Your Body Speaks.

You think you know everything about something until you actually sit down to learn… you will be surprised at what you thought you knew but didn’t. That’s what happened with me.

I was taking a mandatory training on Body Language. Before I took it, I was thinking to myself “What more can an online training on body language teach me? What I need is some advanced coaching, which is why I have joined Toastmasters. Do I really need to waste my time with basics?”. I soon realized that I did.

Did you know that 55% of our communication is non-verbal? It’s all in the language we speak with our body movements. Only 7% is verbal.

Here are 10 basic things to keep in mind on non-verbal communication:

2. Dead Arms is a sign of boredom or lack of energy. Use your arms and use them. Be animated.
3. Stooping Shoulders shows lack of confidence. Stand/Sit straight.
4. Eye Contact helps engage your audience.
5. Swaying distracts the audience. Stand still in a locked position and lean forward to have a commanding posture.
6. Fidgeting indicates nervousness and insecurity. Use your arms to deliver your message.
7. Fig Leaf stance indicates a body language of covering up of an act or an object that is embarrassing or disagreeable. Use only when you are not speaking, in wait mode.
8. At ease is a military standing posture that should be avoided. It shows a disconnect between you and your audience.
9. Props must be used only when needed, as an extension to you body.
10. Gestures with strong animated body movements is important.
11. Furnitures limit the impact of your speech. Don’t hide behind it.

Communication is crucial in project management. It is 90% of what we do in our leadership roles. Until we work on our body language basics, we are only half as good as we think we are.

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