Within an office environment, it’s important to have a high level of effective communication. If this doesn’t occur, there is a high chance of misunderstandings, possible conflict, and errors. 

You might think that communication is all about the words you say, but it’s actually also about the things you don’t say. Do you know that whilst you’re talking to someone, and even when you’re not, your body is also speaking for you?

This is called body language, and it’s something we all need to not only be aware of, but something we need to understand in greater detail too. 

What is Body Language?

Body language is the way our body speaks for us. It could be a lack of eye contact, or too much eye contact. It could be fidgeting, which may signal someone is bored or lying, or it could be a defensive stance, perhaps with the arms crossed over the body.

Body language might seem like nothing, but when you start to delve into it and piece together the truth of a situation, you will understand that body language can actually scream what is really going on beneath the surface. 

Check out this video for a little more information on how to use body language for your own benefit. 

Having the right type of body language can help you make the best possible first impression but it can also help you maintain quality working relationships within the office environment. 

Have you ever been speaking to someone and you’re hearing their words, but you’re not convinced by what they’re saying? Maybe you haven’t met this person before in your life and you have no idea about the background of what they’re telling you, but something just seems ‘off’? It’s probably because their body language simply doesn’t match with the words they’re saying and you’re totally confused as a result.

Body language is powerful, and being more aware of how your body language speaks for you from your office desk and beyond is vitally important in a working environment. 

A few examples of negative body language include:

• Fidgeting, e.g. messing with hair, wringing the fingers, playing with the sleeve of a jacket, scratching the face
• A lack of eye contact, looking anywhere but at the person you’re speaking to 
• Crossing your arms in front of your body. This shows a defensive stance and could show that you’re either annoyed or you’re lying 
• Crossing your legs over when you’re sitting down. This is another defensive stance, which basically shows the same thing as crossing your arms 
• Seeming distracted and obviously not listening to what the other person is saying
• Turning your body away from the person you’re speaking to/listening to 

On the other hand, a few positive body language traits to adopt around the modern boardroom tables in particular are:

• Making eye contact with the person you’re communicating with 
• Nodding and making agreeable noises whilst you’re listening
• Avoiding fidgeting and keeping your posture light and relaxed
• Crossing your legs at the ankle when sitting, and not at the knee
• Smiling and encouraging the other person to speak 
• Turning your body slightly towards the person you’re communicating with 

Understanding the main positive and negative body language traits can help you get your message over to someone far easier, but also avoid them misunderstanding your motives. It’s also useful to learn how to read body language when you’re sat at the round office desks, so you can really get to the crux of an issue and solve a problem.

Of course, understanding body language is useful in your personal life too and can help you to understand when someone might be lying to you or bending the truth slightly. 

Understanding that our words aren’t the only communication method we have at our disposal is vital if you want to ensure that you show your true self and your true intentions.