Your body language and non-verbal communication determines largely how people perceive you. They say that women have formed an opinion of you within 4 seconds and men have formed an opinion of you within 7 seconds. Malcolm Gladwell in his book “What The Dog Saw” reports that job interview panels form an opinion within 15 seconds of the interview. Regardless, your body is talking and sending information about you weather you like it or not.
Excellent non-verbal communication skills will tell people that you are confident, engaged, credible, pleased to be there and honest. Someone with poor non-verbal skills, however, may give off an impression of low self-esteem, lack of confidence, not wanting to be there, a lack of knowledge and maybe even that of being bored.
When dealing with the business world, it’s especially important that you’re aware of your body language. Your non-verbal cues and gestures can make or break a business conversation and may have a significant impact on your success.
Below is a link to a webinar recording where I discuss 10 common body language mistakes that may negatively impact you in business, when you are presenting or in your everyday life and some tips on how to avoid these mistakes.