Six Instances When Body Language Matters!

Research has shown that over 70% of communication is non-verbal in nature.

Which means that what you do or what you show is far more impact-making than what you say!

Yes, folks, body language or unconscious non-verbal communication matters more than we think.

So, wouldn't you like to ensure that you are giving the right impression through your body language?

Read on to know how....

• Facial Expressions: Is your face always serious and bordering on grumpy? Do you have an invisible frown plastered on? Do you find it difficult to smile? Beware....your facial expressions are negative and indicate a surly, non-cooperative nature. Smile more often, relax your facial features. 

• Eye Contact: Do you avoid looking at a person while talking? Do you tend to glare? Eye contact should be maintained in case of face to face communication. In formal communication with seniors, eye contact suggests sincerity and purpose. However, certain cultures do not encourage direct eye contact between subordinates and seniors. Also, while receiving or delivering bad news, eye contact should be discretionary.

• Posture: Slouching on the chair while sitting? Head bending down on shoulders? Feet sprawled in front? Walking with the weight of the world on your shoulders? All big no-nos. Posture is very important in case of formal communication. Make sure you sit straight, walk with head held high, and sit with your hands in front of you on your lap.

• Gestures: Do you continuously move your hands in the air while talking? Have a habit of swinging your key-chain? Fiddling with your ring/pen? Foot tapping nervously? All these gestures are dead giveaways of your nervousness/impatience/distracted attitude/lack of confidence. Control your gestures and fidgeting. Use head and hand movements only to stress a point while speaking, or show that you understand while listening. 

• Tone of voice: Do you mumble while speaking with strangers? Or shriek while expressing annoyance? Or holler at people when you are angry or irritated?
  
  Watch out! These are all negative traits. Use voice modulation while speaking in public, and an even tone while speaking one-to-one.

• Use of space: Do you put your elbows on the table in front of you, even when you don't know the person? Do you lean over the shoulder of strangers to see what their mobile screens are showing? Do you deliberately linger on to listen to private conversations? Indians in particular violate personal space of other individuals too often. Do not overstep your boundaries and step into another's space. Maintain a distance, literally and figuratively.

I hope these tips were helpful to you. Do comment if you want to know about more body language dos and don'ts.