Your communication skills might not be good like others but keep in mind that you don’t have to speak to communicate with others. Your hand gestures, the way you sit and even your facial expression are telling a lot about you without knowing it.
You are probably not going to keep an eye on every item on this list in the beginning but once you start fixing your body languages one by one, you will get used to them and “unconscious competence” will take place.
1. Poor Eye Contact
If you are unable to keep an eye contact with your superiors, it can imply that you are bored or you aren’t listening. By keeping a consistent, focused gaze on your manager or supervisor, you can show them that you are paying close attention and that you understand that they are communicating with you.
2. Fidgeting
Whether you’re twirling a lock of hair, bouncing your knee or playing with objects on the table, experts say there’s likely no mannerism quite as distracting as fidgeting. Instead, try focusing on making eye contact, tilting your head and keeping your hands visible. If you’re prone to making these mistakes, channel your energy into hand gestures that show your passion and interest in the subject.
3. Slouching
It’s easy to lapse into less-than-perfect posture after long hours at your desk but experts say slouching “conveys you’re a slob or not as component” as those who sit straight. If you find yourself slipping into bad posture, scoot back in your chair with your back remaining upright.
4. Holding A Tense Expression On Your Face
You may not realize it, but that look of deep concentration (eyes narrowed, brows furrowed) can come across as frustration or anger when you look up from your device. When a coworker approaches, consciously open your palms, smile and relax your face. If you are not sure of other body language boundaries, you may be crossing, ask friends for feedback.
5. Leaning On Surrounding Objects
The research held at Stanford University has shown that standing tall makes you more powerful both directly and indirectly. Your body posture conveys a lot of information to the people around you and determines the way these people treat you. Therefore, if you keep leaning on walls, tables and the other objects, people around you can interpret it as a sign of weakness.
Being aware of how you present yourself can be vital to getting ahead at work.