We don’t just communicate with the words and sentences we use. Our body's movements and postures can sometimes say a lot even when we're not talking. Using positive body language can help you make a great impression at work.
Body language is the first impression that someone will get of you in the workplace, or wherever it is that you are. So you want to make sure it’s the best impression.
If you’re standing there with your arms crossed, someone might think you’re angry, even though that’s probably just your relaxed body posture, but some people might take it the wrong way.
You want to portray yourself as confident, you know, you want to keep a straight posture, and just have a smile.I think it can help a client feel comfortable, help them feel relaxed. I think it’s probably one of the more important aspects with it being such a personal and intimate sort of job.
It’s important that you do the right handshake, look people in the eye, make sure you’re communicating. Try not to yawn in the middle of the conversation.
Just try and at least be present when you’re having those more important meetings because otherwise people will just think you’re ignoring them, which on any level is rude.
Body language can also make others really want to engage with you because they can see you’re a bubbly person, you’re quite excited about the task in hand, and they want to engage with you and work alongside you.It’s important to be quite comfortable and relaxed with a client, so you don’t want them to feel like they’re sat at the doctors, or a clinic.
Small things like that are just really important sort of forms of body language to show people that you’re ready to listen, you’re ready to, if they want to approach you to ask you a question, you’re available.
So be bubbly, be energetic, be open postured. Make eye contact with people, smile, show you’re enjoying, showing you’re listening, showing your intent and showing you’re having fun at work. That can really help you build all them relationships and showing that you really are a positive employee that wants to work for that organisation.
Top tips to take away
- Be present when you’re having meetings. You might be tired, but yawning or getting distracted when someone's speaking will give a negative impression
- Be enthusiastic and open - don’t be afraid to show your bubbly side or be energetic, especially when you’re engaged in tasks
- Standing straight and smiling will make you look confident
- Open body language shows you’re ready to listen and that you’re approachable
- Making eye contact can demonstrate that you’re listening and open
- Positive body language can show you’re enjoying the work that you do and that you want to work for the organisation.
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