BODY LANGUAGE

Face to Face Conversations

Remember English is only a medium of communication.

Elements of Communication

Words that are spoken 7%

Voice Tone Pitch 38%

Facial Expression & Body Language

55%

Key Elements:

1. Dr. Albert Mehrabian study- 93% is Body Language & your Voice-
55% Facial Expression and Body Language, 38% Voice Tone and Pitch
a. Check your grooming before you meet the client. It will add to your confidence.
b. Show respect in your greeting protocol.
c. Stand/sit straight up confidently to exhibit interest and assertiveness
d. Use a low pitch, reflect your emotions in your tone and speak slowly and
clearly.
e. Do not point fingers, or wave your hands too aggressively in a conversation
f. Do not nod your head in response (answer with a yes/no)
g. Move one step closer or rise when being introduced

2. Play your best cards first-

a. Prepare your message whenever possible.
b. Repeat key points

3. Listen –
a. Observe the body language of the person in front of you
b. Paraphrase to confirm understanding, maintain eye contact
c. Pause between sentences to gather your thoughts
d. Take notes if possible
e. Ask appropriate questions to confirm understanding
f. Just like you “read between the lines”, you need to hear above & beyond
HANDSHAKE

Whether you're meeting an acquaintance or greeting someone you know, a professional

handshake may help set the tone for your conversation.

A professional handshake may establish rapport between people during an in-person

interaction. Here are situations where you can use a professional handshake:

• During an initial introduction between you and a stranger

• At an in-person job interview when you meet the interviewer
• When you see someone, you haven't seen in a long time
• When someone extends their hand
• During business meetings, negotiations, industry events or interviews

The first step is to keep your right hand clean and free of dirt, sweat, grease and other
contaminants by washing and drying your hands or using hand sanitizer.

In many cases, the more senior person will start the handshake. If you're meeting a
senior manager for the first time, let the person extend a hand before you do. When
you go for an interview, wait for the interviewer to initiate the handshake.
If you initiate the handshake, place your hand perpendicular to the ground or hold your
palm in an upward position. Placing your palm downward when offering your hand to
someone could be considered a form of aggressive communication.

Make eye contact with the person and offer a sincere smile. Greet the person and
mention their name before and during the handshaking. For example, saying something
like, “It's nice to meet you, Maria,” during the handshake can build rapport and trust
between you and the other person. You can also introduce yourself by saying
something like, "Hi, it's nice to meet you. I'm Harold."