Body language is a combination of body movements, facial expressions, gestures, postures and eye movements that together, convey a message. If a speaker’s words and body language differ, listeners are more likely to believe the body language and not the words. After all, actions speak louder than words.
Many people do not pay attention to their body language. It is important to note that even when we feel we are not communicating, we are communicating something. The reason this happens is that most of our body language is unconscious. We don’t always realise what expressions we make or how we position our bodies. That being said, our body language can make or break a deal for us. Hence, it is important that we pay attention to it, or tell a friend to point it out each time we look awkward.
Body talk
Body language can also be conscious or semi-conscious. For example, when we are giving directions to someone, we use conscious body language. There might also be times when we are aware of some of actions but not all the actions. Yes, if someone points it out to us, we notice them. This is semi-conscious body language. Whether positive or negative, body language talks a lot about us.
Presentation is everything. The way you carry yourself, treat your colleagues and juniors, speaks a lot about you. Body language can have a direct impact on one’s professional and personal life.
If you want to create a good impression and make your presence felt at your workplace and avoid career killers, here are some tips:
- Practice a firm handshake — A handshake should not last beyond two to three pumps. Always shake hands from the elbow, not the shoulders
- Make eye contact while talking to colleagues — it shows interest. Don’t forget to nod while listening to them. When a person tilts his/her head slightly to his/her right or left, it shows he/she is interested in listening to you.
- Never point fingers. That shows an aggressive side of you. Instead, use the palm up position. It shows that you are trustworthy and have nothing to hide
- Stop rolling your eyes. It shows you are annoyed, skeptical or do not take the other person seriously
- Not feeling cold but still crossing your arms? You are simply blocking out others and what they have to say.
- Don’t forget that your appearance (grooming and hygiene), body fragrance or odour, and time sense (good or bad) are also communicating something about you.
- Maintain appropriate distance. Do not get too close to your colleagues, as it can intimidate them or make them uncomfortable. That being said, standing too far away from them can make them feel insulted. The ideal distance between you and a colleague should be between one arm distance away.
For healthy relationships:
- When someone avoids eye contact, it could mean that they fear rejection or they are hiding something. If your partner is blinking more than usual, he/she could be apprehensive about something that he/she wants to talk about.
- Are you often distracted by the phone or TV or game while someone is talking? It conveys that you don’t care and aren’t interested in knowing what he/she is talking about.
- Have a genuine smile which crinkles the eyes and lights up your face.
- Mirroring is a beautiful technique to build positive relationships. It means imitating the opposite person’s positive gestures and postures.
The writer is an image and self-enhancement coach.
