At Jigsaw, we help individuals with disability develop key workplace skills through Jigsaw Academy. Our program focuses on building transferable skills that are essential for success in any work environment. We offer personalised sessions and group discussions to ensure that everyone is prepared for the demands of mainstream employment.
An essential skill we focus on is professional communication—both body language and verbal/written communication. Below, we break down body language and share practical tips on how to practise this skill at home. Next month, we’ll focus on verbal and written communication, so keep an eye out for that!
Professional communication: Body language and visual communication
Body language and visual communication refer to the non-verbal ways we express ourselves, such as through facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and other visual cues.
In the workplace, these non-verbal signals are just as important as spoken words. They help convey emotions, intentions, and messages, and are crucial for building relationships and fostering positive workplace dynamics.
Why it matters in the workplace:
– Clarifies messages: Non-verbal cues like a smile or a nod can make your words clearer and more effective.
– Strengthens relationships: Positive body language, such as making eye contact and showing openness, helps build trust with coworkers and managers.
– Shows confidence: Open body language (like standing tall) gives an impression of confidence, which is often noticed in professional settings.
– Prevents misunderstandings: Reading and understanding body language helps you interpret how others are feeling, allowing you to respond appropriately.
How to practise body language at home:
- Facial expressions: Practise recognising and mimicking different emotions (happy, sad, angry, etc.). Use pictures or mirror exercises to help you become familiar with these expressions.
- Eye contact: Practice making comfortable eye contact during conversations. Start by holding eye contact for a few seconds and gradually increase the duration.
- Role-playing: Simulate common workplace scenarios, like greeting a coworker or participating in a meeting. Focus on practicing positive body language such as smiling and standing confidently.
- Open vs. closed body language: Learn the difference between open body language (friendly) and closed body language (unapproachable). For example, try sitting with arms uncrossed and making yourself available to listen.
- Visual cues: Use pictures or videos to discuss body language including what each posture or gesture might communicate (e.g., sitting upright to convey attentiveness, slouching to indicate boredom).
- Gestures: Practise simple gestures like giving a thumbs-up or waving, and incorporate them into your everyday interactions.
- Personal space: Understand and practise the concept of personal space. Experiment with standing too close, too far, and the ideal distance for conversations.
- Words and gestures: Practise using gestures to support what you are saying, such as pointing to an object when giving directions.
- Movies or TV shows: Watch scenes where body language plays a significant role in conveying meaning. Discuss the emotions or thoughts the characters are expressing through their actions.
By practising this skill at home, you’ll be better prepared to communicate confidently and effectively in the workplace. Stay tuned for more tips on how to implement our Academy pathway at home in next month’s update!