It’s often something that gets overlooked when we go in for an interview or attend a networking event, but body language concerns everyone in the workforce and we all need to be aware of what are bodies are portraying when meeting new people or interacting with colleagues. It’s important to know that nonverbal communication can be just as telling as the words coming from your mouth, and sweeping judgments are made instinctively by the other person. These blunders are common mistakes many professionals make all the time that are off-putting and may be holding you back from attaining the career you want.

1. Body Language
Mistakes to Avoid
Neeraj Tewari

2. Body language concerns everyone in the workforce and
we all need to be aware of what our bodies are portraying
when meeting new people or interacting with colleagues.
It’s important to know that nonverbal communication can
be just as telling to the other person as the words coming
from your mouth, and sweeping judgments are made
instinctively. These blunders are common mistakes many
professionals make all the time that are off-putting and
may even be holding them back from attaining the career
they want.

3. Weak Handshakes
A weak handshake conveys that you are not confident and lack
authority, but a handshake that is too strong can be just as damaging
because it communicates that you are dominating and can be
intimidating to the other person.
A firm handshake is the best choice as it relays to the other person
that you are confident and can improve the interaction that follows.

4. The stance of having your arms
crossed creates a physical
barrier between you and the
other person and indicates
that you are not open to what
the other person is saying.
Although your conversation
may be light-hearted and
positive, exhibiting this body
language blunder can
sabotage the discussion and
have the other person
believing you are not open to
what they’re saying.
Crossed Arms

5. Slouching
Slouching can project to the other person that you are disinterested in the
conversation or meeting and you don’t have a desire to be there. Not only
can it be seen as disrespectful, it also displays a lack of power and self-
assurance. When you hunch your shoulders, you’re making yourself
smaller and projects uncertainty.

6. Too Little Eye Contact
Too little eye contact tells the other person you might have
something to hide and they can become suspicious of your
intentions. Even more damaging is looking down, which shows that
you are not confident in the information you’re trying to
communicate and are self-conscious.

7. Too Much Eye Contact
On the other hand, glaring eye contact is too intense can be
overwhelming to the other person and seen as aggressive.
The best option is to maintain eye contact for 7 to 10
seconds, longer when talking rather than listening, and
looking to either side when breaking eye contact rather
than looking down.