Body language is a combination of body movements, facial expressions, gestures, postures and eye movements that together, convey a message. If a speaker’s words and body language differ, listeners are more likely to believe the body language of the speaker, not his words. After all, actions speak louder than words.

More than half of the people I come across do not pay attention to their body language. It is important to note that even when we feel we are not communicating, we are actually communicating something. The reason this happens is because most of our body language is unconscious. We don’t always realize what expressions we make or how we position our bodies. Our body language at any given time can make or break a deal for us. Hence, it is very important that we pay attention to our body language or tell a friend to point out each time we make a mistake or look awkward.

Body language can also be conscious or semi-conscious. For example, when we are giving directions to someone, we use conscious body language. There might also be times when we are aware of some of actions but not all the actions. Yes, if someone points it out to us, we notice them. This is semi-conscious body language. Whether positive or negative, body language talks a lot about us.

Positive is any body language which has a positive effect on the person seeing it.

Negative is any body language that has a negative effect on the person seeing it.

Presentation is everything! One must always work towards presenting themselves in the best possible manner. The way you carry yourself, treat your colleagues and juniors speaks a lot about you.

Body language matters much more than we can even imagine. It can have a direct impact on one’s professional and personal life. Here’s everything you need to know about appropriate body language!

Want to create a good impression and make your presence felt at your workplace and avoid career killers? Here are some tips.

Practice a firm handshake:

A handshake should not last beyond 2-3 pumps. Always shake hands from the elbow, not the shoulders.

Make eye contact

While talking to your colleagues- it shows interest. Don’t forget to nod while listening to them. If a person tilts his head slightly to his right or left, it shows he is interested in listening to you. Do this often!

Never point fingers!

That shows an aggressive side of you. So, use palm up position. It shows that you’re trustworthy, honest and have nothing to hide

Stop rolling your eyes!

It shows you’re annoyed, skeptic or don’t take the other person seriously

Not feeling cold but still crossing your arms?

You are simply blocking out others and what they have to say. If you want to have a healthy conversation, uncross those arms now!

Don’t forget:

Your appearance (grooming and hygiene), body fragrance or odor and time sense (good or bad) are also communicating something about you!

Maintain appropriate distance!

Don’t get too close to your colleagues- that can intimidate them or make them uncomfortable. Standing too far away from them can make them feel insulted. The ideal distance between you and a colleague should be between one arm distance away

Using body language for healthy relationships:

Does your partner avoid eye contact?

When someone avoids eye contact, it could mean that they fear rejection or they are hiding something. When your partner is blinking more than usual, they could be apprehensive about something that they want to talk about

Don’t get distracted

Do you often get distracted by the phone or TV or that video game while your partner or friend is talking. Stop that now! It conveys that you don’t care and aren’t really interested in knowing what they are talking about

Have a genuine smile.

A genuine smile crinkles the eyes and lights up your face

How do you show that you are really listening?

Nod your head, have open body postures, remove any barriers- be it crossed arms or physical obstructions like a chair in between, lean forward- it shows you are genuinely interested

Mirroring!

This is a beautiful technique to build positive relationships. Mirroring means imitating the opposite person’s gestures and postures but imitate only the positive ones!

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