Nonverbal communication in carrer by Liliana Ramos

on
Nonverbal communication in career:

Nonverbal communication refers to facial expressions, tone of voice, posture, eye contact, body language, gestures and other ways people can communicate without involving speaking.
When you’re in a meeting or even in a job interview, your nonverbal communication is almost as important as your verbal communication. For example: crossed arms can seem defensive, poor posture may appear unprofessional, avoiding eye contact can be a sign of not being so confident. In our world everything is around first impressions and surely nonverbal communication allied to verbal can help you causing better first impressions meet in the workplace and beyond.

Why nonverbal communication is so important?


Most of the time, people go to an interview with everything they are going to say prepared and studied. However, knowing what you will say is only part of the all cake. In fact, this skill is just the cherry on top of the cake. Just as important is understanding how to manage and control your messages through your body language. Your interviewing and networking success will be largely determined by the impression people get of you, and how they respond to what you say.

Nonverbal Communication Skills Examples:


If we want to push our skills to a next level we should considered some of this examples:
  • Display some animation with your hands and facial expressions to project a dynamic presence. -Pay attention: Avoid talking with your hands excessively, which can appear unprofessional and unpolished
  •       Don’t bring your phone or anything else that could distract you to an interview or meeting
  •       Introduce yourself with a smile and a firm handshake. Be sure that your palms are dry – sweaty hand can pass the idea that you’re nervous
  •        Listen carefully what someone is saying, and don’t interrupt and replay respectfully when the situation claims for an answer
  •       Maintain open arms—folded arms can seems like you’re defensive
  •       Modulate your vocal tone to express excitement and highlight key points
  •       Nod to demonstrate understanding when the other is talking and show interest  in what the interviewer is telling you
  •       Smile to indicate that you are amused or pleased with a communication
  •       Observe the reaction of others to your statements in order to response correctly
  •       Respect the amount of personal space preferred by your communication partners
  •       Rotate eye contact to various speakers in group interviewing or networking situations – if it is possible to all the involved
  •       Shake hands firmly without excessive force- your goal is compliment not hurt the person
  •       Try to stay calm even when you’re nervous
  • Your nonverbal communications can either support the tone of your conversation or leave the interviewer wondering what are you doing there. Displaying nonverbal behaviors that are a match for your messages can help you to convince employers that you are genuinely interested in the job and you are the perfect candidate and it is no longer necessary to search for other candidate.
  • Another hiring factor is the subject’s apparent ability to relate effectively with clients, co-workers, and other stakeholders.
  • For example, subtly mirroring interviewers' body language can make you seems more trustworthy to them. In the same suit, lack of eye contact is a sign of low confidence and an inability to truly engage with others.
Basically, what’s most important is to be positive and engaging. If you demonstrate confidence about your ability to do the job you will be much more well accept and you’re chance to get the job is higher.

Practice Makes Interview Perfect:


Practicing how you express yourself and pass messages through role-playing with counselors and friends can help you. Try recording your practice sessions so you can analyze your performances. Here are some tips to practice interviewing.
Spending some time practicing will ensure you will feel more comfortable when you’re interviewing or networking if you’ve spent time getting ready. The less nervous you are, the better you’ll be able to communicate—both verbally and nonverbally.
Practice make perfect!

Communicating at Networking Events:

When you're attending career networking events, your nonverbal communication skills have even more relevance. If you come across as awkward, you'll be less likely to make connections who can help with your job search or career. Practicing how you will introduce yourself  can make the entire process go more smoothly so you can make the best impression.

Communicating at Work:

In many occupations, establishing credibility and trust is a significant key success factor. Using nonverbal behavior (like eye contact, for instance) can further demonstrate your sincerity and engaging personality demonstrating you are confidence and know what you are talking about. 
8 Habits Holding You Back at Work:
  •      Negative thinking- it is a trigger of doubt and frustration
  •       Attending to it, avoid negative people as well
  •      It is not everyone that will like you that’s a fact so stand up for your thoughts and ideas
  •      Don’t expect perfection because it can be form of procrastination and fear
  •      Accept your own mistakes and don’t blame others you will gain colleagues’ respect and yourself
  •      Sleep deprivation makes you less productive
  •      Don’t be obsessed with social media
  • Focus on yourself, your goals and plans for success
  • Don’t say “yes” to everything. Set boundaries with colleagues, friends and family. Learn how to say “no” 

Author: Liliana Ramos, lflilianaramos@gmail.com

Comments

Post a Comment