around your same level. But messages to executives should be more formal – full sentences, proper grammar, and no exclamation points. When in doubt, err on the side of formality until you know someone well.

Master Workplace Email Etiquette

Email is still the main way most offices communicate, so nailing email etiquette is critical. Resist the urge to dash off a one-line “K thanks!” email to your manager. Take the time to use full sentences, check for typos, and read your message out loud before sending to prevent misinterpretations.

Make sure to provide necessary context and explain any requests clearly. Using please and thank you keeps your emails polite. And don’t forget a simple greeting like “Hi [Name]!” and a signature with your name and contact info at the bottom.

Pro tip: Don’t simply hit “reply” without reviewing who else is on the email chain. Nothing torpedoes your professional reputation faster than accidentally dragging the whole company into your personal convos.

Mind Your Body Language

Your body language often conveys more than your actual words. Make eye contact, smile, face the person you’re speaking to, and lean in to show you’re engaged. Sitting slumped with your eyes glued to your phone signals boredom and disinterest.

Even over video calls, body language matters. Position your camera at eye level, sit up straight, and look at the camera when talking to mimic natural eye contact. Small tweaks like these will help you come across as polished, friendly, and ready to collaborate.

Know When to Ask Questions

It can be intimidating to ask questions as a newbie, especially if you think they are “dumb” questions. Get over it! Asking thoughtful questions shows curiosity and initiative. The only bad questions are ones asked without the intention to listen.

If you’re ever confused about an assignment, policy, workplace acronym – anything – just ask! Don’t wander around in a fog. Ask co-workers, do some digging on your own, and if you’re still unsure, ping your manager. You’ll gain valuable clarity that will help you work more effectively.

Think Before Speaking

Before contributing in meetings, consider your goal. Is it to propose a solution? To gather more intel? To advocate for your team? Let this goal guide what and how much you speak.

Rambling on without a purpose can make you seem disorganized and long-winded. But thoughtfully voicing your perspective shows leadership potential. Find the balance by preparing your talking points, but also leaving room to actively listen.

The bottom line is good communication takes continuous effort. Be patient with yourself as you learn the norms of the workplace. Don’t get discouraged if you slip up now and then. With time, communicating professionally will start to feel natural. Just remember, everyone had to start somewhere!