6 Tips for a good body language in a GD!
6 Tips for a good body language in a GD!
Body language when put in simple words just means the signals your actions send out to the external world.
The movements of your hands, shaking of your legs, the fumble in your voice & the drops of sweat on your forehead are nothing but just the signals your body is sending out to the person on the other side. If you are aware of them and can manage them, half the battle is won.
So, let’s see the importance of body language and how to use it during a GD or interview.
Why is body language important?
Brings you about as a confident and well mannered person -
A body language that compliments your words bring you about as a well mannered and confident person which is the foremost requirement for a social interaction to begin.
Gives you a chance to take control of yourself -
It is important to understand how our body conveys messages through our actions. Sending out wrong messages such as arrogance, lack of interest may cost you the opportunity. However, you can take charge of your actions when you are aware that your body is behaving in a particular way.
Provides a peek into your mind -
Body language communicates a lot of information about you, no matter what words come out of your mouth. Employers/Panelists pay attention to how you dress, sit, talk and behave during the GD/interview process as they are looking forward to select the best person.
How to communicate a positive body language?
1) Smile – It burst the stress and is a great starter!
When you present yourself to an interviewer or a fellow speaker, give him/her a pleasant smile. It is a sign of welcome & enthusiasm. It says, “I’m friendly and approachable.” Whenever you welcome someone in a conversation with a warm smile, half of your stress will fizz out and you will find yourself in a better state of mind to begin the discussion.
However, it is important to put some limits on how often you smile. Smile for a reason. Avoid unnecessary grinning at any time during the discussion, as this may put you and your fellow speaker in an awkward situation.
2) Maintain sufficient personal space - everyone has got an aura!
Respecting the personal space of your fellow speakers benefits you in return by receiving respect from them. GD and PI being the formal discussions with strangers need you to maintain a decent distance so that you do not encroach upon their personal space, making them uncomfortable.
3) Convey Confidence: Look into eyes but don't stare.
Looking into eyes while talking to the fellow speakers always benefits you by gaining their attention to your points.
This makes easy for you to convey thoughts in limited words.
However, you should not stare into the eyes of fellow speakers and make them uncomfortable.
Don not show any sign of nervousness even if you are. A signal of nervousness or boredom may put you out of the conversation. Your fidgeting habits like scratching your nose, biting your nails, twiddling your thumbs, tapping your feet, rubbing your eyes, etc. may give the signal of boredom or nervousness. You should avoid these activities while conversation and focus on positive body language.
4) Disagree politely: Be gentle when it comes to an argument.
Sometimes you may not agree with the fellow speaker's point of view. You have to be careful at that time while expressing your opinion.
You need to maintain the proper coordination of speech and body gestures while expressing your views. Avoid banging of hands on the table and pointing of fingers to make a point during the discussion/interview.
Control your anger & defensive habits like pointing your fingers, crossing your arms, etc. It will not help you make your point stronger. They may distract you & lead into unnecessary controversies.
5) Demonstrate Interest
Simulate 'eyebrow-flash' – a universal sign of recognition and acknowledgment. Eyebrow-flash is an unconscious signal of raising both eyebrows quickly and returning them to a comfortable position while looking a the person with whom you want to connect. It happens within fractions of second and yet recognized by the person.
Show your interest in the conversation to your fellow speakers and listen to them carefully. It benefits you exploring new perspectives on your beliefs and expand your knowledge. It is truly said that “Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning”. Eagerness and interest in listening other's opinions are good sign to get you linked in the sequence of conversation.
Maintaining an eye contact or simply nodding of head to someone's opinion are the better ways to express understanding towards their point of view in the group discussion as well as in an interview. Avoid looking somewhere else while having a conversation. It indicated the lack of interest.
These types of gestures show our activeness in the participation of group discussion & the dignity for the comments of other candidates in the group.
6) Make a better conclusion: It helps you to be a better problem solver.
An optimum conclusion at the end of a GD makes it successful. You should take initiative to make a better conclusion.
You need to keep in mind that GD without conclusion is a waste of talk.
When it comes to PI, always leave the room with a gratitude.
