Is Your Boss Checking out Your Body?

by Kathy Seaton

Have you ever noticed that your boss is intently staring at you in the conference room? Well maybe your body language is telling him or her something. And some of the movements we make are totally unconscious.

Conference room etiquette is becoming a huge issue in a time where we have access to so much technology and constant communication. What you don’t say, might say a lot.

Richard Newman, director of UK Body Talk Ltd, specializes in communication skills for business. He says that since we email and text more frequently, face-to-face meetings are critical. “It’s not about being someone you’re not,” says Newman. “It’s about having a professional version of yourself. Everyone has a different style. Body language training helps you match up techniques with your authentic behavior. Above all, it’s about showing warmth and approachability.”

Eye contact

Eye contact says a lot about what we’re thinking. Holding a gaze may indicate that you’re extremely interested in the subject at hand. But if you hold your stare too long, you may be signaling that you’re attracted to the person or the opposite, you want to attack them.

When you are speaking to a group, you need to look at your audience at least 50% of the time, rather than looking at your presentation. Looking around at the people in the room gives you a chance to focus on what you’re saying so that you appear to have command of the material.

When you are listening, you should look at the speaker about 80% of the time to show them that you are being attentive. This is important to your boss, but also very supportive for a peer that is giving an important presentation.

Posture

Sitting up and leaning into the conversation or to the table indicates that you’re engaged. If you’re leaning back in your chair or looking around the room too much, you might show that you’re either not paying attention or that you’re off in “la-la” land.

Standing Up to Speak

If the situation is appropriate, always stand up to speak or present. And stand up straight. Not only does it give you more confidence, you’re audience will see you as a thought leader.

But be aware of a few things. Men tend to sway when they speak, walk around the room too much, and turn their backs to the audience. Most of this is unconscious movement, but it can be very distracting.

Women tend to put their hands on their hips, which can make them look vulnerable or even like a pushover.

Check the Technology at the Door

Looking at your phone or email during a meeting can be very disrespectful. Turn off your phone and laptop or just leave it back at your desk. If you’re checking your texts you’re definitely disengaged and will miss the whole point of the meeting. If you have to be in the meeting anyway, you might as well pay attention.

Pace Your Speech

Before you present, think about how want your audience to feel. Posture, tone of voice, the speed of your talking can be used to motivate people. Try to keep your speed to 140 words a minute. Talking too fast can overload your listeners and the opposite might cause them to fall asleep.