Watch your body language in meetings

Your body speaks – and everyone around you can hear what it’s saying. Body language is the strongest form of non-verbal communication we have and not understanding that can land you in hot water at work – in particular when you say one thing but your colleagues know that you don’t mean it by the way you are standing or your facial expression.

Because body language is subconscious it’s very difficult to control but in a recent Harvard Business Review blog, Greek businessman and consultant Charalambos Vlachoutsicos gives some tips on what he has learnt about body language over the years.

He advises that before going into a meeting you should think about the following:

– When did you last eat? Be aware that physical factors such as hunger or thirst or even the need to go to the toilet can exacerbate emotions and body language.

– How do you really feel about the people in the meeting? If you don’t like someone that you are meeting with be aware of it before you go into the room, that way you be aware of how you are responding to them.

– Have you prepared for the meeting? Not being across the agenda will have an impact on your performance, this could make you nervous and amplify your body language.

– Are you fidgeting? Some people are natural fidgeters but be aware that most people see fidgeting as a sign that you are not concentrating.

– Are you interrupting? Some interrupting is good and a sign of healthy debate, too many interruptions are bad and make people think that you are not listening to them.

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