Body language in the workplace is as important as verbal communication. It’s important to enhance your message and to avoid misinterpretations.
When it comes to communication at the workplace, body language speaks as loud as spoken words. Body language is a form of non-verbal communication, where people use body gestures, facial expressions, behavior, and mannerisms to communicate. Whether it’s done consciously or unconsciously, body language is a powerful tool to get your message conveyed in the right way and as you intended.
It was Albert Mehrabian, an American psychology professor, who first introduced the concept of the 7% - 38% - 55% Rule. In his book Nonverbal Communication, he stated that communication is made up of 7% of the actual word choice, 38% tone of voice, and 55% body language. It means that, no matter how hard you try to convince your boss about something, you will end up going nowhere if you use unprofessional gestures when presenting your idea.
On the contrary, if you use the correct body language, it can help boost your professional career. Be it business networking, team bonding, co-worker camaraderie, or career promotion, body language will impact your bargaining power in the organization.
Here are several body language tips that you can follow at work.
Maintain Eye Contact
In some cases, eyes say more than words. When you are engaged in a conversation, try to look them in the eyes. Maintaining eye contact is good to emphasize that you are honest, reliable, attentive, and powerful.
More importantly, when you are talking to someone, make sure to face them properly. For instance, when you are in the middle of working and someone asks you something, take some time to turn your chair and look at their face. This shows that you respect your companion.
Practice Firm Handshake
Almost every culture in the world recognizes a handshake as a warm and friendly gesture. In a professional setting, giving a firm handshake shows confidence. It’s a positive self-introduction when you meet new colleagues or business partners for the first time.
Watch your Facial Expressions
Your mouth might say ‘yes’, but if your facial expression looks awkward, people will never believe what you said. Be it happy, confused, angry, or bored, people can easily notice the change in your expression. As a professional, being able to control your facial expression is a useful skill to enhance communication. It can help your speaking partner understand your message better and avoid misinterpretations.
Pay Attention to Physical Space
Standing too close to someone while talking will make your talking partner feel uncomfortable or even threatened, while talking too far may convey your disinterest or rejection. Depending on the situation and the culture, understanding and using space effectively will affect your professional interaction.
Control your Voice Tone
Even though speaking is a verbal communication, the way you speak is considered as a non-verbal communication. Different voice notes can convey different meanings, including your pitch, volume, intonation, and how quickly or slowly you speak. For instance, people usually talk in a low-pitched voice during a serious and formal occasion, while speaking loudly and rapidly is often associated with informal occasions.
Essentially, body language is an essential skill because it impacts how you communicate with your colleagues. It helps in conveying your message better through the way you speak, your expression, and your mannerisms.
This article is updated on 16 May 2025.
Next read: Staying Current in Your Career: Examples of Technical Skills and Ways to Stay Ahead
