How To Read Body Language In Business

Body language is a big part of business communication. Within the first few seconds of meeting someone we’re already making decisions on whether or not the person is someone we want to do business with purely based on body language.

Posture

When someone wants to appear dominant or authoritative, they stand up straight with their shoulder back. Being in a slumped position can indicate guilt, insecurity or weakness.

Voice

Your vocal range can show your interest, without your control. The tone of voice changes for both men and women when they’re interested in something – for men, their voice will drop an octave whereas, for women, their voice will go a bit higher.

Handshake

This is especially important in business. Palm-to-palm contact is key for when you want to show sincerity, it’s a sign of openness or goodwill at the beginning of an interaction or an agreement at the end. Make sure your handshake is firm and when you offer your hand, look the person in the eye and smile.

Arms and legs position

Important when you’re in a meeting – when you’re sat down and your arms are crossed and you’ve turned away slightly, this can indicate that you’re not interested. The best thing to do is to sit with your arms and legs uncrossed as this can be a sign of acceptance.

Eyes

When someone is avoiding eye contact it can be a sign of nervousness or that the person is possibly lying about what they’re saying. Staring can be seen as aggressive so try to avoid this. Be frequent with your eye contact when the other person speaks, this can show your honesty, forthrightness and that you’re interested in the conversation.

Mirroring

When two people are mirroring each other, it’s a sign that they’re getting along and feel comfortable in each other’s presence. People feel more at ease when the person they’re with is in a similar position to them and mirroring their gestures.