BES Xtras Plus

Sometimes you don’t even have to speak a word for someone to tell you would rather be someplace else. Body language speaks louder than words and can definitely shout a NEGATIVE message to the customer resulting in unfavorable word of mouth or worse yet, unfavorable Social Media publicity with reviews that can go viral in minutes.

Now’s the time to groom the staff for the summer rush and prepare them to steer away from negative body language. Positive body language is important for all staff members but should be top notch and polished for Party Planners or Coordinators who should be setting the example for everyone. Many times, Party Planners are dealing with Corporate administrators or frazzled Moms trying to make arrangements for a birthday party while keeping up with the little ones The Party Planner’s body language should be the most polished and professional of the entire staff.

TEN WORST BODY LANGUAGE MISTAKES:

AVOIDING EYE CONTACT
When you don’t look someone in the eyes, it can signal deception or a lack of respect.
SLOUCHING
Bad posture signals to others that you lack confidence and have poor self-esteem or low energy levels. It says…I would much rather be someplace else!
WEAK HANDSHAKE
A handshake that isn’t firm will signal a lack of authority. One that is too firm could make you seem overly aggressive.
FOLDING ARMS
This stance creates a sense of being closed off and may signal to others that you are disinterested in them or don’t buy into their message. If giving a presentation, when you look down while making a point, it loses all of its power and can may you look weak. In everyday interactions, it can make you look uncomfortable or self-conscious.
LOOKING DOWN
When you look down while making a point, it loses all of its power and can may you look weak. In everyday interactions, it can make you look uncomfortable or self-conscious.
ANGLING THE BODY AWAY FROM OTHERS
Too much physical distance, angling the body away from the person you’re speaking with or not leaning into a conversation shows that you are uncomfortable, distrustful or disinterested in the subject.
FIDGETING WITH AND TOUCHING YOUR HAIR
Fidgeting and playing with hair or clothes can reveal an excess of energy, which signals discomfort or anxiety.
INVADING OTHER’S SPACE
When you are closer than 1.5 feet away from a colleague or you treat their possessions and office space as if it were your own, it signals disrespect and that you don’t have a clear understanding of personal boundaries.
GLANCING AT THE CLOCK
Glancing at the clock or at your watch or even looking past a person who you’re speaking with will communicate disinterest or arrogance.
FROWNING AND SCOWLING
Scowls and frowns, often unintentional and unconscious, communicate unhappiness and disagreement.

Perhaps it’s time to invest in a small token of appreciation for your employees…A MIRROR hung right beside the time clock so they can see what the customer sees!   Or, at the next staff meeting, have them take a “selfie” and critique themselves. Who knows, maybe the old saying “I’m my own worst enemy” will come to life!

©2014 QubicaAMF Worldwide LLC