Lesson 22 — Activity 3: Posture

Another important aspect of non-verbal communication is posture. The way we stand and how close we are to others can influence communication. Posture is important in all situations, but it is something we may need to think about more consciously in formal situations in the workplace.

The way we stand or sit in the workplace tells our employers, co-workers, and customers a great deal about ourselves. If we stand or sit straight and tall, we present ourselves and our messages more confidently than if we slouch or hunch over. If we cross our arms and legs, we may look defensive or unwilling to consider other people's points of view. If we mimic or copy the posture of the person we are speaking with, we may seem to be in agreement with what they have to say.

Another important aspect of posture is the distance we keep between ourselves and others. This distance is sometimes referred to as personal space. Some people feel very uncomfortable, nervous, or intimidated if we get too close to them, especially in a more formal workplace environment. As a general rule, the better we know someone, the more comfortable we are standing or sitting close to them.