At Work, Pay Attention To Non-Verbal Communication
Category : Non-Verbal Communication
At work, you perform your tasks well, you pay attention to the way you speak and the words you use, but what about your attitude? Are you paying attention? Maybe not, yet mastering your non-verbal communication in the professional world, whatever the situation 
(interview, negotiation, welcoming a client, meeting …), is essential. Indeed, body language has an immediate effect on relationships with others and allows you to better express your needs and desires. What image do you think you send to others? How to master non-verbal communication?
What Is Non-Verbal Communication?
Non-verbal communication represents all interpersonal interactions, not having recourse to the use of words , not being transmitted by voice (body language: facial expressions, body movements, biometric changes, etc.). This includes voluntary or involuntary, conscious or unconscious acts. It can reveal the state of mind or of an individual and the emotions that animate it, illustrate a speech, correspond to cognitive processes or be specific to a culture. In addition, verbal and non-verbal should be linked to be sure not to misinterpret.
Most Of Our Communication Is Non-Verbal
The mastery of non-verbal communication is essential in professional life. The things that are said matter as much as the way in which they are expressed. To perceive someone detached from their body is not possible. Our attitude is decoded and interpreted by recruiters, colleagues, clients … But mastering non-verbal communication is not innate: there are daily efforts to be made beforehand to achieve it.
Master Eye Contact
Eye contact is very important in non-verbal communication, it must give confidence. You can practice looking at people on the street until they look away, or with someone you know.
A long gaze shows interest, but staring intently can be uncomfortable. A short look reflects lack of self-confidence and fear of judgment from others. In addition, the fact of not looking at the interlocutor can give an impression of disinterest. Rolling your eyes can mean a lack of listening or nervousness. Looking too much to the left can be a manifestation of lying or concealment.
Also, to grab someone’s attention during a conversation with few people, follow them with your gaze. In a meeting or presentation in front of an audience, don’t stare at your slideshow, your notes, or the wall if you want to convince and gain confidence. Look not at just one person, but at everyone in the room. This allows them to participate and improve their listening.
Adopt The Right Gestures And Movements
Depending on the rhythm and amplitude of the movement / gesture performed, the message returned is not the same. Usually, jerky, repeated and rapid movements are performed in cases of anxiety and stress. But when speaking, there are simple hand gestures you can do to keep your hands off and help you find your words. Doing this in front of a group of people allows them to be more attentive.
Manage Your Facial Expressions
It is sometimes difficult to manage and especially to hide your emotions. No need to speak to express them, they are made explicit by the face, whether it is sadness, stress, anger, joy, astonishment, incomprehension… It is important to adapt them to the situation . So, in case of disagreement, avoid frowning as they clearly show the dissatisfaction: solve the problem by speaking. Ditto in case of confusion so as not to seem destabilized. In addition, avoid biting your lips as this indicates discomfort.
