Understanding Body Language in the Workplace
An essential part of any working relationship is communication. We must pay attention to how we say things verbally, using clear and concise language. Nevertheless, it is just as important for us to communicate nonverbally. Our eye contact, facial expressions, physical spacing, tone of voice, and so on convey much more than what we might first anticipate.
It is necessary that we are aware of our body language and ultimately how it impacts our relationships. The messages we send through our body language give our colleagues different perceptions of who we are.
This blog will highlight four simple ways to improve your body language and, ultimately, your workplace relationships.
Eye Contact
Establishing and maintaining eye contact is a must, especially when meeting someone new or listening to something meaningful. Maintaining eye contact can enable confidence, build connections, and fasten trust.
Eye contact can easily become overbearing at times, in that too much eye contact can start to get awkward. It’s best to maintain four to five seconds of eye contact before you should slowly glance away.
When speaking, you should maintain eye contact for fifty percent of your conversation; while listening, you should have roughly seventy percent eye contact. This is otherwise known as the fifty/seventy rule. This formula will help you avoid those awkward and uncomfortable moments that can make nonverbal communication daunting.
A Simple Smile
Yes, it is that easy! A simple smile can go a long way. A smile creates a connection between two people, and, as we’re aware, connections help build better workplace relationships.
Not only does a smile build connections, but it also signals our friendliness and openness to engage. Smiling may be your best networking tool! In the end, smiling can help others match your energy, regardless of the mood.
Intentional Spacing
People already do this most of the time; naturally, they space themselves a comfortable distance away from the person they’re talking to. However, you can use space to convey many different things, those include:
Familiarity
Affection
Aggression
Dominance
By using space to your advantage, you will create a different type of meaning while communicating. For example, wide spacing with a firm stance (hands on your hips) may indicate that you’re strong, confident, and ready to get things done. On the other hand, close, more personal spacing may show your affection and/or comfortability with someone making for a completely different connection.
How You Say It
How you say things is just as important as what you say. Think about a time you heard someone talk about something they’re passionate about. Their tone of voice changes, becoming more sincere or assertive. As a result, their inflection is animated, making for a more compelling argument or story.
It’s essential to understand how you say things to convey an emotion or any form of expression. Paying attention to your tone of voice, timing, and spacing between words will enable you to have a more impactful conversation.
Now, it is up to you on how you communicate through your body language. These four simple tips can elevate the way you communicate and ultimately improve your working relationships.
About Nic
Nic Sagodic is a senior studying Advertising & Public Relations. He currently works as a brand cinematographer & photographer for Right Rope, helping to increase brand awareness and sales across multiple social channels. Nic's visual media interests have also led him to Grand Valley's Office of Student Life's Promotions team. He serves as a photographer capturing everything from student lifestyle to professional headshots. Additionally, Nic is on Grand Valley's Ad Club E-board, where he serves as their Membership Director. This is Nic's first year with GrandPR where he serves as the Visual Media Coordinator.