Nonverbal communication is powerful. It is this nonverbal language that is often your deciding factor in closing those business deals, landing that dream job, or simply being recognized for your true potential.
It is imperative that you learn to carry yourself. So, where do you start?
Take note of the following five things in your next interaction, and you will witness the incredible change that your newfound nonverbal communication has on people with an immediate effect.
1. Presentation
You are marketing yourself at all times. You are a walking product. If you do not look the part, no one is going to want to hear your story, invest their time or money into what you have to say, and they most certainly will not give you any respect.
By having an impeccable outer appearance, you exude a feeling of confidence and self-respect.
This outward presentation also shows that you are serious about your meeting, that you are prepared, and that you have what it takes to deliver, even before you have opened your mouth to say what you have to say.
You can have more awards, achievements, and experience than anyone that you have ever met; if you do not look the part, it won’t count for much.
2. Make Eye Contact
Eye contact is vital to a trustworthy interaction between you and the person you are speaking to. Eye contact shows honesty, integrity, and openness, which is important to any human interaction, business or otherwise.
With this being said, it is also quite rude and awkward to stare continuously at a person, so make sure that your eye contact is a comfortable glance.
The second it begins to feel uncomfortable, look away. But never look at your shoes or something on the floor whilst the other person is speaking. This is also a sign that you are uninterested in the conversation.
Just go with the flow when making eye contact, and make sure that when you do make eye contact, your intention is firmly set in your mind.
3. Body Positioning
Our personality and exactly how we feel are always shown through our body language.
When you are meeting people in a formal setting, always be aware of your body language. Make sure that you are facing the person to whom you are speaking. It shows that you are interested and invested in what they have to say.
If you are delivering a presentation, make sure that you have learned your material well enough to be able to be conscious of your audience and your body language toward them.
Never fold your arms tightly. Rather try a relaxed approach of folding your hands if you must. Do not keep your hands in your pockets either.
Holding a book always helps if you feel that you must hold onto something.
4. Control the Tone of Your Voice
Your voice tone can either make you a winner among people or scare them away and make them lose interest in what you have to say.
A firm yet calm tone can show authority over the subject matter that you are presenting. Be careful not to raise your voice or sound angry, though.
Also, make sure that your articulation is key, do not mumble your sentences. A steady tone is always a winner.
5. Remember to Smile
People tend to underestimate the power of a smile. The world today is a seemingly unfriendly place. The truth is that people have really become too afraid to smile or be friendly in case they are judged or they will not receive a smile in return.
Being friendly is your key to success. Even if the person that you are meeting is not friendly at first, a great smile should open them up in no time.
Friendliness also conveys your confidence and shows that you are easy to work with a person.
Remember that saying, “First impressions are the most lasting.” Whatever message it is that you want to convey to the person you’re meeting, make sure that your entire being is carrying that message.
Ensure that you carry yourself as someone that you would approach and be willing to speak to. Be friendly, be open, be confident, and you can’t go wrong.
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