{"id":6648,"date":"2018-01-12T16:49:49","date_gmt":"2018-01-12T16:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/liquidcapitalcorp.com\/?p=6648"},"modified":"2019-01-08T21:49:01","modified_gmt":"2019-01-08T21:49:01","slug":"body-language-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/liquidcapitalcorp.com\/fr\/blog\/biz-tips\/body-language-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Body Language Mistakes You Might be Making & How to Fix Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posture Perfect: Are you unconsciously sending prospects the wrong message? Here\u2019s how fixing your body language mistakes can help you win more opportunities.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Body<\/p>\n

As salespeople, we often focus on our pitch and the carefully selected words we use when speaking with prospects, but what about our body language? Are we making major body language mistakes that are holding us back from closing more deals?<\/p>\n

55% of effective communication comes down to body language mistakes<\/h2>\n

A famous study by UCLA Professor Albert H. Mehrabian<\/a>\u00a0found that only 7 per cent of effective communication actually comes down to the words we say. 38 per cent comes from the tone of our voices, and another 55 per cent depends on our body language.<\/p>\n

How we stand, where our eyes look, our hand gestures and even subtle movements can all make a difference in the interpretation of our sales pitches. But the most effective communicators will combine all three parts: the words spoken, the tone of voice and the body language.<\/p>\n

Related:\u00a0Do you have this powerful leadership skill?<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The professional sales training team at\u00a0Sales Grail explains<\/a>\u00a0that a sales person\u2019s body language can immediately spark customer engagement. \u201cWhat we mean by posture is not a cocky guy with his feet up on his desk \u2014 this is just rude and it suggests a lack of humility in one\u2019s leadership and sales approach. Rather, by posture, we mean one of openness and confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

When genuine, that confidence can help you develop a stronger connection with the prospect, as they describe. \u201cWhen we\u2019re really behind something, we become an amazing combination of characteristics. We\u2019re relaxed, yet passionate. We\u2019re calm, yet excited. We\u2019re understanding, yet persistent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here are six body language mistakes you might be making, and how you can turn your visual communication and body language into a sales secret weapon.<\/p>\n

Mistake 1: Slouching \u2014 especially while on the phone<\/h2>\n

You\u2019ve likely heard that sitting is the new smoking, but has that made you get out of your chair more? At the very least, have you sat up a little straighter when seated?\u00a0This is one of those body language mistakes that we’re likely all guilty of doing.<\/p>\n

\u201cResearch has shown that sitting in a slouched position can send \u201csad signals\u201d to your brain. You are more likely to produce cortisol, a stress hormone, and experience negative thoughts when you slouch. Slouching also can make you feel disempowered and weak compared to the people you\u2019re interacting with \u2013 whether in person, on the phone, or even over email.\u201d \u2013\u00a0Tech.co<\/a><\/p>\n

Mistake 2: Too little (or too much) eye contact<\/h2>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to maintain eye contact 70% to 80% of the time. Any more and you might appear threatening, any less and you may appear uncomfortable or disinterested.<\/p>\n

Good eye contact exudes confidence, engagement and concern. Plus, it\u2019ll help you read your customers\u2019 emotions and body language.\u201d \u2013\u00a0Customer Experience Insight<\/a><\/p>\n

Mistake 3: Never \u201cpower posing\u201d before meetings<\/h2>\n

\u201cBreakthrough research from Professor Amy Cuddy at Harvard Business School\u2026proves that body language and body positioning directly impact self-confidence and feelings of power. \u2026 Professor Cuddy\u2019s research indicates that a salesperson (or anyone about to go into a stressful situation) should assume a high power pose for at least two minutes. Rather than hunch over an iPhone, a salesperson should find a private place to spread their arms and pull their shoulders back.\u201d \u2013\u00a0Fast Company<\/a><\/p>\n