Body Language

Did you realize you can speak to others without saying a word? Your body language speaks for you. How you stand, how you tilt your body, and how you sit tells others how you feel.

For example, if you sit slightly forward when in an interview or meeting, your body says you are interested and engaged in the conversation. Tapping your foot shows impatience, as does continually looking at your watch. A firm (but not too firm) handshake shows confidence.

Looking away from someone rather than at them during a conversation implies you don’t care about what they are saying. We all know what rolling your eyes mean. So often it’s done behind someone’s back, but what about when you roll your eyes in front of a patient? They see what you are thinking.

The time you spend with your patients should be quality time. Spending it reading your computer monitor or chart gives the impression of not being interested. Instead spend most of your time looking directly at the patient.

Watch that your body language conveys what you really want to say. Email me at donna@officemanagementsolution.com with other body language that shows your employees and patients that you care.