We’ve all been groomed on how to mind our manners. From the dinner table to the classroom, we’ve been taught to swallow our food before speaking and to raise our hands before inquiring. Body language blunders can be detrimental to any first meeting, whether it be with a client, a boss, or even a date.
Dodgy eye contact
In some cultures, direct eye contact is viewed as combative or disrespectful, but in North America, the opposite is true. When we avoid eye contact by looking down, shifting our gaze, or looking away completely, we are sending a message that the other person is not worthy of our attention. Lack of eye contact comes across as disinterested, disengaged, and sometimes flat-out sketchy!
Crossed arms
Another major mistake is folding arms in front of the chest. This, too, signifies aggressiveness or standoffishness. By closing off our bodies, we are communicating that we are not open or receptive to the ideas being shared. Pair those crossed arms with a menacing scowl? Well, that just sounds like the job description of a club bouncer.
Limp hands
The only thing worse than a limp handshake is a spaghetti hug, but since this is a business column, we’ll stick to the traditional greeting. Unless we plan on batting eyelashes and whispering enchante to a suitor, there is no excuse for offering our hands like a delicate piece of cloth. Handshakes should be firm, brief, and paired with eye contact.