There are a lot of challenging moments that come along with a business trip, but you will have a far more productive trip if you remember your manners and respect others. Before you blow that piece of advice off as something that must have come from a non-traveler, give it some thought. There are some communication skills that can actually make your business trip far more productive...and perhaps a bit more enjoyable on the personal level as well.

Communicating in Airports

This is where the biggest stress comes when on a business trip, right? You are packed into an airport with thousands of other travelers, all determined to catch their flight on time, find their loved ones, or just keep their children together without losing luggage or perhaps a toddler. With so many people going in different directions and focused on their own lives, there are many opportunities for annoyances and misunderstandings.

For example, think of the agitation you feel boiling under your skin as you stand in the security clearance line and someone ahead of you waits until they very last moment to start stripping off their shoes, belt, and wallet. You have to stand there, already ready to go yourself, and wait for them to get ready to walk through the detector.

In these situations, it is best to put a smile on your face. Stare at the person and simply smile at them. When they turn around to glare at you, expecting you to be annoyed and rude, they will find a smile. That smile will make them hurry up and want to get out of your way. Believe it or not, being rude or scowling at them in aggravation will actually cause many people to become a bit defiant and slow down even more.

Ask yourself in these moments if there is anything you can do to change the situation. There is no way you can make that man take his belt off faster, or make that woman move away from the end of the scan belt before going about putting her belt and sneakers back on. Since there is nothing you can do, put on a smile or take some deep breaths. Choose to engage in a friendly manner, because it will be far more effective at getting them to speed themselves up.

Communicating in the Office

This is where you have the potential to really benefit your business trip with some improved communication skills. Rather than going into the office with a serious, business face, try to lighten up and relate to those you meet on a more personal level. Rather than finding yourself in the hotel room alone after the business is over, you may find yourself out for an enjoyable evening of drinks with someone from the office you just met.

You are here to do business, but there is no reason you cannot have a bit of fun and enjoyment while on your business trip. Put on a smile, lighten up and joke a little, and others will want to take you out and show you around their town.