101: Body Language
When preparing for that next big business meeting, it may shock (or scare) you that studies have shown that words only account for 7 percent of the total message. The rest falls into the nonverbal category, better known as body language.
The following advice from Lydia Ramsey of businessknowhow.com should give you the confidence to know that you’re only saying what you intend to.
Straight to the point. People will not take advice or suggestion, let alone instruction from someone who appears to be lacking confidence.
“Keeping your head straight, which is not the same as keeping your head on straight, will make you appear self-assured and authoritative,” says Ramsey. “Tilt your head to one side if you want to come across as friendly and open.”
Eyes on the prize. Eye contact can immediately improve communication, but it’s important to keep it in check.
“When you fail to make eye contact, you give the impression that the other person is of no importance,” Ramsey says. “Maintain eye contact about 60 percent of the time in order to look interested, but not aggressive.”
Help others feel comfortable. When it comes to doing business, the other person’s comfort is of equal importance to your own.
“A lot of movement indicates nervousness,” says Ramsey, who emphasizes the importance of knowing where and what your legs and feet are doing at all times. “The preferred positions for the polished professional are feet flat on the floor or legs crossed at the ankles.”
Go the distance. Keep in mind that personal space can be just as important as body positioning.
“Standing too close or ‘in someone’s face’ will mark you as pushy,” says Ramsey. “Positioning yourself too far away will make you seem standoffish. Neither is what you want, so find the happy medium. Most importantly, do what makes the other person feel comfortable.”
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