How to read body language in the workplace

Business men and women have known for years the implications of body language in the workplace. Adages such as “dress for success,” “use a firm handshake,” “stand-up straight,” and “make eye contact” are widely known–and used–practices in the business world. Successful business depends on effective communication.

People make judgments the moment they see you based on body language cues. Sending and receiving nonverbal messages is a matter of paying attention. Research suggests that only seven percent of a message is sent through words, with the remaining 93 percent communicated through facial expressions and vocal intonation. Furthermore, if verbal and nonverbal messages don’t match, body language will be taken as the most reliable communication almost every time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   BE AWARE OF YOUR BODY LANGUAGE.
   Become more sensitive to the nonverbal messages you send to others. Self awareness is critical to improving body language. Notice nonverbal messages you send to others by watching yourself in a mirror or watching a video of yourself interacting with others. Enlist the aid of friends or colleagues to provide feedback about the appropriateness of your nonverbal actions. Look for ways to eliminate negative signals and improve positive signals. Note your facial expressions, eye behavior, vocal intonation, touching, body movements and gestures, use of space, and dress. In the workplace, you are judged by actions, not credentials.
   
   Work toward being able to positively answer these questions:
   
   • Do you exhibit positive facial expressions?
   
   • Do you make eye contact?
   
   • Do you use a firm handshake when greeting others?
   
   • Do you articulate words at a comfortable pace?
   
   • Do you use body movements and gestures that communicate confidence and self-assurance?
   
   • Do you maintain an appropriate space between you and others?
   
   • Do you wear attire appropriate for the workplace?

2. 

   BE AWARE OF THE BODY LANGUAGE OF OTHERS.
   Become more sensitive to the nonverbal messages others send. Be careful not to draw conclusions or make generalizations about nonverbal messages without considering differences, such as cultural background. Many nonverbal behaviors are ambiguous when considered out of context.

Tips & Warnings

• To be an effective communicator, nonverbal communication must be learned and practiced. Keep in mind the following nonverbal guidelines:
• Next to words, facial expressions are the primary source of information.
• A smile is used and understood by every culture.
• People tend to look longer and more often at those they trust.
• Vocal intonation may reveal one’s true emotional feelings.
• Touching in the workplace is a sensitive matter.
• People communicate by the way they walk, stand, and sit.
• People lean toward individuals they like and unconsciously lean away from individuals they dislike.
• Workplace environment affects employees’ attitudes.
• Physical arrangement of furniture can dictate spatial boundaries.
• Adults in the United States accept physical closeness only for intimate relationships.
• Dress can indicate group membership, status, or time in history.
• For additional information about nonverbal communication, read P.W. Miller’s Body Language on the Job or visit www.pwmilleronline.com.

[msmayor]

on 11/4/2008 Great information

[wannie]

on 12/12/2007 brillant info love it very helpful.its bit of info how the body holds important messages.cheers

[BarryWaite]

on 10/10/2007 Great info...I do color watching to figure out people's True Colors personality. Your info is another tool in my toolbox. Thanks!

[chicagodm]

on 3/13/2007 Great information.
I am going to buy Miller's book for the soon to be college grads in my family!!!