Words are powerful, no doubt. The most powerful tool to communicate. And yet, they are just one aspect of your communication. In fact, a major chunk of your ability to communicate comes from non-verbal cues. These cues offer a more authentic insight into who you are and how you feel. With non-verbal communication, you can put someone at ease, or make them uncomfortable; you can showcase aggression or submissiveness; you can convey so much without meaning to. And yet, non-verbal communication is such an underrated aspect of workplace communication. Using body language consciously and effectively might help you create the right impression at work, and get ahead.
‘The 7 – 38 – 55 rule was developed by body language researcher Albert Mehrabian, and is often used while training people who want to use body language to get ahead,’ says career counsellor Radhikaa Ananth. ‘According to this rule, just 7 per cent of your communication should be in the words you use and their meaning. Another 35 per cent should be through the tone of your words. The other 55 per cent forms the non-verbal component of your communication. These can play many roles. They can either contradict your message or reiterate it. When you don’t want to say anything, these can act as a substitute for words. Often, we focus only on our words, not on projecting our body language correctly. If we pay a little attention to understanding our bodies and how to use non-verbal cues, it could go a long way.’
Facial Expressions
Now a smile would be considered the most ideal of all facial expressions to make a good impression, but this is not always true unless perhaps you’re in the hospitality industry! Instead, researchers have found that raising your eyebrows slightly, with just the hint of a smile, is the expression that creates the most positive impact. Also learn to keep what is a ‘poker face’, when you receive news or information that you know is meant to elicit a response. Never give away more than you’re meant to and keep your cards close to your chest.
Posture
Posture is more than just communication. It is a window to your personality. How we hold our bodies speaks volumes of how we perceive ourselves. A straight, upright posture indicates openness, strength, and a willingness to succeed. Slumped shoulders convey disinterest or tiredness, or general apathy for one’s job. Women can especially use posture to create an aura of elegance and confidence. Visually, it is very easy to misinterpret posture and create negative feelings, so be very careful how you present yourself.

Gestures
Gestures go hand in hand with what we say. Approving of something? A thumbs-up sign or a nod of the head, depending on how formal the workplace is. Non-committal about a project? A shrug can convey this. The interesting thing to note is that you can mirror the gestures and body language of the person you’re with, to subconsciously create a stronger connection with that person/
Eye contact
Making eye contact is one of the best ways to demonstrate engagement. It shows that you’re paying attention and are involved in what your client, manager, or trusted colleague is saying. If you’re moving your eyes around the place, generally being shifty, it might indicate that you’re distracted or even evasive! However, searing and prolonged eye contact can make you seem confrontational and intimidating. So, balance it out - blink normally, and avert your gaze every 10-15 seconds, but it should seem natural and organic.
Devi Chandrasekaran, a life coach with an NGO shares some pointers to nail your non-verbal communication:
1. Make sure your words match your actions. Your non-verbal cues shouldn’t be at odds with what you’re saying.
2. Your handshake can create a lasting impact – positive or negative. A firm handshake indicates self-confidence and assurance. A limp handshake is considered to be a sign of weak character. Work on the right handshake as it can help create first impressions.
3. Body language is important, but so is space. The key is to achieve a balance. Don’t stand close enough to someone to overwhelm or make them uncomfortable. At the same time, leaving too much space indicates a reluctance to engage or a sense of unease.
4. This is not strictly non-verbal, but pay attention to your tone. It isn’t just what you say, it’s also how you say it that matters. Are you enthusiastic and animated? Gentle and reassuring? Your tone conveys as much as your words.
5. Practice in front of a mirror, or ask someone to record you if possible, so that you can review and assess your performance.
Body language is underrated, but when women use it effectively in the workplace, it can help shape and shift their professional identity and perception for the better.