Body Language Can Send the Wrong Signals

Body Language is Important to Help You Communicate Effectively

Your body language, as part of your overall communication skills, is even more important than your verbal and written communications. Those whom you lead receive much more information visually than they do from audible sounds or written text.

Body language and posture deliver a barrage of messages to everyone you’re communicating with, whether in an interview or in an office meeting. Crossed arms can mean that you are distant and/or defensive. You don’t mean to give that impression, but that can be the case.

Yet, most executives, supervisors, managers, and leaders pay very little attention to this. All the work you put in trying to craft the perfect message can be completely undone by visually sending a very different message.

There are numerous books on the subject. Even better, there are some great YouTube videos covering these topics. One of the leading experts in the field is Dr. Amy Cuddy. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch her Ted Talks on YouTube, do so today. Her book, Presence, is another great resource to use on this subject.

Pay attention to what you wear, your facial expressions, your posture and hand gestures when communicating with employees in group settings or with those interviewing you for a potential new job. If you want to be perceived as a strong, confident leader who is calm and relaxed in the face of challenge, you have to show it, not just say it.

Master body language with the same enthusiasm as crafting your words and your messaging will be much stronger, no matter the group dynamic situation.