I met a woman the other day who was chewing gum so vigorously and with such intensity that, well, she was a little scary. I thought if I got too close, she might bite so I didn't really speak with her. She had no smile, and she was chewing gum. That's pretty much all I remember about her. No smile, grim, but chewing, chomping, chewing, chomping.
I am guessing that this was NOT the image she wanted to project.
Would smiling while chewing gum have helped? Smiling at someone is usually a plus, but smiling while chewing gum? Well, then I would have been treated to a view of the interior of her mouth and the masticated wad. Not a good visual.
The eye is drawn to movement. When you are chewing gum, that's what the other person is going to focus on - the movement of your jaw. They are probably not paying attention to anything you are trying to say fearing that the gum will soon be a projectile headed their way.
Now, chewing gum maybe great for freshening the breath when out in public. Briefly. When the gum has done its work, get rid of it. Discreetly. In the trash. NOT on the sidewalk, in the potted plant, or under your chair. (I cannot believe I have to actually say that, but...) Prolonged chewing of gum can also overwork your salivary glands. Goodness knows what could happen if you overwork your salivary glands!!
What if no one can see you? Is it OK to chew gum or even food when you are on the phone? The answer is NO!
Here's the thing. You can certainly tell when someone is eating lunch, smoking, vaping, slurping, sipping, or chewing while you are trying to talk with them on the phone. Of course, if you are face-timing, zoom-calling you can certainly tell. But, most people are very aware when the other person is chewing, sucking, or slurping.
Whether speaking to someone in person or on the phone, please remove gum, pencils, cigarettes, food, drinks, pipes, or anything else from your mouth. Put the coffee cup down. Consider removing your tongue-piercing jewelry during business hours. The sounds of chewing, slurping, sucking, and clicking are not attractive or professional.
Chomping or chewing anything, whether gum or lunch, is not something you want to be seen, or heard, doing. Frankly, it's annoying. When I have found myself in that situation, where I am speaking with someone who is distracted by munching lunch, I excuse myself, leave, and maybe call back later. Maybe.
Certainly, you do not want to be heard popping or clicking gum, or slurping coffee while on the phone or during a meeting, job interview, presentation, podcast, or audition. What if chomping, chewing or slurping is the only thing people remember about you?
If you are "chomping at the bit" to get started, and don't want to let small habits interfere with your personal or professional image and success, then contact Barringer Consultants for your FREE online session! But this FREE session (30 min. personal attention GUARANTEED) is available only until midnight, March 15, 2026. corinne@barringerconsultants.com
