How Reading Body Language Increased My Sales.

There is a language that is non-verbal yet speaks volumes. This language is one that we utilize every day, whether we are aware of it or not. It transcends spoken language and enhances the perception of those who are mindful of its importance. Some circumstances depend on the mindful awareness of this language to process what is being communicated when words are not involved. You may have already guessed it… yes, it is body language.

Pay attention:

When people speak, they express more than what they are saying through body cues. You’ve heard the saying: “It’s not what they said, it’s how they said it.” It may be implied that tone is of high significance here. I agree; additionally, I believe that body language contributes to this statement as well. They coexist in the same spaces and sometimes mirror each other.

Observe Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jordan Belfort, from the movie Wolf of Wall Street above. His eyebrows are furrowed, his eyes are dashing across the room, and his upper lip seems to have disappeared, revealing a sharp set of bottom teeth.

What does his body language reveal to you about this scene?

Jordan Belfort is clearly enraged. We draw this conclusion based on his illustrative facial expressions.

Needless to say, reading body language may not be as clear-cut as the scene above. Sometimes, it’s the subtle cues—the quick eye movement, an expression that passes so fast you can barely see it. There’s an art to reading body language. This is how I learned to notice more and say less.

1. Listen more than you speak.

My sales job encourages me to utilize my third language, Spanish, often. Although I am fluent, at times I engage with people of different dialects. Some people speak incredibly fast or may have a distinct way of speaking that makes it challenging for me to catch everything. In those cases, I rely on active listening and body language to gauge my clients’ needs.

2. Pay attention to nonverbal cues.

Regardless of whatever language I am speaking at any given point, I make it a point to observe one’s facial expressions, body movements, and patterns of speech. When I speak Somali, sometimes the tone of voice can be challenging to gauge. In certain Afro-Asiatic languages, people’s tone can vary, sometimes making it seem as though they are yelling or angry. But in reality, they’re passionately expressing themselves with certain words that ring higher than others. In this case, tone may not be helpful, but body language still indicates a range of emotions and feelings which, if discerned well, can influence the outcome of your interaction and lead to a successful sale.

“Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words.”

— Deborah Bull

Mastering body language is a universal skill that translates seamlessly across professions, fostering better communication and understanding in fields ranging from business to counseling. Start paying closer attention to nonverbal cues today—they might reveal more than words ever could and give you an edge in both personal and professional interactions!

©️hajithepoet

I’ve always wanted to write on topics I’m passionate about here. More helpful articles & think pieces coming soon!