Can You Read Body Language At Work? Quiz January 27, 2020 Take the following short test to find out whether you can recognize the signs of body language in the workplace or in a business meeting! During the lecture, the speaker forms a house rooftop using his/her fingers, then closes and opens them again. What does this gesture mean? This is a sign of confidence that builds trust in the audience. It suggests uncertainty. It indicates that the content of his/her own presentation is not well known by the presenter. At a certain moment, the speaker points his or her index finger at the audience. He indicates that the lecturer is confident in what s/he is talking about. It is a negative gesture that can cause discomfort feelings in the audience, therefore this should be avoided. This movement indicates that the speaker is about to ask a question. While listening to a lecture or presentation, people sitting in the audience are bending down their heads towards the ground. What does this mean? It is a positive body language sign. The audience is very focused on what the speaker is saying. It can be a positive or a negative sign of body language. Either they are focusing very much, or they are not interested. It is a negative body language sign. It indicates that the audience is bored, so it might be worth raising their attention somehow. During the meeting or discussion, the other person sits on the chair with his/her elbows resting on the armrest of the chair. What does this body language sign mean? Supercilious behavior. Indicates that your partner does not consider you seriously. Positive body language sign. It means that s/he is open to you and your suggestions. Negative gesture. S/he thinks that you are lying. During a meeting or presentation, with a help of a pen or laser pointer the speaker points to the document, laptop or projector s/he is talking about. It's a good idea to use this technique because it helps the audience know what to focus on. Do not use this gesture because it refers to aggressive behavior. It is only worth pointing this way in case you want to introduce something funny or humorous. You notice that during a meeting, the other person's legs move vigorously under the table (for example, drums or moves the foot fast). What might this gesture mean? It indicates that the person is interested in what you say. It is an obvious sign of your negotiating partner that they need to go out to the bathroom. It is a negative sign. Unconscious foot movement refers to hiding something or worse, to lies. Although it is not too warm, the other person suddenly unbuttones his/her jacket or suit during the discussion or meeting. What may this gesture suggest? S/he doesn't agree with what you say, wants to oppose or argue with you. The unbuttoned jacket or suit means more openness, you can easily get to the point or agree with each other. S/he got quite angry, not believing you. Is it a good idea to sit as close to our business partner as possible during the meeting or discussion? Yes, this is a good tactic: it indicates that we have full confidence in the other party. This technique works well only if you have a meeting with a person of your own gender. No. Rather tend to keep a distance. Close body distance is disturbing unless you are with family or friends. Is it worth leading a business meeting in a standing position? Yes, if it is not about a long-term decision the team needs to make. It can also be useful if you want to keep the meeting short. It is only worth standing up if you are the tollest in the group. In this case standing up ensures that the others respect you. It is never a good idea to negotiate in a standing position, because this way business partners will not take you seriously and won't respect you. What might it mean if your negotiation partner is listening to you with a slightly tilted head? It is a negative body language sign. Your business partner does not believe you or wants to object. If it is a man, it suggests calmness and attention. If it is a woman, it is more a sign of weakness or humiliation. Either a man or a woman, it indicates that they are bored or tired.
