SUCCEED WITH STYLE: How to Turn Non-Verbal Cues in Your Favor

SUCCEED WITH STYLE: How to Turn Non-Verbal Cues in Your Favor

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling like it didn’t go well but you couldn’t quite figure out why? We are often so focused on our side of the conversation and making sure we get our point across that we fail to see subtle but significant non-verbal cues. They are easy to miss if you don’t pay attention. Master them and you’ll be able to quickly shift the direction of a meeting or conversation in your favor.

Some non-verbal cues to watch for during your next business conversation:

1. Sit up straight, but not too stiff, and lean forward. This signals to your listeners that you are engaged and interested. Leaning too far back from the person leaves a negative impression and can signal that the person doesn’t agree, is annoyed or simply disinterested.

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2. Maintaining eye contact is always a good sign that the person is engaged and interested in what you have to say.

3. Blinking in sync is a sign that you are building a strong rapport with the individual.

4. On the other hand, quick glances can signal that the person is looking for an excuse to end the conversation. You may be taking too long to make your point or droning on. Be mindful that you stay on topic.

5. Tilting the head and looking to the side means the person is trying to recall information. This is a perfect opportunity to probe for more information.

6. Mirroring the body language movements is a good sign that you are aligned with the person you are talking to and the conversation is going well.

7. Rapid eye movement can be a sign of two things: 1. Hard thinking or 2. Lying.

8. Touching your face signals nervousness and can be distracting to your listeners.

9. Tapping and fidgeting are signs of stress, nervousness and boredom.

10. When holding a meeting around a conference table, keep in mind that seat location can be an indicator of how a person participates in a meeting. Head of the table wants to be in control. Individuals who sit in the middle tend to want to build rapport with the group.

11. Taking up space (whether you are sitting at a conference table or standing in the hallway) at work indicates that you are confident and comfortable in your own skin.

{iumage_2}Margaret Batting is the Corporate Style expert for GoLocalProv.com. Margaret is the owner and president of Elevé Image Consulting and the only certified image consultant and personal brand strategist in Rhode Island. She travels the country as the national corporate image consultant for CareerBuilder and serves as the style advisor liaison for Dress for Success Rhode Island, which was involved in Styleweek Providence and will hold a fashion show at the Biltmore on April 28. For more information, visit www.eleve-style.com.