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Namita M. Anand

First, the bad news! While most of us can control what we say, we have little power over our body language. Research indicates that we have a `vocabulary' of about 1,38,000 non-verbal and visual cues, but we can only control 150-200 of them — and that too only for about 15-20 per cent of the time. Remember those little extras on your CV — Gold medallist, captain of the cricket team, lead organiser of the campaign; well, you can rehearse the details all you like, but chances are non-verbal, visual cues such as hot flushes, sweating and fidgeting will give the game away.

Studies reveal that what you say only counts for seven per cent of your credibility. Non-verbal cues, such as the tone of your voice, count for 38 per cent. But visual cues — facial expressions, gestures, pupil dilation, etc — make up a massive 55 per cent of your credibility rating.

The good news is that you can train your body, at least in some vital ways, to behave itself. (You have stopped picking your nose, haven't you?) It is a little like acting actually. Just rehearse, in front of a mirror preferably, the way you want to present yourself. We don't see ourselves while talking, so we don't know whether our expressions, tone and posture back up the words that we are saying. Therefore, before an important meeting or, let us say, an interview, it would be a good idea to practise before a friend, spouse, or even a mirror. With practice, you will be able to get your body language in sync with your statements.

Of course, it would be a good idea to limit the little white lies to just little white lies, not huge, big whoppers. Being well prepared before a meeting also affects your body language positively. Naturally, if you have your papers in order, know your facts beforehand and have a little time to spare before a meeting, your body will project a positive attitude.

Remember when your mother told you to stand up straight and keep your shoulders pushed back? Well, she was right. A confident stance, say, when you walk into a room, makes for a strong personal presentation. And as for the meeting itself, just play the ROLE — Relaxed, Open, Leaning and Eye contact.

Leaning slightly forwards will make you look alert and attentive. Breathing slowly and making eye contact (this doesn't mean that you morph into Kaa), will help you in projecting an interested, in-control image. Also, a meeting is not a war zone (at least, not physically). So, please ditch those defensive barriers — the brief case on your knees, folded arms or crossed legs. You don't want to let them know that you are intimidated, do you? If a monologue is on, do nod to show that you are not sleeping with your eyes open. Fidgeting is not only irritating, it is also distracting: we know it, yet we are all guilty of pen-twirling, toe-twitching, hair-tossing, finger-flexing and dozens of similar crimes at meetings. Next time, make a conscious effort to keep those fidgets down. Don't over use your hands, if you are a natural gesticulator.

If you are being interviewed, a natural smile, a firm handshake and a brief exchange of pleasantries are safe ways to start the meeting. It would also be a good idea to observe the interviewer's communication style. Try to respond similarly because people are more at ease around others with the same approach. It is a good idea to have worked on your anecdotes in front of a mirror to ensure that your body language reinforces your message. If there's more than one interviewer, look at who's talking. When you're talking, shift your glance from one to the other. Above all, try to be natural.

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