You may think speech is the top form of communication among people. While it might be the most apparent, entrepreneur Bernhard Burgener says words are only a fraction of a bigger picture. Human behaviour and psychology suggest that body language largely motivates and inspires others, especially in the workplace.
Body language makes up 55% of communication, relaying emotions and meaning. Who knew that a handshake could mean so much? This article will explain the intricacies of body language and how you might implement some of the best-known methods next time you have a conversation in the office.
Body Language in the Workplace: Why it Matters
Nonverbal communication influences people significantly more than speech. Bernhard Burgener strongly believes in the 7-38-55 rule. This concept states that 7% of communication is verbal language, 38% tone of voice, and 55% body language. The idea was conceived and written by Professor Albert Mehrabian at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1971.
As we learn from the 7-28-55 rule, 93% of meaning is communicated non-verbally. Burgener explains that utilizing proven methods of influence is key to finding more fulfillment in the workplace, whether it regards a promotion or relationships with coworkers.
Helpful body language cues provide for capturing different audiences. For example, how you communicate with family versus a client will drastically differ. Burgener explains that body language must be studied and understood to negotiate calmly, create lucrative business deals, and flourish in social interactions. He says the ease of access to information on body language is an incredible opportunity not to take for granted.
Show What You Mean: Methods of Success
Below are concrete ways to demonstrate confident nonverbal communication in the workplace that aligns with Burgener’s philosophy.
Eye Contact
There is something so crucial and unique about ensuring appropriate eye contact. For one, eye contact demonstrates an immense level of confidence and assertiveness. It also helps others feel attended to and heard by an active listener, signifying honesty and trust.
Returning to the core of human connection, eye contact remains essential in exemplifying one’s comfort level with social interaction management. This can be incredibly important in a professional career.
Confidence
Not only does confidence allow one to speak slowly and convey ideas sharply, but it also allows for patience with others. Someone who exudes confidence can provide space for meaningful conversations without quick judgments and interruptions. This creates a clear path for respectful relationships and negotiations.
Confidence through body language can be demonstrated by maintaining a straight back, direct eye contact, relaxed arms, and forward-leaning. These are the elements of portraying a great deal of integrity alongside verbal expression.
Physical Gestures
Politicians and celebrities seldom play with their hair or clothing articles while speaking. This is because they exemplify great nonverbal gestures of communication. Somewhat coinciding with confidence, sharp and meaningful gestures allow strong points to come across with conviction.
To display clear and confident gestures, Bernhard recommends uncrossing the arms, planting feet firmly on the ground, and using hand movements to explain certain elements of stories. As tempting as nervous habits may be, a straight back and keeping hands above the desk can be signs of trust, authority, and clarity.
Better Left Unsaid: Examples of Ineffectiveness
Words indeed have an impact on a career trajectory. From interviews to cold messaging, words do matter. The question is, how can people in business effectively use body language to enhance their verbal communication? Sometimes, both verbal and nonverbal cues fall through the cracks in professional settings.
Burgener notes that many successful business pursuits stem from a deep understanding of human relationships. For example, a candidate might use body language in a job interview to express excitement and readiness for the position. On the other hand, another candidate might speak too much about themselves without reading the interviewer’s facial expressions. This risks the interviewee not knowing when the authority figure wants to proceed with questions.
Another example, Burgener says, could be a big potential business partnership. In such a case, all parties must meet in person and understand the group dynamic. Although almost everyone has access to business deals through video calling services and other forms of online communication, it is important to meet in person for higher-stakes situations such as partnership collaborations, job interviews, or managing real estate deals. This way, the individuals involved can gain insight into the future challenges and strengths each stakeholder can offer.
The reverse of this in-person method would be taking a future partnership collaboration call online with bad lighting while facing another screen. The difference between meeting in person with confidence and online with shyness and unprofessionalism incites two entirely different outcomes. Especially with more online calls and fewer in-person social interactions, it is vital to implement well-known body language tactics to influence positive outcomes in the professional world.
Make the Change: Body Language is the Key
According to the lessons gleaned from entrepreneur-expert Bernhard Burgener, there are many ways to display confident body language in the workplace. Although simple, these concrete methods of effective nonverbal communication can skyrocket any career path or professional interaction. He recommends using and studying the 7-38-55 rule for maximized results.
