5 Body Language Mistakes To Avoid At Work

5 Body Language Mistakes To Avoid At Work A substantial portion of our communication is done through non-verbal behavior and micro expressionssubtleties that we notice and evaluate in our subconscious. In fact, only a small percentage of the brain processes verbal communication.In an age where in-person communication is becoming less common, body language is mora important than ever. It can help you exude confidence, trustworthiness, and build reationships at work. Whether you want to land a promotion, ace a presentation, or nail a job interview, its essential to master the unspoken dynamics at play.Avoid ansicht common body language pitfalls to be more confident and successful at work1. Nervous gesturesLeg jiggling, hair twirling, face touchingany other motion you do when nervous or boredindicates insecurity. If youre prone to hand movements, find a place for them such as on a table or your hips to rest instead.2. Poor eye contactA good formula for maintaining eye contact thats conf ident and certain (read not creepy) is to shoot for holding a persons gaze for 50-60% of the time youre interacting with him or her. Think about the last conversation you had Can you remember the color of the persons eyes? If not, its probably a sign that the eye contact wasnt sufficient. Play a game with yourself and set a goal of noticing this the next time youre speaking with someone face-to-face. If you can master this, chances are others will perceive you as engaged.3. Facing away from peopleCheck to make sure that youre not angled toward the door when engaged in conversation with people, which shows disinterest and distraction.Instead subtly mirror or mimic their gestures. Why? When we have rapport with someone were interacting with, we tend to angle our bodies toward them and subtly match their movements. For example, without being too obvious, place your hands on the table if theirs are, or lean slightly back in your chair if they are doing the same. This expresses harmony a nd alignment.4. Crossed ArmsCrossing your arms, which many of us do out of habit, can indicate defensiveness and self-protection. Instead, try to adopt an open stance with your arms by your side, slightly out from your body. This shows openness and confidence. Try holding something such as a notebook during important face-to-face conversations to keep your hands occupied.5. SmallnessWhen were feeling intimidated or uncertain, we tend to shrink ourselves, slouching and hunching our shoulders. This may communicate fear, powerlessness, or even laziness and lack of motivation (which obviously is the opposite effect youre going for)The next time you notice yourself becoming small in a meeting or tough conversation, sit up straight. Relax your shoulders back and down. Lean slightly forward. Not only will this make you appear more assured in high-pressure situations, but youll also begin to feel that way, too.Body language can have a subtle, but powerful, psychological effect on how youre perceived at work. More importantly, research shows adopting certain body language boosts self-esteem. By avoiding these common body language mistakes, youll not only feel more confident and self-assured, youll become more successful in the process.--Melody Wilding is a coach and licensed social workerwho helps ambitious high-achievers manage the emotional aspects of having a successful career. She also teaches Human Behavior at Hunter College in NYC. A popular speaker, Melody has delivered talks for TedX and others.