Have you ever thought about how much you are saying to people even when you are not speaking? You are constantly sending messages about your true thoughts and feelings no matter you are using words or not,unless you are a master of disguise.Studies show that your words account for only 7% of the messages you convey,while the remaining 93% is non-verbal.55% of communication is based on what people see and the other 38% is transmitted through tone of voice.Therefore,take a consideration about it.What you are not saying can also be seen by people,and if your body language does not match your words,you are wasting your time.

The most obvious way you communicate is eye contact.You show your interest when you are looking at the others.You give the impression that the other person is of no importance when you fail to make eye contact.In order to show interest,keep eye contact about 60% of the time,but not aggressive.When having conversation,sincere look into the eyes of your partner shows respect and politeness.Keep eye contact frequently,neither avoiding your partner’s eye too long or look at other things or people,nor staring at your partner.Make eye contact on time with changing of your conversational topics.Generally,staring at the area between the eye and upper lips will make your partner feel comfortable on social occasions.

Facial expression is another form of non-verbal communication.A smile sends a positive message and is appropriate in all but a life and death condition.Smiling adds an aura of confidence and warmth.Others will be more receptive if you remember to check you expression.

Your mouth also gives clues not just when you are speaking.Mouth movement,for example,pursing your lips or twisting them to one side,can show that you are thinking about what you are hearing or that you are holding something back.

The position of your head shows something to people.Keeping your head straight,which is different from keeping your head on straight,will make you appear self-assured and authoritative.People will take you seriously.If you want to come across as friendly and open,tilt your head to one side.

Where you place your arms can suggest how receptive you are.Arms crossed or folded over your chest reveal that you have shut other people out and don’t get interested in them or what they are saying.It can also mean,“I don’t agree with you.” You might just be cold,but the person in front of you may get the wrong message unless you shiver at the same time.

How you use you arms can help or hurt your image,too.Waving them about may show enthusiasm to some,however,some people regard this gesture as one of uncertainty and immaturity.The best place for your arms is by your side.You will look confident and relaxed.If this is difficult for you,do what you always do when you want to get better at something—practise.It will feel natural after a while.

The angle of your body indicates to others what’s going through your head.Leaning means,“Tell me more.” Leaning away means you’ve heard enough.Nodding your head is another way to affirm that you are listening.

Posture is just as important as your grandmother always said it was.If you want to be seen as alert and enthusiastic,sit or stand erect.When you slump in your chair or lean on the wall,you look tired.There are no people wanting to do business with someone who has no energy.

Pay attention to where your hands are and control them well.In formal situations,particularly when dealing with people from other cultures,your hands should be seen.That means you should take them out of your pockets and you should avoid putting them under the table or behind your back.It is not professional to have your hands anywhere above the neck,fidget with your hair or rub your face.

Legs can also talk.Lots of movement indicates nervousness.How and where you cross them shows others how you feel.For the polished professional,the preferred positions are feet flat on the floor or legs crossed at the ankles.

Resting one leg or ankle on top of another knee is the least professional and most offensive position.Some people call this the “Figure Four”.It can make you look arrogant.

If you want to build good rapport,the distance you keep from others is important.Standing too close or “in someone’s face” will mark you as pushy.Positioning yourself too far away will make you seem standoffish.Those are not what you want,so find the pleasant medium.Do what makes the other person feel comfortable is the most important.If the person you are talking to keeps backing away,you should stop.Either that person needs space or you need a breath mint.Physical space is spatial language used by people when communicating.People of different cultures and backgrounds have different definitions of appropriate distance.Please notice: Never try to make body contact with strangers to show fraternity.

You might be unaware of what you are saying with your body,but others will get the message.Make sure it is the one you want to send.