Walk The Talk!

They say actions speak louder than words. This is true especially at work, when your movements and gestures convey what you’re really thinking and feeling. Be an effective communicator by knowing which key gestures to master in the workplace.

If you want to establish a connection, use mirroring. It’s simply mimicking the other person’s movements, facial expression, tone of voice. This is especially important if you’re seeking the other’s approval, say, you’re making a sales pitch or presentation to an important client, or having a one-on-one with your boss. Note, though, that you have to be discreet when mirroring or else they’ll think you’re acting silly, or worse, making fun of them.

 

For example, if both of you are seated, and the other person clasps his or her hands, you can do the same—after a minute or two. Or, to be subtler, you can put your hands on your lap and clasp them together. That’s still mirroring, without being an exact copycat.

 

To project confidence, avoid slouching and speaking in a barely audible tone. These two actions convey shyness and self-doubt, and you don’t want to give off the impression that you don’t trust yourself—especially if you are at an all-too important interview. Sit or stand tall and make sure your words are clearly heard. Having a firm handshake also shows that you believe in yourself, and is an important “tool” when being introduced for the first time. A firm handshake will impress the other, and make you more “memorable” as opposed to those with flimsy, weak handshakes.

 

Tip: Practice makes perfect. Practice your moves in front of a mirror so you can check for any “errors” or areas that need improvement, then ask a friend to critique. Remember, confidence is earned, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time!

 

To show that you are sincere and open, use “open” gestures such as palms facing forward, smiling (but not too often, and not a toothy grin), and avoiding “closed” gestures such as crossing your arms over your chest and slouching. Nod once or twice during the course of the conversation to show that you are taking in the idea. Gesturing with open palms, meanwhile, translate to “I trust you, so I hope you’ll trust me, too.”

 

Another way to show that you are genuinely interested in what the other person is saying is to not interrupt when he or she is talking. Studies show that women tend to fill in gaps of silences or interrupt when the other is in the middle of talking. Make a conscious effort to avoid doing that—interrupting is not only rude, but it also disrupts the other’s thought flow. Learn to hold your tongue and speak only after he or she is done talking.

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