How Can Body Language Make or Break Your Business Team Meeting?
Whether online or in-person, body language has long been used as a subtle yet powerful tool in business relations, being found to carry 55% of your communication above words used and tone of voice. Positive and confident body language can encourage trust and commitment in team meetings, better working habits and greater business success, whilst negative or weak body language expression can lead to business failure.
Knowing the real tricks of the trade can make all the difference in a variety of business settings, and could even secure your next big deal. Let’s explore how to make the most of your team meetings with skilled body language utilisation.
Remain Open
While it can be all too easy to find yourself hunched over your laptop or eyes down in your notes in a team meeting, keeping open in your body language can make all the difference in clear and positive business communication. Keeping arms open, using broad and welcoming hand gestures, and maintaining gaze with your colleagues within the meeting all help create a positive atmosphere and confident presentation.
Give Encouragement Non-verbally
During discussion, ensure you’re engaged and giving encouragement to the speaker and reassuring your interest in a team meeting. Nodding, smiling, and prompts to tell you more all help present you as an interested and engaged business partner, and are good practice at active listening, as opposed to simply listening to respond. Interested people encourage investment, and greater business success.
Mirror Body Language
Mirroring the body language of those speaking in a team meeting helps portray you as an ally in their argument, and can lead to some excellent business deals. Whether you’re leaning into a conversation, crossing your legs or unfolding your arms, each act of mirroring subconsciously conveys safety and certainty - which leads to stronger business connections.
Body Language Hacks for Better Business
With so many body language hacks out there to better your business conversations, the route to success is easier than ever. Whether you’re trying to give a great pitch in a team meeting or onboard a new sales client, we can help you achieve your goals this year.
If we’ve piqued your interest, take a look at some examples of positive body language in our learning portal videos, or get in touch here to explore further training and support routes.