Psychology ( Body Language in Meetings )

Communication occurs constantly in a meeting. Not many people are involved in
speaking, but almost everyone (if not everyone) would exhibit body language signals
that divulge what they are actually feeling inside.


If you are the leader of the meeting, it is important to know if the attendees are
interested in what you are saying, or if they agree with your ideas. Early detection of
boredom or disagreement is crucial in order for you to change your approach or present
a different proposal when necessary.


When you see most of the attendees reclining back in their chairs or just staring
blankly without blinking an eye, it likely means they are not interested in the topic being
discussed. Do not prolong the discussion or do something that will break the monotony.
When the attendees nod constantly, it means they are agreeing with what you
are saying.

When the attendees cross their arms, touch their nose or mouth, sit back, and
worse, shake their heads, they oppose your ideas. Time to think of some
countermeasures to neutralize the situation.
When an attendee breathes deeply, it probably means that he wants to interrupt
the conversation and express his point of views.
Observe also other body gestures, such as:
• Changing the intonation of the voice.
• Frowning.
• Looking down at the ground
• Drumming fingers in the table.
• Exiting the meeting room.

You need to detect the inner feelings of each attendee and bear in mind how this
can affect the reaction of the other attendees. If the topic being discussed becomes “too
hot to handle,” it might be better to re-schedule the meeting at another time. Some
emotional people can exhibit great facial expressions and body gestures. Recognizing
them early in the meeting can prevent any undesirable emotional outbreak to occur.