Chances are, before you go into a meeting or a presentation, you probably put a lot of effort into preparing what you’re going to say. You memorize key points and think about potential questions from your audience.
After the fact, you probably decide how well or how poorly things went based on what was said. However, you’re missing a big piece of the communication puzzle!
Your audience—whether it’s just your boss in her office or a room full of people—is also picking up on your non-verbal cues. Your body language really affects whether or not people think you’re confident, competent and credible.
Body language includes your facial expressions, tone of voice, posture and body movements. There have been numerous studies on how much communication is nonverbal, with varying results. However, most experts agree that number is between 70% and 93%.
So, as a woman in leadership, I want to ask you: what’s your body saying to others? Here are four tips on sending the right non-verbal messages:
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Focus on alignment.
If what you’re saying doesn’t match your body language, your message isn’t going to translate well. It could even make your audience angry or emotional.
For example, if you’re telling your employees about how positive you’re feeling about the company’s financial future, crossing your arms and looking away will make them suspicious that you have something to hide.
Make sure your body language mirrors your words. Consider what you’re saying, and align your body language accordingly.
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Remember that posture plays a part.
There’s some well-known research that came out of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Their study found that “posture expansiveness,” meaning opening up the body and taking up space, activated a sense of power that changed behaviour.
It didn’t matter what rank or role in an organization the subject had—they would think and act in a more powerful way if they held certain postures.
So, while you may be maintaining eye contact and gesturing confidently with your hands, if you’re slouched at your desk or turned away from the person you’re talking to, you’re sending the wrong message.
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Watch other people’s body language
Communication is a two-way (or more!) street. Don’t get so caught up in your own body language that you’re missing out on the non-verbal cues others are giving off.
Monitor the amount of eye contact you’re getting and look at their posture. And of course, actively listen to what the other person is saying to you. Is their body language matching what they’re telling you?
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Use remote-friendly body language
With so many employees working from home these days, it’s not always easy to communicate body language. Small gestures may be lost, and your audience is likely only seeing your body from mid-chest up!
Utilize body language that will translate across Zoom or other video conferencing platforms such as:
- Maintaining eye contact
- Smiling
- Using hand gestures within the frame
- Nodding
A little attention to how you’re coming across physically will go a long way!
Becoming more aware of your body language will definitely impact your leadership style. Don’t underestimate the impact of your body language has on others and on yourself.
I’ll leave you with this quote by the American social psychologist Amy Cuddy: “Although our body language governs the way other people perceive us, our body language also governs how we perceive ourselves and how those perceptions become reinforced through our own behaviour, our interactions and even our physiology.”
I’ve helped many women in leadership develop valuable verbal and non-verbal communication skills. I’d love to hear about your unique situation and how I can help. Contact me for a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation.