Sometimes you may not notice your own body language.
It's not like you look at yourself all day in the mirror but
you can practice and take note of what you do notice. Having a buddy to do this
with is also very helpful.
Practice at home in the mirror or if you are teaming up at
work make sure that you are paying attention to each other without looking
obvious or being too distracted to take care of the clients.
Lets look at the difference between Positive and Negative
Body Language so that you will know what to do, and what not to do that can be
corrected.
Positive Body Language
Your Face is the first thing that everyone notices. It
communicates to the world that you are together, knowledgable, informed and capable
with your title and position. Your face should be relaxed and clearly in
control.
Eye contact is very
important when speaking to another person and listening well. Making eye
contact send the message that what is being communicated to you is worth your
attention.
How you move is always done with intent. Make sure that you are in control of how you are standing and where your hands or arms are. If you have your arms crossed, you are on the defense. If you have them at your side or on your hips you are being serious and attentive.
Even chatting with hands in your slacks pockets is natural
and casually comfortable providing the rest of your posture is upright and
straight
Negative Body Language
Your Face is frowning or
tight. Maybe you have a wrinkle between your brows or one of your brows is
raised in annoyance or disbelief. This clearly states that you are not
interested and do not have time.
Eye contact is in constant
motion when speaking to others. Its one thing to look and watch the room but
its another to constantly be focusing on everyone else instead of your client.
You are distracted, and uninterested in the communication you should be
participating in or that your self confidence is low.
If you force a smile, its
going to be transparent. In short you will be pegged a faker. Things that
people will think is that you don't like what you do or that don't know what
you are doing.
Your Body language isn't
anticipated. It lacks control and is rushed. The next thing that you know your
client is going to leave to keep from feeling like they aren't important or
that they are wasting your obviously precious time.
Practicing at home
Use a mirror preferrably a long one so that you can take in
the whole picture.
Rehearse a conversation that you had earlier that day or a
presentation that you will giving.
Practicing with a work buddy
Signal each other, a simple indication to smile.
Make sure that afterwards you spend time talking so that you
can share the perceptions.
Always be willing to accept the perceptions remember you
teamed up to help each other expand and be more professional.
