What Your Body Language Says

As a hybrid mom, you read books, emails, trade journals, homework assignments, grocery lists, signs, and probably a few minds (starting with your husband’s and child’s). But are you reading the nonverbal cues right in front of you every day?

During a typical 30-minute meeting, 800 nonverbal signals are exchanged. According to one study, 55% of a message is conveyed by nonverbal cues, rather than words. If you aren’t picking up on these cues, you could be missing buying signals, hidden objections, excitement, frustration, and other valuable emotions going on in your associates’ or customers’ minds.

Here is an easy key to some of the most common nonverbal signals and what they mean. While some may seem obvious, are you taking the time to notice them and when they occur?

Positive Signals:

•    Uncrossed arms and legs – openness, confidence, cooperation
•    Leaning forward – engagement, active listening
•    Nodding – agreement
•    Eye contact (up to 3 seconds) – passive engagement
•    Enlarged pupils – interest, excitement

Negative Signals:

•    Crossed arms or legs – disagreement or stubbornness
•    Shaking head – disagreement
•    Fidgeting – stress, insecurity, doubt
•    No eye contact – boredom
•    Intense eye contact (more than 3 seconds) – coldness, anger, dislike
•    Lifeless expression – boredom, disengagement
•    Self-touching gestures – tension
•    Rapid blinking (over 50 blinks per minute) – stress
•    Stiff posture – concerns, unease

So what should you do if you are receiving negative signals during a meeting? First and foremost don’t ignore them. Ignoring negative signals is like trying to ignore the laundry…it won’t go away and will only grow into a bigger, dirtier chore to deal with later. Hidden concerns, discomfort, doubt and stress will sabotage your meeting, your message, or your sale. When you receive negative signals ask a question. If your audience is checked out of the conversation the question will revive them and get them involved. If your audience has concerns or objections about what you are saying you need to flush them out so you can deal with them.

Just as important as the cues you are receiving are the cues you are sending. Evaluate your own posture and body language to determine if you could be sending confusing signals to coworkers, customers, family, or friends, without even realizing it.

Recognizing and adjusting to body talk will help you become more effective and productive, taking your professional results to the next level. Next to mind-reading, body talk is the most effective method of communication.

BIO: Courtney Briggs is a working mother of two and an MBA with over 15 years of advertising, sales, sales training, and management experience. Visit www.courtneybriggswrites.blogspot.com to learn more about her and her work. Check out www.momstrengths.blogspot.com to learn more about your unique Mom Strengths and how to use them to be a happier, more successful Mom.

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