Body Language Mistakes to Avoid

Neeraj Tewari

Body language concerns everyone in the workforce and we all need to be aware of what our bodies are portraying when meeting new people or interacting with colleagues.

It’s important to know that nonverbal communication can be just as telling to the other person as the words coming from your mouth, and sweeping judgments are made instinctively. These blunders are common mistakes many professionals make all the time that are off-putting and may even be holding them back from attaining the career they want.

Weak Handshakes

A weak handshake conveys that you are not confident and lack authority, but a handshake that is too strong can be just as damaging because it communicates that you are dominating and can be intimidating to the other person.

A firm handshake is the best choice as it relays to the other person that you are confident and can improve the interaction that follows.

The stance of having your arms crossed creates a physical barrier between you and the other person and indicates

that you are not open to what the other person is saying. Although your conversation

may be light-hearted andpositive, exhibiting this body

language blunder cansabotage the discussion and

have the other personbelieving you are not open to

what they’re saying.

Crossed Arms

Slouching

Slouching can project to the other person that you are disinterested in the conversation or meeting and you don’t have a desire to be there. Not only can it be seen as disrespectful, it also displays a lack of power and self-assurance. When you hunch your shoulders, you’re making yourself smaller and projects uncertainty.

Too Little Eye Contact

Too little eye contact tells the other person you might have something to hide and they can become suspicious of your intentions. Even more damaging is looking down, which shows that you are not confident in the information you’re trying to communicate and are self-conscious.

Too Much Eye Contact

On the other hand, glaring eye contact is too intense can be overwhelming to the other person and seen as aggressive.

The best option is to maintain eye contact for 7 to 10 seconds, longer when talking rather than listening, and looking to either side when breaking eye contact rather

than looking down.