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Education
ChapterTitle
StreetSmarts SM

Body language in business:

Part 2 – Reading and speaking

By Nick Cucci What does it mean to speak
Fluid Pay LLC through body language?

e often think of body language as a stand- Speaking through body language is the act of controlling
alone human behavior, but it is an integral your body language to send the right message. It can mean
part of your language and communica- looking calm, even when you are annoyed–or it might
W tion habits. When combined with the right mean looking happy, even when you aren't that thrilled.
words and actions, body language can help you drive a Controlling body language is just like selecting the right
point home or reassure someone that you mean what you words when you speak. It helps us to send the right mes-
say. sage through the physical presence of our bodies.
Common body language actions
You can use body language in the office on a daily basis as to use and notice in others
long as you know how to interpret it and use it effectively.
Let's explore how you can use body language every day to In the office, chances are that you interact with a lot of
communicate more effectively. different people every day. This is great because it means
you can start to pay more attention to the body language
What does it mean to read of the people around you and your own body language
someone's body language? too. Learning how to spot certain actions can help you to

Body language plays two roles for us–we perceive it and recognize them more in your own body language.
we convey it. Reading someone's body language can help Following are some common body language
us to listen more effectively and understand what they are actions and what they mean:
trying to communicate. When you read a person's body
language, you can adapt your own communications to
provide a positive outcome. • Smiling: Smiling is a universal sign for happiness
and positivity, and it is one that can tell you a lot.
Most people are not aware of their body language, and If you are presenting in a meeting and notice that
this is actually a good thing when you're reading it. Since everyone is smiling, you can feel confident that you
they are not aware of it, they are more likely to be honest are taking the right approach and doing a good job–
with their body language. This can tell us quite a bit about but this is just the start.
what they aren't saying.
When you smile during conversations and even
To read someone's body language, you will look at their when passing others by in the office, you share a
mannerisms, posture, expressions, and gestures to paint beam of positivity. Smiling helps you to seem posi-
a clear picture of what they are thinking. tive, look more engaged, and can paint you as a
great support system too.

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