What Your Body Language Says About You at Work

How well do you communicate at work? Before you answer, consider that communication involves a lot more than the actual words you say. In fact, much of our most important communication occurs without any verbal activity on our part at all. We’re talking about body language, which can often tell people a lot more about you than you might realize.

The tricky part about body language is that much of it is instinctive and subconscious, and we generally don’t even think much about it. But making an effort to be more aware about your body language can benefit you at work (as well is in other situations). One body language is called mirroring. This is where we instinctively tend to mimic the other person’s gestures if we feel a connection with them. By deliberately mirroring someone else’s behaviors, you will make them feel like you are engaged and interested in what they are saying.

Next, let’s focus on your eyes. It’s important to make eye contact with the person to whom you are speaking. Otherwise you may look nervous, deceptive or seem like you lack confidence.

You should also pay attention to your posture. Slouching makes it seem like you aren’t taking the conversation seriously. And squeezing yourself into a small space makes you look like you lack the confidence to take up more space.

This article shares more tips on using body language to your advantage at work.

What are your body language do’s and don’ts at work? Share in the comments.

Image courtesy of Thinkstock/Hemera