Body talk

Yes, your body talks, and people pay more attention to your body language than the actual words you say. There is an old saying “Your actions speak so loud I can’t hear what you are saying.” Let your words and body say the same thing! Be mindful of what your body is communicating to those around you as there are both positive and negative body languages.{{more}}

Negative Body Language

The following are perceived as negative body signals that communicate nervousness, insecurity, frustration, anger, or defensiveness: head shaking, eyes rolling up with a shrug, crossed arms, sideways glances, checking the time, frowning, fidgeting, biting fingernails, chewing pens or pencils, hissing, pointing a finger, and tapping or twitching a foot.

Positive Body Language

The following signals are positive body language that present you as a person of confidence, cooperation, and openness: standing tall, sitting up straight, holding chin up, smiling, holding steepled, upturned or open hands, holding your hands behind your back when standing, leaning forward and tilting head toward speaker.

6 Steps to a Powerful Handshake

• Offer your right hand

• Web of the hand to web of the other person’s hand

• Give eye contact

• Firm grip (if it’s a man shaking a woman’s hand)

• Two pumps

• Smile

In many western countries, these give the impression that you are confident.

Note: In some countries, maintaining eye contact can actually be a sign of disrespect. Make sure to adhere to the customs of the country where you are working.

Karen Hinds is “The Workplace Success Expert.” For a FREE SPECIAL REPORT on Avoiding Career Killers in the Workplace, send an email to info@workplacesuccess.com
Visit online at www.workplacesuccess.com