As long as you know what they're saying
A study from the University of Chicago a few years ago found that the more gestures babies used at 14 months (shaking a head "no," raising arms to be picked up, pointing at an object of interest, etc.), the more words they had in their vocabulary at three years old. Which is no surprise to…
We know that men have a different workplace communication style than women, but does "different" mean better?
We know that men have a different workplace communication style than women – but does "different" mean better? Well, yes. And no. There are obvious strengths and weaknesses in the communication styles of both genders. Based on research project in which I collected responses from 387 employees and managers in the United States, Canada and…
The best educators could teach business leaders a thing or two about body language
The best educators could teach business leaders a thing or two about body language. Pygmalion in the Classroom, one of the most controversial publications in the history of educational research, showed how a teacher’s expectations can motivate student achievement. This classic study gave prospective teachers a list of students who had been identified as “high…
If you don’t look like you’re telling the truth, it won’t matter that you actually are
I once spoke to MBA students at the Stanford Graduate School of Business as part of a wonderful program called the Mastery in Communication Initiative. In its expert speakers’ series, Stanford invites “pioneers in the field of communication” to share their insights with business students. In my presentation, on “How to Spot Liars at Work…Need help breaking down that "silo mentality" in your company?
After every election, politicians say the same thing: "Now we have to reach across the aisle to work together for good of the people." And I hear similar proclamations (of working together for the good of all) from my corporate clients who are looking to break down the "silo mentality" of their companies. Sounds simple.…
The most successful people realize that there are always two conversations going on; so stay equally alert to what isn't being said
You may have "sales" in your job title. But if you are a leader announcing an organizational change, an entrepreneur pitching to a venture capitalist, or an employee on a job interview – you too are in sales. And in any situation where you are selling a product, a service, or an idea, engagement and…
When we improve our posture we display more energy, resilience, and confidence. In essence, we look and feel successful!
I see it all the time. When people find out that I’ve been hired to speak about body language, everyone does the same thing: they change their posture. They hold their head higher, pull their shoulders back and tighten their abdominal muscles. In doing so, people are transformed, instantly looking more powerful, confident, and energized.…
In the Western world, too little eye contact is interpreted as being impolite, insincere, or even dishonest
You're at a business networking event and the colleague you've been having an intense conversation with begins to shift her gaze from your face to look around the room. Ever wonder why that makes you feel as if she has stopped listening? You know it's not logical. A person doesn't have to look at you…
In business interactions, first impressions are crucial
Body language can be your greatest career asset. Here are 10 simple and powerful tips to help you have a super successful year: 1) To make a great first impression, begin before you enter the room. In business interactions, first impressions are crucial. Once someone mentally labels you as “likeable” or “untrustworthy, “powerful” or “ineffectual,”…
Women may be the champions of warmth and empathy, but fall prey to these 10 common traps
A female executive was having problems dealing with her male colleagues. "They like me, but they never take me seriously," she complained. "It's as if they think I'm flirting with them. Which I definitely am not!" After watching her interact with various men on the senior management team, I saw the problem. She was trying…
If you really want to build a collaborative team, make sure you look like you do!
He had assembled a multi-level, multi-functional group – a diagonal slice of 30 people from across the organization – and had taken them off-site for two days to co-create the necessary steps for achieving the company’s new strategic plan. The hope was that collaboration and knowledge sharing would begin at this meeting and expand from…
Not that important? Send an email. Important but not mission critical? Pick up the phone. Critically important to the success of your organization? Go see someone
In today’s business world of video meetings and teleconferences, the value of face-to-face encounters can often get overlooked. That is unless you, like Michael Massari, believe that face-to-face interaction is and will continue to be our most effective form of communication. Massari is Ceasars Entertainment’s Senior Vice President of National Meetings and Events, and he…
Leaders can sabotage a great presentation if they underestimate the power of body language
Once upon a time a group of rising-star executives gathered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to take part in a special competitive event. Each was to present a business plan to be evaluated by the entire group. The best ideas would then be recommended to a team of venture capitalists for final evaluation.…
Body language, posture, voice modulation and pitch, eye contact, hand gestures, dressing for success and much more
You may be a senior-level executive, an innovative entrepreneur, or a respected expert in your field – but when you’re on camera, do you know how to project leadership presence? Sylvia Gorajek is a video strategist and executive producer helping Fortune 500 and Silicon Valley tech startups narrate their stories with impact. I was honoured…
Leadership is now a blend of personal and interpersonal skills that allow a leader to impact, include and inspire others
Most leaders agree that effective collaboration is more important than ever in today's turbulent business environment. A company's very survival may depend on how well it can combine the potential of its people and the quality of the information they possess with their ability – and willingness – to share what they know with their…