Body language: a powerful communication tool!

At business meetings, your elocution is good and you know your speech by heart, but very often, your body language gives you away! Shaky hands, defensive postures, retreating… the body speaks! How can you master your body language during a business meeting? How can your attitude influence your credibility?

Body language plays a crucial role in the professional world, as it conveys messages that have the effect of influencing the interactions and relationships between you and your interlocutors! Let’s take the case of a business meeting with a prospect: if throughout your exchange you run your hands through your hair, wiggle your fingers or have shaky hands, this is likely to send your prospect the impression of someone who is insecure, intimidated and perhaps also unconvincing… On the contrary, if you adopt a relaxed posture, your prospect will also feel relaxed and confident.

Let’s take a closer look at body language and how it reflects your personality!

The way to make a good first impression

When you’re talking to someone, your body sends signals. Unconsciously, your body speaks through gestures, expressions, posture and so on.

During a professional interview, it’s important to pay particular attention to gestures, as they can influence the way people perceive you! A successful first impression is always an asset, and body language is an excellent way of making a good impression!

We advise you to opt for positive body language, i.e., adopt a relaxed posture and look at the person you’re talking to when you speak. Don’t look away, as this would give the impression that you’re not comfortable in his or her company! It’s also a sign of respect and trust. We also advise you to be yourself and to be jovial: a handshake or a smile are gestures that help to strengthen relationships.

Positive body language plays an essential role in networking and strengthening interpersonal relationships in the workplace, as it’s one of the first things people notice. Indeed, it’s easy to spot a welcoming person thanks to a warm smile, a handshake, a relaxed posture and so on.

At networking events or business meetings, your body language can encourage (or discourage) others from coming to meet you, so it’s vital to make a good impression with your body language!

Show yourself-confidence

Body language is also a way for you to project a positive, confident image of yourself! Thanks to your body language, you can project an image of self-confidence that will inspire respect and confidence in your interlocutors.

It’s also important to show through your body language that you care about the person in front of you! Don’t hesitate to show your prospect that you’re listening and that you’re interested in what he or she has to say, for example by gesturing with your head (nodding, frowning if you don’t understand something, etc.). These gestures will enable your interlocutor to bounce back, ask you a question, and thus move the exchange forward.

And don’t forget to take into account your contact’s body language! If you sense that your prospect is becoming impatient (looking at his watch, stifling a yawn), you can steer your speech in a way that will interest him more. Understanding your audience’s body language is an excellent way of adapting your presentation in the right direction.

Adapting to different cultures and contexts

Do you regularly prospect internationally? If you want to guarantee a friendly and pleasant exchange for you and your prospect, it’s vital to adapt to the cultural differences that may exist from one country to another. Indeed, certain gestures can be interpreted differently in different countries and cultures, so it’s very important to be aware of these nuances in an international context. Contexts also play a very important role in the way you can behave with your prospect.

Be open to others

Positive, open body language immediately inspires confidence. Friendly gestures, such as warm handshakes or uncrossed arms, show that you’re approachable and ready to interact with the person you’re talking to.

Showing openness to others, through a smile or engaging facial expressions, for example, makes your prospect feel at ease. By doing so, you convey a positive and friendly message, making it easier for your interlocutor to engage in exchanges.

When used correctly, body language is a real asset in establishing interesting and fluid professional communication with a prospect. During your exchanges, remember to use engaging body language, so that your interlocutors feel confident. By showing yourself to be open and dynamic, you’ll also improve your image and make it easier to strengthen your professional ties.