In preparing for a dinner meeting with potential clients or business partners, it\u2019s normal to focus on research. We master the numbers: costs, units, sales projections. We look up their hobbies in the hopes of developing a relationship that greases the wheels of a sale. In other words, we think a lot about what we\u2019re going to say.<\/p>\n
Verbal communication is a critical part of prepping for a dinner meeting. But if that\u2019s where our focus ends, then we\u2019ve abandoned one of the most valuable tools at our disposal. And that\u2019s a real waste, because using this tool costs nothing\u2014and it can make a tremendous impact on your communication efforts during a dinner meeting.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re talking about <\/a>body language<\/a>, which accounts for 55 per cent (or more) of effective communication. When you\u2019re having dinner with a client or business partner, your eyes, voice, arms, hands, and posture\u2014plus knowing how to read body language on your dinner companion\u2014can influence your ability to make a connection (and, potentially, a sale). So without further ado, we present the following body language guide. Apply these tips to your next dinner meeting and you just may be amazed by the results!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n When you and your dinner companion meet, start things off <\/a>on the right foot<\/a> by looking them in the eye, smiling warmly, and offering a firm handshake. These body movements convey that you\u2019re confident, friendly, and sincerely interested in making a connection. Then, stand behind your chair until the other diners are seated\u2014this conveys respect and decorum.<\/p>\n No, this doesn\u2019t mean you should stare down your dinner companion as they chew every bite of food. But regular, warm <\/a>eye contact<\/a> helps communicate to the other party that you are invested in what they have to say, particularly if you maintain eye contact while they\u2019re speaking. Studies have also found that establishing eye contact for approximately 50 to 60 percent of a conversation suggests you are confident and trustworthy\u2014both traits that are essential if you\u2019re asking someone to put their faith in you, your product, or your business.<\/p>\n Maintaining a <\/a>strong posture<\/a> conveys confidence as well as the idea that you\u2019re actively engaged in the conversation taking place. Leaning slightly toward whomever is speaking further suggests that you\u2019re truly interested in what they have to say and that you believe the conversation is important.<\/p>\n Tilting your head to one side while listening to another person <\/a>suggests that you\u2019re open<\/a> to what that person is saying and eliminates any body language that could be interpreted as aggressive or hostile. A neutral head position (i.e., your head and chin remain level while you look directly at the speaker) can be more difficult to interpret.<\/p>\n Our arms say a lot about how receptive we are to another person. If you\u2019re attempting to create a genial relationship, then it\u2019s important to keep your arms open rather than crossed over your chest; the latter conveys being closed off to the conversation. Our hands also play a big role in nonverbal communication. Try to <\/a>avoid gesticulating wildly<\/a>, as this can overwhelm the listener and\/or convey that you\u2019re scattered. Also try to avoid covering your mouth with your hands or fingers, as this can suggest you\u2019re not telling the truth.<\/p>\n Because our legs aren\u2019t above the table during a dinner meeting, it\u2019s easy to forget them. But they still play a role in nonverbal communication. Aim to <\/a>keep your legs as still<\/a> as possible. Nervous fidgeting or shaking can convey deceptiveness and will affect your upper body movements as well.<\/p>\n While you\u2019re paying attention to your own body language, it\u2019s also helpful to spend some time reading the body language of your dinner companions. When a prospect makes eye contact, smiles, nods, and otherwise utilizes open and positive body language, this is a good sign that they\u2019re interested in establishing a working relationship. In contrast, if they\u2019re leaning back with their arms crossed and rarely making eye contact, this suggests you may have your work cut out for you if you want anything fruitful to come out of the meeting.<\/p>\n It takes practice to master these techniques, but the attention you give to understanding body language pays off in more effective communication at dinner meetings\u2014and everywhere else in your personal and professional life.<\/p>\n<\/p>\nNail the first impression<\/b><\/h3>\n
Maintain eye contact throughout the meal<\/b><\/h3>\n
Sit up straight<\/b><\/h3>\n
Consider your head position<\/b><\/h3>\n
Mind your arms and hands<\/b><\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t forget about your legs<\/b><\/h3>\n
Share “Keep Body Language in Mind at Your Next Customer Dinner Meeting” On Your Site<\/h3>\n