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Body language bloopers to avoid

Is there more to etching out a powerful image at work than just communication skills? Yes, there is.

Body language bloopers to avoid

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Swati Rai

Is there more to etching out a powerful image at work than just communication skills? Yes, there is. Your body language conveys a lot about you and your approach to work and life both. It is indispensable to crafting a positive professional image. The ‘how to…’ of conveying a message reflects your attitude, and thus is an important part of communication training. Here are tips to ace non-verbal cues at work.

Hands on or off

Chiselling first impressions, pitching ideas to a client, addressing a gathering or giving a presentation, often require perfect non-verbal punctuation, with sound gestures. To most, hand gestures reveal a lot, and rightly so. These can make or break a well-rehearsed presentation. Aim at making your hand movements reinforce your point and match your tone. Try not to make stiff hand movements. Avoid over gesticulating. The key is to make hand movements look unintentional, these should rather be in sync with what you say.

Posture perfect

Whether you are seated or standing across the table, posture is power. A slouching, lax body will show lack of enthusiasm, energy and the absence of a go getter’s proclivity. An upright posture, even when sitting, emanates power and confidence. Alacrity in responding and alertness for a task could well be conveyed by how effective your body language is. Right posture also means that you are in control of work at office. It also suggests that you mean business, and work is your priority. 

Smile you must

No, don’t smile away, but do smile meaningfully to mirror confidence and a calm, empathetic demeanour. Most CEOs fail to see purposeful smiles as an engaging communicative tool. Instead, it is viewed as a mark of lack of authority. On the contrary, a meaningful smile while listening especially, portrays you as a positive personality. You will come across as a patient and confident employee, open to new ideas. The same holds true for eye contact while addressing a large gathering. Both combined together is equal to a successful body language.

Mind the distance

You should be at an approporiate distance from the speaker or listener while communicating. When in doubt, choose a safe, comfortale distance. Each country has its own way of greeting people. Try to follow the protocol, it could be shaking hands, or taking a bow or a gentle pat on the back. Also important are the non-verbal norms of greeting and acknowledging that may range from nodding head to just a smile. 

Body langauge is an indicator of your confidence and attitude. You can come across as a team player or one with a dominating personality. But, you must behave according to the situation to ensure a smooth communication process.  These tips, coupled with a precise tone of the voice, significantly affect the overall communication process. Non-verbal cues are as important as the verbal messages that you share with your team, hence you must get them right. 

Armed with confidence

Folded arms or hands locked at the back, or moving hands to and fro while conversing, are a big no. Absolute attentiveness while listening and confidence and clarity of thought while speaking are important. You can come across as aggressive if not mindful of maintaining an open body langauge. Arms akimbo can suggest that you aren’t polite and that you resist change.  

GO FOR IDEAL OUTFITS

You can dress right at work by ensuring that you don’t stick out like a sore thumb. Also, do not look as if dressed up in a uniform. Be professionally dressed up. Appropriate outfit will suggest that you are serious about work. Be culturally sensitive. This will highlight your adaptive and empathetic attributes.

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