Body language in business, or how to move to gain trust

In business relations, we often think about what you should pay attention to in order to make the best impression on the interlocutor. The first seconds are very important, but it doesn't mean that you only need to be careful for a moment. As soon as you can form a positive opinion of your interlocutor, you can also change that opinion. How does our body language affect this?

Body language

In the world of communication, there is a rule 7-38-55, which says that 7% of information reaches the interlocutor thanks to the spoken words, 38% reaches him thanks to the appropriate intonation, while body language is responsible for the largest part - 55% - of the message. Therefore, it is worth remembering how important, apart from verbal communication, the message that we send in the form of body language becomes. What our interlocutor sees can completely change the meaning of the words spoken during our conversation.

Below is a list of the parts of the human body that are worth checking during business meetings.

The body posture will tell you the truth

Whether others see us as winners or losers can be read directly from our body posture. Through the way we walk, slouch or tilt our head, we sometimes send a clear signal to the people who are watching us, completely unconsciously.

A stooped silhouette, with bowed shoulders and chin down, is a signal that the person we are looking at does not believe in his own abilities and is deprived of the power of penetration.

Optimism and self-confidence are heralded by a straightened back, a slightly raised head and a steady step. On the other hand, the proverbial "snub nose" and arms tilted back indicate that our interlocutor considers himself to be better than others. The mere fact of turning the body towards the interlocutor is a silent confirmation of interest in the content of the speech, and the crossing of arms or legs is a sign of closure and signaling fears. Just a few gestures can reveal a lot of information about us to our interlocutor.

The way you sit will reveal who you are

The way of sitting down is seemingly irrelevant, but there are considerable differences in the perception of the person sitting on the armchair and the person curled up and sitting on its edge.

Relaxing freely in the armchair with your legs stretched out in front of you or crossing your legs over your feet may be perceived by the environment as an insult and a complete disrespect. On the other hand, hiding in an armchair or sitting on the shore with crossed limbs does not prove that our interlocutor is confident and of his worth. Will such an uncertain contractor be a good business partner?

Body language and hands

One of the strongest signals sent to the environment are those generated by human hands. The first contact with the interlocutor's hand takes place during a business meeting, at the moment of greeting. Shaking out a flaccid hand shows the weakness of our interlocutor. On the other hand, embracing her with both hands may be perceived as questioning the honesty of the partner's intentions. The safest and most correctly perceived gesture by our interlocutor is a firm hug, but not too strong, without palpable shakes.

A gesture well known from early childhood is the extended index finger, which signals the order very clearly. Hands upside down are more a request than an order. On the other hand, directing them downwards gives a sign of supremacy. Aggression is shown by a hand clenched into a fist, and boredom is illustrated by a hand resting on a cheek with a vertically raised index finger and a thumb supporting the chin. Often used by politicians is the gesture of the tower (touching fingertips of both hands raised upwards), aimed at sending a signal of determination.

Any hand-held behavior, such as rubbing your nose or covering your mouth, may be perceived as suggestive of dishonesty.

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Shoulders - straighten up

Every manifestation of openness is associated with outstretched arms. The signal that is sent during this behavior is undoubtedly a sign of sincere intentions, while hiding your hands in pockets or putting them backwards may suggest that you want to hide something from your interlocutor. Crossing the hands is very popular, but considering that it is perceived as closing on your partner, it is not a good way to break down barriers.

Mimicry - attitude drawn on the face

According to a popular saying, everyone has an attitude drawn on their face. A sincere and warm smile is a very good start of a conversation, as it will make our interlocutor immediately perceive us as an open, honest and contact person. Clenching our lips and drawing our eyebrows can reveal our dissatisfaction and anger. On the other hand, a wide open mouth and raised eyebrows without limestone will be perceived as surprise and surprise.

Body language and vision

The way of looking is very important and it undoubtedly shows the personality and attitude of our interlocutor. Looking straight into the eyes suggests honesty, but maintaining eye contact for too long can make you feel uncomfortable in the conversation. Constantly avoiding eyesight or looking into the distance alerts you of unreliability or embarrassment. Just like the darting eyesight that proves the disrespectful attitude of our interlocutor.

It is very important to carefully dose the signals sent to the environment. Exaggeration will not necessarily get the desired effect. Even an inconspicuous touch during a business meeting can have a negative effect. Of course, controlling factors such as body language can serve as a method of manipulation, and whoever has mastered this knowledge gains an advantage over their interlocutors more easily. Speaking without using words so that we are received in the right way is quite an art.