The Importance of Body Language in Business

It is estimated that more than half the meaning of our communication is transmitted through body language. Before we created words to communicate with each other, we used movements and gestures to communicate what we wanted.

Iconic actress Mae West said it best with this quote: “I speak two languages, Body and English.” The communication we convey with a hand gesture or a nod of the head is more powerful than we realize.

Our body language sends a message to the person we’re talking to, saying things like: “I’m bored and uninterested,” or “I’m interested and excited to be here” for example. No matter what words you use, your body language will always give you away. The body doesn’t lie.

Finishing the sentence

Just as we can’t form a verbal sentence with just one word (except for “go”), the meaning of a conversation can’t be derived simply from one bit of body language. We must look at the entire non-verbal communication to complete the sentence and read the message correctly.

So what kind of things can you do to ensure that a positive message is being conveyed?

• Maintain eye contact. Good eye contact shows that you are interested, connected and comfortable.  When talking to a group, scan the room (slowly) so that you’re making eye contact with everyone. Avoid looking at just one person!
• Smile, it’s catchy. A relaxed smile shows your warmth and comfort and creates an upbeat, positive atmosphere. It shows you are interested and inviting conversation. A frown on the other hand makes you appear tense and standoffish. And besides that — smiling is contagious!
• Stand tall. When you stand, keep your back straight, your shoulder back and your head up. This will show that you are at ease in the situation. If you are slouching, with your arms folded across your chest, you are giving the impression that you are tired, defensive and uninterested.
• Talk to the hand. Lots of people talk with their hands. If you’re one of those people, I’d advise you to be aware of your own hand movements. Do you scratch your nose, your ear or your eyes when speaking? All these can be a sign of deception.Other hand movements to avoid include: pointing fingers, wringing your hand, knuckle cracking, picking your fingernails, or playing with your pocket change. You’re going to come across as being distracted or nervous. Keep your hands at your side, or place in your lap if you don’t know what to do with them. Steepling the hands is a sign of high confidence.

  Rubbing the chin or placing the hand under the chin with one or two fingers on the cheek is a sign of contemplation or evaluation.

Not sure what you’re “saying” with your body language? One way to find out is to evaluate yourself in the mirror – or videotape yourself having a conversation with someone. Ask yourself “How would I view someone who looks, talks, and acts as I do?” Then, adjust accordingly!

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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged business etiquette tips, body language, personal appearance

Preparing for Your Job Interview

Showing up for a job interview without preparation is like showing up for a final exam without studying!

To provide a positive first impression—and ace your job interview—there are a few things you can do BEFORE the big day.

1. Do your research. Find out everything you can about the organization where you’re interviewing. Combine that with the type of position you’re applying for within the company. Don’t be caught off guard if asked: What do you know about our company? (What they really want to know is: Did you prepare for this job interview by doing some research about us?)

 

2. If you plan to bring your portfolio, or any other information, take time to organize it well before you leave the house. You don’t want to appear disorganized by having to flip through documents to find a copy of your resume or examples of your work.

 

3. A day or two before your scheduled interview, scope our your interview location. Determine how long it will take you to get there on the day of your interview. Take into considerations things such as traffic flow for that time of day, construction detours, and anything else that may delay you. Everything you do and say at your interview is being reviewed—and your first test is to see if you show up on time.

 

4. If you carry a puse, make sure it’s well organized. That way if you’re asked for additional information during the interview, you can retrieve it quickly and easily.

 

5. Make sure your clothing is clean and doesn’t need repair (and that it fits properly!). Avoid flashy jewelry. Keep it simple. Many people make the mistake in thinking that no one will notice the small details. People do, especially when it’s their job to assess you to see if you’re a good fit for their company.

 
Have you interviewed for a job recently? Or are you a hiring manager who has some interview tips to share? We’d love to hear from you! Post in the comments below!

For additional interview etiquette tips, read “Outclass the Competition with Simple Interview Etiquette.“

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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged business etiquette tips, job interview

Top 5 Business Etiquette Faux Pas

Make no mistake, etiquette is as important in business as it is in everyday life. Knowing how to present yourself with a positive professional image will give you the ability to set yourself apart from your peers, and excel in business.

Sometimes it can be the little things that you do—or don’t do—that can make or break your career.

Here are my picks for the top five business etiquette faux pas (and how you can avoid them):

1. Taking calls or texting while in conversation with others. When engaged in a conversation, turn your cell phone off—or put it on vibrate. If you must take a call, excuse yourself and find a quiet place to talk, away from everyone.
2. Not being fully present to conversations. Stay engaged when talking with someone. In person, always use direct eye contact when speaking with people. When on a call, avoid the temptation to check email!
3. Bad mouthing others. This should really go without saying, but unfortunately we know it happens all the time. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
4. Arriving late for a meeting. Punctuality is a must! Being tardy tells others that you don’t value their time, and that other things are more important to you than they are. Make a conscious decision to stay on schedule. Set a reminder on your calendar, or your smartphone, to alert you in plenty of time to arrive at the meeting on schedule.
5. Making excuses for not living up to your commitments. Honor your commitments. When people know you will do what you say, when you say it, you will gain trust—and be successful. Avoid the stress, and embarrassment of failing to keep your commitments by assessing your ability to complete a task BEFORE you take it on.

What’s the biggest etiquette faux pas you’ve encountered? Share in the comments below!

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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged business etiquette, business etiquette tips