Strategies for Making Your Body Language Work for You
 
Do ever wonder why you don’t get the respect you deserve? Do others often ignore you? Your body language might be sending out the wrong signals.
 
To alter your body language, you must understand what you’re currently doing with your body. If possible, set up a video camera and record yourself interacting with others. What you see might shock you.
 
 
Enhance your body language and your communication skills with these tips:
 

1. Make your presence known. Whether you’re sitting or standing, don’t be afraid to take up a little space. Spread your arms and legs slightly. Insecure people tend to do the opposite and attempt to appear small. Show that you’re confident enough to claim the space around you without apology.
   
   
   
2. Posture matters. Your mom told you to stop slouching. She was right. Sit like a professional in an office setting. Be proper, but relaxed.
   
   
   
3. Eye contact. This can be tricky. Too much eye contact can seem a little creepy, you don’t want to appear as if you’re staring. Too little comes off as submissive. Strive for 70-80% eye contact. When you look away from the other person’s eyes, avoid appearing distracted. This also takes a lot of practice as it can be noticed by the person you’re having the conversation with. I would suggest a lot of role play until you are comfortable with this and not self-conscience.
   
   
   
4. Mirror the other person. Within reason, mirror the other person’s stance and mannerisms. If you do it too precisely, they’ll think you’re crazy. Keep it mild, but adopt a similar style. Mirroring is a common Neuro-Linguistic Programming technique. You can find plenty of additional information online.
   
   
   
5. Keep your body open. Avoid crossing your arms and legs. Stay open to the other person. There’s no reason to protect yourself. Show that you’re relaxed. Turn and face people directly. When your feet and body are pointed in another direction, it shows disinterest and a desire to flee the scene.
   
   
   
6. Provide feedback while others are speaking. This means nod, say “mmhmmm”, or provide other feedback on occasion. It lets the other person know that you’re fully engaged and paying attention. Avoid overdoing it. Remember that you’re supposed to be listening. Use words like “I agree” or “I understand”.
   
   
   
7. Keep your hands away from your face. It’s distracting when someone touches their face during a conversation. Hands are dirty. Avoid putting them near your face. Remember you will be shaking their hands when you leave and you don’t want that to be their lasting memory of you.
   
   
   
8. Fidgeting and twirking. When you fidget, you seem nervous and uncomfortable. Shaking your foot and tapping your fingers is also distracting to others. Have smooth, slow, infrequent movements.
   Lay your hands flat on your thighs or interlock your fingers and keep them folded.
   
   
   
9. Don’t look down. There’s nothing down there of interest. You look evasive and bashful when you lower your head. Keep your head high and others will give you more respect. You’ll feel better about yourself, too. It exudes confidence.
   
   
   
10. Maintain an appropriate distance. It’s odd when someone stands too close or too far away during a conversation. This is often a cultural issue, too. Find an appropriate distance for the situation. You can stand closer to some people than to others. Think about this prior to your conversation or interview, if it’s in an office setting it will be easier.
    At a more social gathering is where you’ll need to take more notice.
    
    
    It’s not challenging to change your body language. However, it can take time for the changes to appear natural to others. Your body language is largely habitual. It won’t change by itself. Adopt a new technique each week and practice each day. In just a few weeks, you’ll notice that people are treating you differently.
     
    Until your new mannerisms become a habit, you’ll have to be diligent in your intentions. Much of communication is non-verbal. Ensure that you’re communicating with maximum effect.
     
    There are reasons we don’t just interview over the phone. Most everyone wants to meet face to face so we can see your mannerisms and your bodily reactions to certain questions or events. The more you start taking notice of this the more telling it will be for you.
     
    I am currently looking for more clients feel free to contact me.
    I look forward to hearing from you.
     
    All the best,
     
    Nick Kalogerakis
     
    Coach In Training

Mistakes That Could Be Harmful To Your Career
 
Your career won’t manage itself, you must be an active player in making it work for you. Even if you’re a superstar at work, it’s possible to make mistakes that harm, or even end, your career. You spend a lot of time at work. It would be a shame to undo all of your effort by making an easily avoidable mistake.
 
Avoid these mistakes that harm your career:

Undervaluing your worth. Avoid being afraid to ask for a raise or a promotion if you deserve it. Be prepared with bullet points of special projects you have completed and an overall rundown of your accomplishments.

Few companies will give you more than you demand. If you’re content to stay in the same place and make the same salary, they’re happy to accommodate you.

      Be assertive, but stop short of being a nuisance.


You can always look for another position if you’re being undervalued.
Don’t ever threaten to “quit or else” the outcome might not be what you’re looking for.

Failing to toot your own horn. If you’re doing good work, ensure the word gets out. Take advantage of LinkedIn and keep your activities updated. Do your peers know what you’re up to? Let everyone know how great you are.

Take on projects that showcase your strengths. Be willing to be seen. Others will notice, and your reputation will grow.


Avoid bragging, but avoid being bashful.


 Talking about others is generally a mistake. Whether it’s social or professional, avoid speaking about other people unless you have something positive to say. Everyone has been negatively impacted by oversharing at some point. Discuss ideas, yourself, and the other person taking part in the conversation.

Failing to make your boss look good. At the end of the day, you’re there to serve your boss. If you’re making them look good, your job is secure. If you’re not, you’re not doing your job properly. And don't think for a second that it goes unnoticed.

Being too negative. There’s no place at work for anyone that complains or criticizes. Maintain high standards and be supportive of your workplace. If you can’t think of anything positive to say, it might be time to find new employment. This type of behavior brings down morale and definitely attracts the wrong kind of attention towards you.

It’s also a good policy to stay away from negative people. You might be penalized for associating with them.


Searching for another job on company time. Your company is likely to check your internet log from time to time. If you’re spending time each day on Monster.com, you might find your employment ending. Search for a new career on your own time.


Publically searching for a new job. What you do on your own time is your own business, but you don’t want your employer to know that you’re seeking greener pastures. Keep a lid on your social media messages. It’s not necessary, or smart, for the entire world to know that you’d like to work for someone else.


​Look around your office building. The people with the more prestigious jobs are better dressed than the rest. A good rule of thumb is to dress as well as your boss. Avoid dressing like your peers. People will begin to associate you with the more powerful people in your workplace. When a new job opportunity becomes available within the company, you’ll have a better chance of success. 
 
Remember Attitude is everything, it’s the one thing that you fully control. If you’re in a bad environment that is effecting your mood then leave it and find a good one.
 
A career can be ruined very quickly. Avoid making the mistakes that can derail your career. Remain professional and value your worth. If you’re thinking about another career, keep your search to yourself. You can share after you’ve secured a new position. Avoid being complacent in your career. Be proactive and see your career blossom instead of fade.

Nick Kalogerakis
Coach In Training​​