Is your body language sabotaging your workplace relationships? Effective communication is essential to success in the workplace, and the words you say are important.
However, there is an even more important aspect of communication that can sabotage your communication – body language.
This article reveals why body language makes a big impact, and reveals 5 body language secrets to help you have communication that is both clear and effective.
Pay Attention to Your Body Language
Without body language your conversations will be boring and less effective. Worse yet, if employees and managers don’t communicate with effective body language, there can be mixed messages and confusion. When presented with mixed messages people will believe body language over spoken words. The results can be devastating:
- damaged relationships
- low employee morale
- costly mistakes.
Did you know that the words you use only have a 7% impact on your communication? Your tone of voice only amounts to another 38%, but your non-verbal body language amounts to a whopping 55% impact on the message you are trying to communicate.
Here are 5 powerful nonverbal communication skills you and your employees can use immediately to add clarity and vitality to your communications at your workplace.
1. Good Posture Conveys Confidence
Body language means the way you sit or stand, move and look. So, always watch your posture and sit and stand with confidence. Whether sitting or standing, using good posture reflects your confidence and causes others to pay more attention to your message.
2. Body Position Makes a Difference
Carefully observe other people around you. You might be surprised at how many people are speaking to someone while their bodies are turned away from that person.
While standing side by side may disconnect you from your partner, standing directly face-to-face may seem confrontational.
Therefore it is best to stand or sit at an angle toward the other person.
In addition, sitting or standing at the same eye level with your partner sends a signal that you are equals, and lessens any feelings of intimidation.
3. Keep an Appropriate Distance
Pay attention to how close you are to another person. Some people feel very comfortable with physical closeness, while others may be offended when people get too close. Many cultures also place limitations on physical closeness.
If you sense that someone feels uncomfortable put a little more space between you.
4. Your Eyes Reveal Your Thoughts
Eye contact is essential to effective communication. When you look at the person you are talking to, it creates a connection, just like plugging into an electric socket conducts the energy to light up a light bulb. It shows respect and interest.
However, be careful not to do things with your eyes that disconnect, like rolling your eyes, or looking away.
5. Adding Gestures To Your Conversation
Gesturing with your hands adds life and meaning to your message. Practice in front of a mirror using your hands to emphasize important points. The proper gestures will start to happen naturally. When not gesturing, let your hands naturally drop to your sides.
- Be careful not to cross your arms because that signals anger or a lack of openness.
- Don’t point your index finger at anyone because that is threatening.
- Don’t play with your clothing, jewelry, or pencils, as this is distracting.
Practice Your Non Verbal Communication
Remember the 55% impact created by your body language.
Have employees practice their nonverbal communication with each other to see the difference body language makes.
Each day try to use some of these body language skills to improve your own nonverbal communication. As a result, your communication will become more persuasive, more interesting, and more effective. What’s more, you will become a role model for your employees.
Using the 5 body language skills outlined here, you and your employees will be able to communicate more effectively. The results – better relationships with you, with their co-workers, and with their customers, and as a bonus, higher employee morale.
