Have you ever been bothered by your co-worker’s habit of crossing their arms when you have a meeting? Be careful! You might have done some body language mistakes, too. When it comes to communication at the workplace, body language speaks a lot more than verbal usage of right words. However, body language here does not limit to the use of words, sentences, clauses, remarks, or anything else that can be written down or spoken.
Besides all of these verbal means, there are other mannerisms that people can easily notice, such as gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact. These nonverbal signs construct a different language: body language.
It was Albert Mehrabian, an American psychology professor, who first introduced the concept of 7%-38%-55% Rule. In his book Nonverbal Communication, he stated that communication is made up 7 percent of the actual word choice, 38 percent tone of voice, and 55 percent body language. It means that no matter how hard you try to convince the boss about your great ideas, if you showcase some unprofessional gestures, you might end up going nowhere.
On the contrary, if you use body language properly, it can help level up for greater success at work. Be it business networking, team bonding, co-worker camaraderie, or career promotion, body language will greatly determine your impact your bargaining power in the organisation.
If you want some help to conduct yourself better at work, here are several body language tips:
1. Maintain eye contact
Sometimes, eyes say more than words can. When you are engaged in a conversation and your opponent keeps averting their eyes, you need to be cautious of what they are thinking at the moment.
Maintaining eye contact is good to emphasise that you are honest, reliable, attentive, and powerful. However, do not stare too much. At some point, you need to look away to avoid making people uncomfortable.
2. Put on a genuine smile
Everyone will agree that genuine smile is the key in building every relationship. Even slightest but a honest smile will make you look as approachable, friendly, open, and trustworthy person. Yet, do not smile too much or people will think of you as being fake.
3. Practice firm handshake
Almost every culture in the world recognises handshake as friendly and warm signs. Touching someone’s hand or shoulder is a great gesture to create bond and build relationship. When you are introduced to someone new at the workplace, make sure to give them a firm and assuring handshake.
4. Avoid fidgeting too much
It is normal to feel nervous or worried. The trick is, do not show it too much. Avoid fidgeting conducts such as twirling your hair, playing with your tie, or knocking your feet because it will convey negative impressions.
5. Watch your facial expressions
Your mouth might say ‘Yes’, but if your facial expression looks awkward, people will never believe your answer. Be it happy, sad, confused, angry, bored, or scared, people can easily notice changing expressions in someone’s face.
Hence, it is a crucial ability to manage your facial expression. Be professional and put on suitable facial expressions to meet the situation you are dealing with.
6. Walk confidently
If you tend to look down when walking, you have to fix this bad habit soon. Not only will this give away weak and nervous impression about you, you might bump into someone when doing this gesture. Avoid stomping your feet, too. All you need is straighten up your back, look ahead, and walk casually.
7. Use your hand to talk
You might have seen it a lot on the TV, internet, or directional meeting. When delivering speech or explaining their ideas, leaders usually move and wave their hands. This gesture is helpful to convey your thoughts clearly and descriptions to the audience.
8. Face your opponents
When you are talking with someone, make sure to properly face to their direction. When you are in the middle of working with your computer and someone ask you something, take some time to turn your chair and face them.
9. Strike high-power pose
If you want to look confident in front of your future employer in an interview or future clients in a project meeting, power pose will be of great help. Signalling a sense of dominance, this pose will help you influence people on what you are proposing.
10. Lower your voice note
Be careful with your voice notes. You do not want your opponents to get the wrong idea of what you are trying to convey. Therefore, even in the most heated moment, it is important to keep your voice down and stay calm.
Follow these ten rules in conducting better body language and your communication skills will improve as well.
Next: What to Say and What Not During Face-to-Face Interview?
