6 simple body language tricks you should know as an HR manager

Most of what we communicate is nonverbal, according to research. Of about 60 to 90 percent of our nonverbal communication, 55 percent is through gestures, 38 percent through voice and only 7 percent through words. These statistics go to prove how important body language is for communication. In your role as an HR manager, communication is inevitable, whether it is with your peers or for recruiting.

With these little body language tricks, you can ensure that you are more approachable to your peers. You can also use these while interviewing candidates.

Hold a good posture

The first trick to appear confident is to have a good posture. Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Don’t be too rigid, lest you seem too uptight. Keep your body loose and relaxed. A straight back also lets you express your thoughts properly while communicating. A trick to hold a good posture and move with grace is to keep your core tight.

Smile your best smile

Deliver a genuine smile to show that you are an HR manager who cares. However, don’t flash a smile. A slow, big and warm smile adds depth and richness to the way you are perceived. Smile between your conversation and when you agree with the other person.

Note: Don’t force it. Smile as you would when you’re pleased; let your face express your happiness.

Feel secure

Address pain points that make you feel less confident. Feeling secure helps project confidence and eventually shows off in your body language. This starts with being comfortable with the clothes you’re wearing and your comfort zone.

Maintain eye contact

To impart credibility to your communication, maintain eye contact with the person you’re talking to throughout the time. However, don’t stare or blink rapidly; that may seem like you aren’t paying attention. Blink normally. When you have to break the eye contact for any reason, do it slowly.

Use articulated hand movements

To make a positive impact, keep your arms relaxed by your sides to show that you’re open to what the other person is communicating. Keep them uncrossed. When you speak, using your hands to gesture increases your credibility. Use a firm handshake while greeting to set the tone for a confident conversation.

Note: Be aware of cultural differences when it comes to hand gestures and handshakes. The same gesture may have different connotations in different cultures.

Mirror facial expressions

As an HR professional, you’re expected to be empathetic, and you can show your empathy by mirroring the facial expressions of the person you’re talking to. This indicates that you’re either in agreement or understand her or his problem. If he or she smiles, smile back.

Hand gestures

There are subtle gestures that can convey the unsaid message. Steepling your fingers is a sign of confidence and can be used once or twice throughout the interview. But don’t overdo this hand sign as it might send across a sense of arrogance.

Don’t use too many hand gestures while asking questions or explaining something to the candidate.

These little body language tricks are simple and easy to follow. However, don’t try too hard to follow them – the trick is to stay relaxed. Keep these points in mind to be a graceful HR manager and an expert communicator, even when you’re not talking.