Body language expresses a lot about you than you can imagine probably. For example, it indicates your state of mind, confidence about answers, mental attitude, capability, etc. Body Language plays a key role during the interview selection process, workplace, and life.
You must know what is body language to excel in life and the workplace. People often get confused by body language with a specific part of the body or sign through facial expression. You must have clarity about the definition and aspects of body language to perform better in the interview and the workplace.
Let’s talk about body language and its various aspects in the following paragraphs.
Body Language is a form of non-verbal communication using physical activities. It includes behavior such as eye movement, facial expressions, bodily gestures & postures, etc. It is different from sign language.
Different aspects of Body Language
Body posture for the interview
Interviewers evaluate your body language with minute details. Throughout the interview session, your every movement speaks about your attitude, confidence, etc. Body posture is expressing yourself through the movement of limbs and position of the body.
For example: if you are performing or doing yoga, your every position speaks about the importance and meaning of the specific pose.
Similarly, your posture in the interview indicates how you carry yourself, how energetic and active you are, etc. Work on your body language before appearing for the interview.
Body poses
Body posture includes movement of limbs to convey the message, whereas body pose is about complete body movement. Posing for a photograph and posing for an interview in person are different ball games.
The goal of maintaining proper body language is to impress your personality upon others, clear through the interview, or excel in the workplace. It is a way to express authority, confident speak. If you are not confident enough, it will reflect in your body language.
It all reflects how you keep your hands, limbs, etc. while talking to someone. You might not have done it consciously, but it shows your attitude towards the person, and attempts to prove a point on the person.
Facial Expression
Another important aspect of body language is facial expression. It is a way to communicate without uttering a word. It is very effective and crucial to understanding what is body language. In an interview, panel members assess your facial expression throughout the interview process.
How you behave, talk, react to questions, and make faces as a reaction decides your evaluation process. Therefore, it is crucial to decide your positive or negative attitude towards decision-making situations, reactions to sudden unexpected questions, etc.
Whether it’s the office or the interview, the first thing you should consider is facial expression. It shows your confusion, tiredness, happiness, fear or anger, etc. Your face forms a significant image of yours for the person on the other end.
You need to work on facial expression both for an interview as well as in the workplace. Practice at home, talk to the mirror, and observe your facial expressions. Talk to friends and family members and ask for their viewpoint about your facial expressions while talking to them.
Listen to them and improve your weak spots.
Gesture as communication support
Movement of hands, nodding of the head, etc., are gestures that we do to support our communication. We use such gestures to complement our message. If you want to communicate effectively, work on your gestures and posture.
It should not leave or indicate any negative attitude towards responsibilities and life. Instead, work on developing a positive attitude, which should be visible in gestures. A positive and energetic vibe from your gesture helps in the interview and workplace both.
Example: Suppose you want to say “no” to reply to the question during the interview; you can nod your head, move the head from right to left, or vice-versa. It will indicate your reply is “no.”
Gestures in body language include body, hand, and face. People use gestures to communicate usually all the time. So it is a pretty general way to respond.
Different types of handshakes
You will be surprised to know there are diverse types of handshakes. When we are confident about the meeting, discussion, and skills, we handshake with a firm hand. It shows in grip and body movement. If we are not confident about the issue or have some confusion about the situation, your grip will be less firm.
You will be surprised to know there are diverse types of handshakes. When we are confident about the meeting, discussion, and skills, we handshake with a firm hand. It shows in grip and body movement. If we are not confident about the issue or have some confusion about the situation, your grip will be less firm.
You need to understand the importance of a confident handshake to excel in the interview. At the workplace, a handshake with the client should be firm and confident. If you show your confidence, you can start a discussion on an impressive foundation.
Deep Breathing
Suppose you are in an important board meeting or client meeting and feeling stress; take a deep breath, let your diaphragm relax a little. It gives your nerves a little time to relax and think clearly.
You can apply the same aspect of body language while appearing for the job interview. It will impress the panel because it shows your calm and composed attitude to handle a stressful situation.
Other aspects related to body language
Apart from the aspects mentioned above of body language, some of the other ways to express yourself through non-verbal communication are flexing, muscles, adduction, circumduction, repetition of the same body movement, etc.
If you touch your face multiple times, adjust hair, avoid eye contact, cover your mouth while replying, etc., all of these will be counted as types of body language. However, some would not be accepted as a positive attitude and can adversely impact your job and workplace.
Conclude
If you understood, what is body language? Refer to the passage, develop a positive gesture and posture as your natural way of expression. It will help in an excellent job, career, and life.
