You’ve prepared for the interview and have spent hours practicing thoughtful answers. However, in your attempts to come up with just the right words to express your interests you could be overlooking the most important messages your body language sends.
Research findings support that over two-thirds of the way you communicate is through non-verbal language combined with the tone of your voice and words you use. Yet body language is either ignored or taken for granted when talking with others.
There are several ways where your body language can send messages that unknowingly create barriers to your career progression. Knowing the significance of how people can interpret your non-verbal postures will help you build trust and rapport in a more effective way.
A good example would be the habit of crossing your arms not because you are bored or uninterested in the conversation but rather are comfortable with your arms crossed. To the person talking, arms that are crossed can send a message of defensiveness or that your mind is already made up.
To others crossing arms is a sign of skepticism, a nervousness posture or a judgmental attitude all of which tend to shut rapport building down. Since you can’t read minds, you have no idea how the person perceives you. Consider breaking the habit of crossing your arms for comfort and open them up when talking with others.
Another area where body language influences the conversation is the “personal space” issue. Unless you really know a person well, it’s best to keep the 3-5 foot rule and have some distance between you.
Personal space varies in social settings, genders and cultures; however, when you step in too close, you could be making the other person uncomfortable and rather than being remembered for having a great conversation, they’ll remember how close you stepped in their personal space.
Eye contact is a powerful way to communicate however be aware that too much of it can send the opposite message of listening to one of aggression or intimidation. Avoiding eye contact can be just as negative in conveying dishonesty or disinterest, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and discomfort.
The key to good eye contact is being natural; even if you are shy, make an effort to look at the person for short periods of time. Eventually you will gain more confidence in the way you interact.
Shaking hands, smiling and nodding all communicate messages to people and will often tell them more about you than the words you use. Body language supports your verbal conversations, and being aware of how the two coincide will make you a stronger communicator.
How does body language affect your communication with others? Has it influenced your career progression?
