Often when working with leaders on helping accelerate their productive communications skills the topic of body language is discussed. Our non-verbal communications are almost… maybe even more … important as the words we use.
Leaders often spend hours crafting speeches and developing slide decks however little, if any, thought is given to the delivery of the message, that’s why body language is such an important consideration for making more impact every time you speak.
Here are our favorite tips to accelerate the impact of your message using body language:
Smile early and often – when you meet someone, while you are on the phone, in a sales meeting or when receiving service. This small gesture (which is almost crazy to have to point out) will make you look more approachable and sets the other person at ease. You can also use it to trick yourself into thinking you are having fun! While learning to ski (I started learning at 40 … not my best decision) I did an experiment to see if I would enjoy it more if I forced a smile while racing down the slope with absolutely no control… guess what… it worked!
Stand up tall – while on the phone, during a teleconference, at the start and end of a meeting… stand tall with shoulders squared and head held high. Remember while you are waiting for an important guest in reception that when you see them, stand tall and extend your handshake to make a powerful first impression (don’t be hunched over your smart phone).
Build rapport rapidly – to quickly engage people around you use body language by offering coffee, giving them your business card or in a room of people, ask a question and have the audience raise their hands. This powerful technique is even more beneficial if you have a meeting that is confrontational or with people all folding their arms.
Know when to kiss, bow or shake hands – well not literally – if you do business with other cultures or in other countries know the etiquette for greeting people. Our favorite book by the same title Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands: How to Do Business in 60 countries’ is a must have resource for every organization.
Create a cozy office set up – if you want to build collaboration with team members or conversational environments, ensure you don’t sit across from someone at your desk. It is friendlier to have a small round table to sit at our pull up the chair beside your desk (instead of in front of it).
Walk into a room assuming everyone wants to play with you – that has always been my belief. Admittedly I am an extravert, and you can walk in with the same confidence by knowing you are meant to be there and people want to meet you.
In Scott Ginsberg’s book The Approachable Leader, he asks the question ‘When you walk into a room how does it change?’ – what a great question to consider before your next meeting. Do you want people to have a positive experience of you? Do you want your meeting to be more productive… assume they all want to talk with you.
Avoid negative body language signals – these include frowning, scowling, looking down too often, constantly checking the clock, fidgeting, touching your hair and your face, slouching, looking away, weak handshake, or folding arms (this one is often misread in body language… it could be you are just cold!).
Invest 2 minutes to create strong stance – Amy Cuddy, social psychologist, shares body language shapes who you are. We really enjoyed her TED talk where she states that power poses can raise your testosterone and reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the brain. Stand, stretch and open your body language, just like you have crossed the finish line of a big race!
Don’t fake it until you make it – this term is overused, however Cuddy shares “Don’t fake it till you make it. Fake it till you become it.” – definitely check out her TED talk for more information.
Research on body language at Harvard Business School and Columbia Business reveals we can change other people’s perceptions — and even our own body chemistry — simply by changing your body position.
What are your ideas on how you can be more productive in the way you communicate with your body language? Share your ideas with us here on our blog.
PS. If you want more ideas on how to increase your productivity – check out other blogs here and several eBooks you can share with your team.
