Denise Brouillette

Body Language, Part 2

You're in a meeting with key leaders. Maybe you're naturally engaged, or maybe you're tuning out. Either way, you know you want to make an impression that conveys investment in the conversation. Here are a few tips for how can you set yourself up to be perceived as confident and engaged with the important people in the room.

Let's assume you're at a conference table…

1. With shoulders back, rest both arms on the table, shoulders straight, and lean slightly forward and in the direction of the speaker.

2. Have paper and pen handy to take notes when important things are said. If it's acceptable in your organizational culture to take notes on your laptop, do it so that you look like you're taking a note on what's being said, and not because you're drifting off to do something else. Nod once or twice just before you begin to take the note, and once or twice while you're jotting down that brief note. Look back up at the speaker when you're done.

3. When comments are made, look at the person who's talking. Nod.

4. Comment when appropriate… and keep it to under 15 seconds. Make eye contact with a few of the leaders in the room while you're talking. If you're specifically commenting on what a person has said, look at her/him first, then move your eyes to one or two other leaders. Finish up by reconnecting with the first person.

Your body language sends a message. If you're not actually engaged, people are likely to know it.