Getting ready for that performance review? Well before you do – have you looked in the mirror lately? No, not at your hair, or what you’re wearing. But at your body language. Do you know what your body language is communicating? Sometimes we are so intent on “reading” that other person that we overlook what impression we’re giving.
Body Language: Your legs are crossed and you’re shaking the leg on top. Whats the message? Well, you’re uncomfortable and nervous, or maybe bored and impatient. Keep the leg still. Show confidence and engagement during the meeting.
Body Language: Drumming your fingers or rubbing your face. The message is that you’re annoyed. This annoyance may be catching. The other individual in the room may become annoyed as well making for a negative experience for all! If you’re truly annoyed, try hiding it!
Body Language: Leaning back, arms across your chest or resting your ankle on the opposite knee (hopefully not the ladies!). The message here is that you’re judging the person in the room. Or, you’re skeptical. Like the example above, this can spark a negative reaction from the individual you are communicating with. Remember to keep your arms down and your feet on the floor.
Body Language: Too much smiling. While smiling is welcoming and is meant to put people at ease, sometimes it can create a perception that you’re not taking the other person seriously. Alternatively, that you’re laughing at them. Try, periodically, to have a more serious face.
Body Language: Pointing your feet or leaning your body towards the door. The message you may be conveying is that you have other work to do, you need to get out of the room, and you aren’t fully engaged in the conversation. Give the other person your full focus. Point your body towards them and show engagement in the conversation.
Body Language: Leaning back while clasping your hands. This type of gesture makes you appear completely disinterested in the individual and the conversation. And, if the perception is that you don’t care, the other individual won’t care. That conversation is pretty much worthless. Best bet? If you’re seated at a desk, lean slightly forward and keep your hands in your lap or on the desk.
Yes, body language communicates a lot. Make sure it conveys the right message!
Body Language: Your legs are crossed and you’re shaking the leg on top. Whats the message? Well, you’re uncomfortable and nervous, or maybe bored and impatient. Keep the leg still. Show confidence and engagement during the meeting.
Body Language: Drumming your fingers or rubbing your face. The message is that you’re annoyed. This annoyance may be catching. The other individual in the room may become annoyed as well making for a negative experience for all! If you’re truly annoyed, try hiding it!
Body Language: Leaning back, arms across your chest or resting your ankle on the opposite knee (hopefully not the ladies!). The message here is that you’re judging the person in the room. Or, you’re skeptical. Like the example above, this can spark a negative reaction from the individual you are communicating with. Remember to keep your arms down and your feet on the floor.
Body Language: Too much smiling. While smiling is welcoming and is meant to put people at ease, sometimes it can create a perception that you’re not taking the other person seriously. Alternatively, that you’re laughing at them. Try, periodically, to have a more serious face.
Body Language: Pointing your feet or leaning your body towards the door. The message you may be conveying is that you have other work to do, you need to get out of the room, and you aren’t fully engaged in the conversation. Give the other person your full focus. Point your body towards them and show engagement in the conversation.
Body Language: Leaning back while clasping your hands. This type of gesture makes you appear completely disinterested in the individual and the conversation. And, if the perception is that you don’t care, the other individual won’t care. That conversation is pretty much worthless. Best bet? If you’re seated at a desk, lean slightly forward and keep your hands in your lap or on the desk.
Yes, body language communicates a lot. Make sure it conveys the right message!
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