5 mistakes youre probably making with your body language at the office

5 mistakes youre probably making with yur body language at the office5 mistakes youre probably making with your body language at the officeThough your co-workers and manager might not understand tiny shifts in your behavior instantly, youre giving away many invites into your psyche, simply via your body language.According to professional corporate trainer, business consultant, and entrepreneur Denise M. Dudley, PhD, all people communicate using seven channels facial expressions, eye contact, posture, hand gestures, voice tone, voice loudness, and verbal content. While she explains that many professionals are picky with their word choices, very few practice or give a second thought to the other six venues.This is a big loss, considering many studies indicate difficulty pairing sentences with sentiments. Our bodies are actually revealing more about our messages than our voices ever do, Dudley told Ladders. When were delivering a message - any message, good or bad, large or small, how we look as were delivering the message is probably more important than our words, if we intend to be understood.Especially in the office setting, where everything from words to presentation to inaction mean something, understanding how youre perceived by the way you hold yourself is key. Even if youre not intentionally sending out a particular message, your hand movements or facial expressions could tell another story.Here, experts decode office body language and give their best tips on how to match your mind to your mannerismsAssertive eye contact shows confidenceYour parents probably encouraged you to always meet the eyes of friends, family members, or teachers when you were growing up, but now that your mom isnt there to subtly reprimand you for darting your eyes, you might be slacking. Dudley says there are two times when making clear, assertive eye contact is important in business when youre giving instructions and when youre sharing information. This is because when youre bein g intentional and purposeful with your baby blues (or greens or browns) youre demonstrating your confidence. It also helps, according to Dudley, to ensure the other half in your conversation feels connected and at ease around you.Dont think you can win a staring contest during a long discussion? Thats okay. Dudley adds that breaking eye contact for a mere few seconds is welcome, since it indicates youre positive, too. Youre showing that youre engaged in the conversation, youre confident about what youre saying, and youre an open, friendly person, she adds.Glancing upwards or rolling your eyes looks untrustworthyWhen youre uncomfortable, you might tend to look up, down, left or right, or frankly, anywhere to avoid locking glances with whoever is causing you distress. Or, when youre inwardly frustrated, you might not be able to conceal your dissatisfaction on your face, mimicking the emoji you overuse. Dudley explains these habits are very common - and all send the wrong message.When you avoid eye contact, you signal that youre not engaged with the person youre communicating with, youre distracted, youre painfully shy or you dont like them. When you frequently glance upward, you signal that youre unsure of yourself, you dont believe or trust what the other person is saying, or that you wish you were someplace else, she says. Rolling your eyes is universal body language. Its sarcastic, dismissive, disapproving and downright rude.When you need to let out your stress, take a walk around the block or find a private conference room to blow off steam. The office isnt a place for a meltdown.Good posture shows youre openEver been on a first date when your could-be love interest appears overly charismatic, but you cant pinpoint why you feel that way? Even if they arent overly funny or witty, something about the way theyre simply sitting across from you has you soaking up their good vibes. Dudley says an open, relaxed, and strong posture can speak volumes about a person, without uttering a single word. When you do this, you look open and non-judgmental, ready to handle whatever comes your way. Putting your shoulders back signals that youre comfortable with yourself, able to own your own space, confident, and unafraid, she explains.Throw in a cup of coffee when youre meeting with your direct report to make their weekly 11 laid back and friendly, and youll find theyll be more willing to brainstorm ideas, air grievances, divulge where they are struggling and how they hope to prosper.Folding your arms makes you unapproachableOn the other hand, when another verbunden dating app match cant seem to unglue their arms from their chest, youll likely wonder if theyre interested in you at all. As a frequent habit of professionals when theyre in a situation where they dont feel comfortable to express themselves, this motion has the same effect. This signals that youre closed, not open to new ideas, uptight, unapproachable, unfriendly, or not wanting to communic ate - or maybe all of the above, Dudley says.Want to argue that hey, youre just cold in the arctic of your over-air-conditioned office? Dudley says to throw on a sweater, or better yet, target your self-esteem. Make a concerted effort to place your arms at your sides. If this feels too exposed, some people find it easier to hold a notebook or a pen, which then gives one of your hands something to do while youre standing or sitting, she recommends.Leaning forward shows youre listeningEver have someone in your life do anything - and everything - while youre trying to update them on the latest development in your life? Its an annoying habit for a generation thats glued to their phones and always thinking about whats next, instead of living in the moment.Dudley says you can ensure your colleagues trust you - and that feel like theyre being heard - by doing a simple move leaning in.This subtle shift indicates youre not only ready, but youre all ears. This signals to the other person that were interested, engaged, and actively listening to them. Most people know what this leaning forward action feels like, because we all do it naturally when were hearing something important. So, given that its practically a universal component of our body language, everyone understands what it means it encourages the other person and gives them positive reinforcement while theyre speaking, she explains.Looking for an inspiring way to start your day? Sign up forMorning MotivationIts our friendly Facebook ? that will send you a quick note every weekday morning to help you start strong. Sign up here by clicking Get Started