It isn’t always in what you say that communicates how you are feeling!

It is important to be aware of your body language. You could be incredibly interested and engaged in a conversation with your team, but if you are sitting with your legs crossed and leaning back, they may think that you are tired, impatient, or upset even.

Nonverbal communication is an important element of communication personally and professionally and being aware of what specific steps you can take to display positive and engaged body language in meetings is a great place to start!

Most experts agree that 70 to 93 percent of all communication is nonverbal. So taking that into consideration, the next time you are in a meeting, be sure that your body language, especially how you are sitting, is professional and supports what your words are trying to convey.

Here are some tips for presenting yourself elegantly and professionally in a meeting.

• Try not to put your personal effects on the table. These can be distracting, block the presentation and take up too much space. When possible leave your handbag or briefcase in your office or somewhere nearby, on a chair in the room, or behind you at the small of your back.
• If you cannot place your phone in your purse, briefcase or pocket, place your phone facedown on the table. Make sure it does not vibrate and cause a distraction during the meeting.
• If you need your laptop for the meeting, make sure that it is set up in a way that does not block other people’s views of the presentation and that you typing on the computer is necessary, and that you are still engaged in the presentation.
• Display engaging body language by leaning in, making eye contact with the meeting facilitator, you can express acknowledgment by nodding your head and speaking with your hands to add to what you are saying. Taking simple notes is also a great way to show interest as long as it doesn’t take your attention off the presentation.
• Another good idea is to sit with your feet flat on the floor as this is the easiest way to show engaged and interested body language. It will keep your body language in a positive and engaging position.
• Keep your hands on the table. This will help to show that you are engaged and interested in the conversation. It is also proven that people are more likely to trust you when they can see your hands.

Body language that should be avoided is anything that could come across as disengaged, uninterested, indifferent, or too relaxed. For example;

• When sitting with your crossed legs you tend to lean back. This can often create a feeling that you are closed off or too relaxed. It is best to sit with your feet flat on the ground.
• You should also avoid crossing your arms as this will close your body language off and make you seem uninterested or upset.
• Try to avoid fidgeting or bouncing your leg as this can make you seem nervous or in a hurry. If you feel like bouncing your leg or fidgeting with your hands try to take a couple of deep breaths and engage yourself with what the speaker is talking about. Remind yourself of the purpose of the meeting and try to be fully present.

Meetings! I know that they can be boring and lengthy however, I strongly believe that in every situation there is something to be learned! Meetings with your team are an opportunity for you to put your best foot forward, be seen in action with the team, and truly communicate and understand what is going on in the workplace. It is the perfect time to put in some effort to be engaging and positive.

Have you ever been in a meeting and noticed that someone was completely uninterested or even upset during the presentation? What do you think were the tells that gave them away? I would love to hear from you!

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Stay Elegant,