5 Ways of Using Body Language to Be the Best in Your Career

A blog page

Positive body language is not only essential to a successful interview but a successful career. Want to impress during an important meeting? Maintain eye contact. Being aware of your body language can significantly impact the way that you're perceived. It's the cold hard fact of reality that you're judged the moment you step into any work-related situation.


Studies show that only 7% of our judgements are based on what we say. We have roughly seven seconds to make a strong first impression, so dress to impress and follow our five useful points on how to exude the best possible body language in any career-related situation:


1) Eye contact

Looking into someone's eyes indicates interest. Maintaining eye contact shows you're engaged, outgoing and enthusiastic. Don't glare at someone blankly, hold eye contact for a few seconds at a time. If there's more than one person in any situation, be sure to have eye contact with everyone.


2) Posture

How you carry yourself conveys a lot about you as a person. For example, if you're attending an event, having a slouched posture in a chair might convey to others that you're uninterested in the occasion. Status is conveyed by height and space. Having a strong posture by standing straight and holding your head high are both signs of confidence.


Subtly copying a persons body language you're planning to win over can increase rapport. Walk with confidence and be proud of who you are! Make a conscious effort not to fiddle and fidget. Avoid tapping your fingers or moving your legs, as it conveys being bored or impatient. Sit forward to give the impression of confidence and attentiveness.


3) Shake hands

Think carefully about your handshake, as it's a fast way of either conveying strength or a nonchalant attitude. Nothing is as worse as a limp handshake, but an over firm handshake can come across as aggressive. Show power but be dignified in your execution. A University of Alabama study showed that of 112 male and female students, those with firmer handshakes were considered extroverted and emotionally expressive.


4) Project yourself

People pick up any attitude instantly. Think about any situation before you enter it, and make the conscious choice to convey the frame of mind you want others to see.


If it helps to articulate your points, use some hand gesture to convey yourself. Don't go overboard with this, as waving your hands around too much suggests nervousness.


5) Positivity

This is the one fundamental rule that is continuously overlooked. Having a positive attitude can truly change the way people interact with you. Simply smiling will not only make you seem approachable and friendly to others, but will make you feel in a positive mood! Happiness is a choice. It takes 42 muscles to frown but only 17 to smile!


Remain attentive, stay focused and keep positive. Showing interest and positivity is a perfect combination in winning someone over.


How do you make sure you're projecting the best possible body language? Tweet us @EmolumentTM!

 

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