Body Language and Nonverbal Communication Skills
Body language and nonverbal communication skills
Face to face communication is of two fundamental types:
- Verbal communication
- Nonverbal communication
Verbal communication is the use of words; language.
Non-verbal communication is made up from: voice tone and body language.
You can glean a lot of information about another person from the way they look and how they sound, apart from the words they use.
Let us look at each category of non-verbal communication and see what benefit we might glean.
Body language non-verbal communication consists of:
- Posture
- Appearance
- Touch
- Gestures
- Eye contact
- Facial expression
- Orientation
- Proximity
1. Posture
Posture is how you stand or sit.
If you are leaning or slouching, this implies you are lacking in energy, sick or sleepy.
Be sure to stand or sit up straight. This will imply that you have energy, good health and are awake.
2. Personal Appearance and dress
How are you dressed? Are you well groomed and tidy?
Generally speaking, people do judge others on appearance.
Your brain says to itself "if it looks like a lion, it probably is a lion"; "If she is dressed in a police uniform, she is likely to be a police officer".
If you look well groomed and "together"; you will be judged as "together" in other habits. Whether that is true or not.
If you are scruffy and shabby in appearance- you are likely to be judged as shabby in other habits. Whether that is true or not.
So why risk it?. Dress in clothes twice as good and buy half as many. Don't look sloppy.
3. Touch
Sometimes you have to touch people.
Touch includes handshakes.
You gain information from people from their handshake.
Make your handshake firm and slightly longer than is normal.
Look at the person as you are shaking his-her hand and as you do; memorise their name.
4. Gestures
These mean hand gestures.
Avoid at all costs;
- Pointing with your finger
- Pointing with a pen
Instead use open handed gestures to emphasise points.
5. Facial expressions
Facial expressions counts for a lot.
Do not frown too often or for too long. A frown suggests "danger" to the subconscious mind. It will assume "this person is in trouble - and it pays to keep away from trouble".
Smiling suggests confidence, friendliness and success.
So smile frequently.
6. Eye contact
The best rule is to give as much eye contact as the other is giving you.
If they are not looking directly into your eyes, do not glare at them.
If they are looking into your eyes, reflect their eye contact back.
Don't evade the eye contact of another.
7. Orientation
Orientation is the angle at which you stand or sit relative to the other person. Avoid the square-on position.
Square-on raises the intensity of emotion and suggests either aggressive thoughts or sexual thoughts
In business context you do not want either, so sit at an angle to the other person - an angle of 45 degrees is about right.
8. Proximity
Proximity is the measure of how close you are to the other person.
This varies considerably depending on;
- The context
- The relationship
- The activity
- The gender of people involved
- The age of people involved
- The person's cultural norms
- The person's character
My best advice on distance is similar to that for eye contact. Notice the others responses and operate according to their habits.
If the other person is distant, don't crowd him. If the other person wants to get close, don't back away.
Reflect the other person's character in your own movements.
Non-verbal Communication Summary
Posture: Stand with a straighter posture.
Appearance: Dress in clothes twice as good and buy half as many.
Touch: Make your handshake firm and slightly longer than normal.
Gestures: Use open handed gestures to emphasise points.
Facial Expression: Smile frequently.
Eye Contact: Reflect the other persons level of eye contact.
Proximity: Notice the other's responses and operate according to their habits.
Definition: Body language
Body language is a form of non-verbal communication used in business. It expresses meaning through movement, stance, facial cues and appearance instead of words. People send these signals both intentionally and without realising. Listeners read them quickly to judge trust, mood and status, so body language shapes how others react and how every meeting ends.
Show CG4D Definition
- Relies on physical movement, posture, facial expression, eye contact and dress, not speech
- Operates both consciously and unconsciously in the sender
- Provides immediate cues that others use to judge trust, mood and status
- Directly affects the outcome of conversations, deals and relationships at work
Article Summary
Seventy-one per cent of professionals say clear body language builds trust, so stand tall, smile, meet the eye and use open hands; these simple cues speak louder than words and help others believe, relax and act on what you say.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
How do I adopt a confident posture at work?
What do weak or avoiding eyes reveal in business talks?
What is the best handshake etiquette for first meetings?
Why should I swap pointing for open hand gestures?
How near should I stand to someone during a chat?
Can clothing really change how colleagues judge me?
How often should I smile in meetings without seeming false?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
In the LinkedIn Global Workplace Report 2024, 71 per cent of professionals said clear body language from leaders makes them trust company choices more. The CIPD Non-Verbal Communication Survey 2024 found that 62 per cent of UK staff have felt confused in online meetings because they could not see colleagues’ facial cues.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Communication - Nonverbal Communication
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How to use eye contact
Learn how to use eye contact to read emotion, build trust and avoid social slip-ups. Follow simple tips to match, mirror and master proper eye contact.
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What is Passive Behaviour in the Workplace?
Passive behaviour drains morale, breaks feedback loops and slows team performance. Learn steps and communication training to swap silence for affirmative action
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Body language and nonverbal communication skills
Learn how posture, eye contact, gestures and appearance shape trust at work. Our guide to body language and nonverbal communication gives clear, useful tips.
Read Article > -
Are Hand Gestures Considered Aggressive?
Learn how aggressive hand gestures like finger pointing or a clenched fist damage trust. Spot cultural signals, use calming moves and boost non-verbal skill.
Read Article > -
Ten Ways to Improve Your Body Language
Learn 10 proven body language tips to stand tall, build trust and make a first impression at work or online. Improve your posture, smile and eye contact today.
Read Article >
Looking for Communication Skills Training?
If you're looking to develop your Nonverbal Communication Skills, you may find this Communication Skills Training Course beneficial:
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