You just finished a sales meeting with a potential client and you’re confident that you made the sale. Then you get a call from your contact saying that they are choosing to go with your competitor. What happened? You said all the right words, but maybe your body language gestures were saying something completely different.

In business and sales, body language communication is very important. Research has shown that at least 60% of our communication with others is non-verbal. This means that in every conversation that you have you could be conveying opposing messages. By making the following slight changes to your body language you can be sure that you are sending one powerful message in every conversation.

1.EYE CONTACT IS KEY 

Ever been in a conversation with someone who is looking everywhere else in the room except at you? This is usually due to nervousness and most people don’t even realize they’re doing it.  It can be unnerving to consistently maintain eye contact with someone but this technique should be used in almost every business conversation. This is because when you maintain eye contact it portrays confident body language which shows that you are giving the person you are talking to your full attention.

Removing distractions is an extremely important aspect of this technique. For example, getting distracted mid-conversation by your phone. This causes you to be staring down at your phone throughout most of the conversation, which will make the person you are talking to feel ignored. Put your phone away, remove all distractions and keep your eyes on the prize.     

2. NEVER CROSS YOUR ARMS

Crossing your arms may seem like a comfortable position for most people. However, this position can immediately change the entire tone on your conversation. Crossing your arms sends the message that you are unhappy or displeased. This position also makes some people look intimidating. These are not messages that you want to convey in your business or sales conversations.

Avoid crossing your arms by using your hands in your conversations or keeping them in a resting triangle position below your chest. The video below illustrates how to use this technique in the right way. Notice how he uses his hands to not distract, but to keep your interest.

3. LEAN INTO THE CONVERSATION 

Another way to keep the interest of the people you talk to is to lean into the conversation. This means when you are talking you are slightly leaned forward towards the other person. This position shows that you are completely engaged in the conversation.

You want to make the people you talk to feel like they are your number one focus at the moment. Using this technique will make the person you are talking to feel like what they are saying is important and valued.

4. NO MORE SLOUCHING 

Slouching is a terrible habit and it can be hard to break. Usually when people are tired they slouch. This position is not only bad for your back but can also be a deal breaker in a business conversation. When you slouch, the people you talk to will assume that you are not taking what they are saying seriously. It may seem like you would rather be sleeping then listening to what they have to say.

To correct this you can either push your back against the back of your chair or lean slightly forward, as mentioned above. The best way to correct slouching permanently is to be constantly aware of your body posture at all times. When you are sitting at your desk practice sitting up straight. This way you can turn a terrible habit into a positive one.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Understanding body language can help you to navigate any conversation with ease and confidence. We hope that in making these simple changes to your body language you can have more meaningful business conversations. What body language techniques do you use? 

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