Body Language for Meetings
Oct 29, 2007
One thing common to successful leaders is a superb understanding of how body language works.
This is particularly true during meetings and negotiations, since group dynamics can be easily understood through, and to some extent influenced by non-verbal language.
During Meetings
Meetings call for the professional best, in terms of body language.
- An erect posture indicates alertness. Slumped spines aren't indicators of future leaders!
- It helps to nod, and look at whoever is speaking. This helps in three ways: it keeps your concentration strong, it reassures those who are slightly hesitant in airing their views, and it will invariably mark you out as a "sympathetic listener", whom others want to address.
- Verbal etiquette includes patiently hearing out the speaker, avoiding interruptions and using polite phrases like "Excuse me" to get the discussion back on track.
- Clothes are frequently correlated to credibility. Remember to dress sober, yet smart. Clothes that are elegant in an understated way, with perhaps one smart accessory, such as a stylish wristwatch, help you look competent and yet unique.
- When it is your turn to speak, do start and finish at decibel levels that are sufficiently audible.
Tip: Ladies, if you know in advance that the venue of the meeting has strong air-conditioning, keep a classic stole or shawl handy, to go with your Indian attire. If using Western outfits, this is the time to use your smart jacket. Else, arms crossed across the chest become a commonly misinterpreted sight!
Follow the Leader
You have arrived at your client's office for price negotiations and are not too sure about their office hierarchy.
Who is the decision maker? Easy!
Simply spot the person with the relaxed, yet, alert demeanour, whose posture others seem to follow, either consciously or otherwise.
Tip: Respectfully "mirroring" the leader's body language, that is, following the posture and type of gestures, without doing it too overtly, can make you one of the "insiders", helping you and your suggestions get better acceptance from the group.
| For more on Body Language during Interviews, click here |
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