What They Oughta Teach in Charm School

Charm Lesson 4: Value Others' Time

Having a way with words is a charmer's trait, but so is brevity. For example, if you've asked to meet with your boss to request a raise, start by giving her a snippet of backstory so she can quickly figure out what you're there to discuss. "Orient her by saying, 'I've been working here for three years, and in that time I've accomplished X, Y, and Z,'" says Paterson. Then get right to the point: "I'd like a salary increase." By being direct and considerate of your boss's schedule, you present yourself as a savvy operator who is aware of her pressures and thus more worthy of a moment of her time. Another reason to keep it quick? You'll seem more confident. Justifying too much, stumbling over your words, and beating around the bush will mark you as weak, says Paterson, making it less likely that you'll be moving into a higher tax bracket anytime soon.