If there is one thing in life which we as human beings can completely control – is a way of how we are presenting ourselves to others and interacting with people. We are now in a time when from many examples around the world we can see people who are making amazing comebacks, practically starting from nowhere transforming themselves into extraordinary persons. When you are talking with a person somewhere on the street, you want to sound understood and accepted. If we want this level of respect from someone we have to be able to engage with one another. It’s all about showing respect and you can do this by letting the other person talk without any interruption and keeping eye contact. Were you aware that we as humans can produce more then 250,000 facial expressions, over 700,000 different signs, more then 1,000 postures and 5,000 hand gestures?
Body language is the most effective way of communication, with tone of voice as second most effective and words on third. So, while knowing all of these facts, how can you get ahead in business with your body language? For example, when you are going to meet a new potential client your goal is to establish trust between you and him or her as quickly as you can. Stay close to the person, but not invading their private space, be open in communication, mirror behavior of client and while the client is speaking don’t back away.
If you have presentation in front of audience make sure to coordinate your body posture and body language to match the content you’re talking about. Avoid looking at computer or screen and focus more on the audience and eye contact. Try to move more toward the audience or walk between them answering their questions. You maybe have that colleague that is always afraid to speak up. In order to encourage him, make him feel safe and comfortable. Be positive and keep smiling when someone is talking, nodding with your head for supporting. Move closer to them and align your face in the same direction as their. If you are by chance boss in company you will get in many situations when you need to take charge of your working team. To do that, you need to keep your head up high, leaning forward when talking and keeping your shoulders back. This will engage you in dominating position but without behaving aggressive.
You will probably be in situation to ask your boss for raise. In order to try to build an agreement, align yourself with boss focusing completely on him. Keep your face and torso pointed toward her or him and be still while standing or sitting. If you’re going for a job interview you can be nervous, but there’s a way of nailing that. When you enter the room and sit down you will try to physically mirror the interviewer. Don’t appear defensive so stay open with your body and lean close to the interviewer when you start to speak. This will create friendliness and establish trust between both sides. You can also be in a situation where you will have to disagree, but without making enemies around. You can touch an individual in a non threatening way, raising eyebrows just to show receptivity but keep smiling and nodding. You can use body language to support the other person but be clear when stating your opposite view. We see from these situations how body language in business can really be important factor.
