Listeners' Body Language Can Affect Speakers

How do you as an executive, manager or supervisor rate your body language when you listen? Your enthusiasm (or boredom) can affect those who are speaking with you. When you as a listener appear bored, frustrated or angry, most speakers react in some way. On the other hand, when you seem eager to listen, that also affects speakers. Other listener behaviors such as drumming fingers softly on the desktop, texting under cover, or staring into space may be misinterpreted due to cultural or other reasons.

The first step in changing is to be aware of what you are doing, as if a mirror were located across the room from you. Then think about the reasons you act this way. If you are required to be in this meeting or listening to this speaker, challenge yourself to learn at least four things from the speaker so your valuable time is not wasted.