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PART 1

Imagine that you are giving a presentation at work. Looking into the
audience, you see many people looking at you. But one person is
different. He's slouching in his chair. He's texting. He reaches up to
rub his eyes. Then, he shifts his gaze from side to side. This person
hasn't said a word. But you understand what he's thinking. His
actions tell you that he's not interested in what you're saying.
Much of what people communicate to one another is nonverbal. It
uses body language rather than words. In the workplace, nonverbal
communication should express respect.

Body language is one form of nonverbal communication. It may
include facial expressions, such as smiles or frowns. It could be wide
eyes, which could suggest surprise. It might be a crinkled brow,
which could show doubt or confusion. Eye behavior, such as shifting
eyes or degree of eye contact, is also body language. Body language
can include gestures, or the movement of the body or limbs while Photo credit and all related images:
speaking. Posture is another form of body language. These ©2015 Jupiterimages Corporation
behaviors can show a person's attitudes. Sometimes, they even
contradict what a person is saying. What messages are these
employees sending with their body
Suppose you work in sales, and it's your job to visit people to sell language? Think about their facial
them your company's product. During one sales meeting, you get a expressions, eye contact, posture,
and gestures.
great reaction. The conversation continues for 45 minutes. The client
is talking so much that you're now late for your next appointment.
You're eager to leave. Nevertheless, you answer all of the customer's questions with positive words. Suddenly,
the client changes her mind. She's not interested in your product after all. She explains that while you said
wonderful things, you appeared to be disinterested in the sale because you kept looking at the exit door and
shifting your feet. You realize that you've made a mistake. Although you worked hard to convince the customer
that you cared about her business, your body language told a different story.
It's important that your workplace body language shows a positive attitude as much as your words do. Avoid
rolling your eyes and sighing loudly, for instance. Remember, too, that some body language can be
misunderstood. You may fold your arms because you are cold, but others may believe that you are not
approachable.
It's also important to know that nonverbal communication varies among cultures. For instance, in some cultures,
eye contact is expected during conversations. In others, eye contact is thought to be rude. People who work in
multicultural offices or who travel internationally for work need to be aware of variations in nonverbal
communication. This will help them avoid misunderstandings.
If you are uncertain about the correct body language at a place where you work or are doing business, observe
the actions of the other people who work there. If you mirror their body language, you will be more likely to
get along with them. You'll also be seen in a more positive light.

PART 2
Dig Deeper

Many workplaces are made up of people from different backgrounds. And some jobs require workers to travel
abroad. You should be aware that every country has its own culture or cultures. Each culture has its own set of
behavioral rules. Therefore, you can expect that the rules of workplace behavior differ all over the world. People
may dress, greet one another, and speak to one another differently in different countries. A type of
communication that is welcomed or expected in one culture may be considered puzzling or rude in another.

Here are some examples of cultural differences in nonverbal communication.
How Should You Greet People?