Workplace Body Language

Ever get the feeling that people are saying one thing and thinking another? Read on an discover some hidden signals people may give you without even knowing it!

Very few people are given the gift of being able to read body language. It would be lovely to be able to tell how a person is feeling, whether they are bored, excited or nervous. The vast majority of us are clueless! Reading reactions accurately is a skill that will most certainly help your success in the workplace.

Crossed limbs…

If someone you are talking to has their arms or legs crossed, they are not interested and are most probably bored – bordering on annoyed!

Leaning back…

A person leaning back in their chair whilst you talk to them indicates that they are not taking you seriously. The more upright someone sits, the more intently they are listening.

Eye roller…

Statistically, when talking to someone, if their eyes roll up to the left they are activating their memory. Up to right and they are using there creativity – so watch out as they could be lying!

Showing underarms…

If you are talking to a colleague who is sitting or standing with their arms behind their head, they are subconsciously telling you that they are not threatened by you. They consider themselves superior.

Poke of the tongue…

When asking questions or making conversation, watch closely for the tip of the person’s tongue. This will usually be a quick poke and implies that they don’t like something you may have said (or you in general!) This stems from childhood, when a baby shows the tip of the tongue when refusing food. It is a signal of disgust.

Deceiving Smile…

If your boss gives you a huge happy grin, showing all his/her teeth, don’t be fooled – animals bare their teeth when preparing to fight!

The face toucher…

Someone touching their face shows boredom or anxiety. Of course this can also mean that someone has an itch!

Self comforter…

You may know someone who holds their own arms (as if they were cold). This implies that they are in need of attention. This is a way of comforting yourself.

Taking us more space…

If you notice a colleague who sits or stands with arms and legs spread out, they are attempting to show an ‘alpha’ status in the office. Similar to the animal kingdom, they are marking their territory.

Nodding’s Tell-Tale’s…

Nodding is a huge give-away when talking to someone. Watch the speed that they are nodding. If they nod each time your make a point, they agree. If their nodding slows down, then they have doubts about what you are saying. If they are nodding excessively – they have lost interest.

Fiddling…

Playing with jewelry shows a lack of confidence. The fiddler most likely needs support from a family member.

By recognising these signs, you will have a better understanding of many situations. Although no one can read minds, reading body language can give you a good advantage!

For more advice, information, to post a vacancy or search through hundreds of jobs, go to http://www.newjobsin.com!

http://www.newjobsin.com is an incredibly successful company, recruiting some of the brightest people, and rapidly expanding with lots of exciting job opportunities and services!