Body Language During Different Professional Interactions

There is a diverse set of body language gestures that are observed. Some of the desirable and undesirable gestures during different professional settings.

During Interview (For a Candidate)

DO’s

• Remember to nod on entering the room
• Politely look at the interview panel
• Sit only when the interviewer signals
• Sit with a straight posture with arms resting on the legs
• Ensure a direct eye contact
• Respond with conviction

DONT’s

• Entering the room hesitantly
• Lack of eye contact
• Distracting mannerism such as scratching head, shaking leg etc
• Elbows and arms on the table
• Folded arms
• Chin down or raised
• Slouching posture

During a Discussion (For a Manager)

DO’s

• Professional Attire
• Showing interest and attention
• Respectful posture towards employee
• Eye contact with the employee
• Showing listening intent
• Talking as well as listening to the employee

DONT’s

• Casual attire
• Distracted expression
• No eye contact with the employee
• Talking more than listening
• Interrupting employee often
• Receiving or attending phone calls
• Entertaining external interruptions

During Presentation

DO’s

• Ensuring eye contact with audience
• Effective use of hand gestures and animations
• Makig a visible appearance on the stage
• Head held high, confident and straight posture

DONT’s

• Folded hands
• Looking at only one section of the audience
• Standing still on the stage with no hand gestures or expressions
• Avoiding connection with the audience
• Head down and nervous behavior

During a Group Discussion 

DO’s

• Ensuring eye contact withgroup members
• Apeearing interested in others comments
• Using commanding voice and effective content
• Seeking views of the group members by using hand gestures
• Proper attire as per the set up

DONT’s

• Not much eye contact with every member of the group
• Not showing interest when others speak
• Digressing from the point
• Avoiding connection with the audience
• Head down and nervous behavior