Actions Speak Louder than Words: Mastering Body Language

So noted Bill Acheson, faculty member of the Department of Communication at the University of Pittsburgh, when speaking to attendees of the National Tax Sheltered Accounts Association’s (NTSAA) 403(b) Advisor Summit.  Acheson shared tips on projecting the correct body language to win clients, as well as on interpreting the body language of clients and prospects.  

In a first meeting, body language is ten times more powerful than what you say, according to Acheson.  It is also more emotionally revealing and more emotionally accurate than what you say.  

Acheson contended there are three things you must project to initiate and maintain a long-term professional relationship: trustworthiness, competence and likeability.  

Starting with the handshake, Acheson said a one-handed handshake using a vertical palm and firm grip indicates relationship equality.  “It is the only handshake you should use in a professional setting,” he said.  When shaking hands with a prospect, lead with your right hand, make eye contact and give a verbal greeting.  

According to Acheson, if you touch your face while speaking, it conveys a lack of confidence.  Fingers over your mouth conveys dishonesty or deception.  

Acheson listed six behaviors advisers should adopt: 

• Make eye contact 70% of the time; 
• Smile; 
• Nod your head at appropriate times – although Acheson said this means different things for men and women, and it would be a good idea for advisers to learn women’s perspectives; 
• Body orientation toward prospect with only a slight forward lean; 
• Have your hands in view at all times – this indicates you have nothing to hide; and 
• Don’t cross your legs – Acheson said studies have shown that crossing one’s legs inhibits the ability to think clearly. 

Acheson also gave attendees of the NTSAA 403(b) Advisor Summit insight on what a prospect/client’s body language conveys.  

When shaking hands, he suggested advisers pay attention to what the prospect’s left hand is doing.  If it is down by her side, she is neutral or unmotivated. If the left hand is in a fist or tense, it shows excitement for the meeting, high intent and positive attitude.  If the left hand moves up and toward you, this indicates the prospect already likes you.  

We’ve often been told that when someone sits or stands with their arms crossed, it means they have closed up and won’t trust you or let you in.  But, Acheson said we can read other things from crossed arms.  If the right hand/fingers only are exposed, it means the person is a logical thinker; the left hand/fingers exposed means the person is an emotional and creative thinker.  If the fingers of both hands are showing when arms are crossed, it means the person is a quick decision maker, a fast thinker and can go with either emotional or logical thinking.  When the fingers of both hands are concealed, it shows collusive thinking.  The person can think both logically or emotionally at the same time.  It also means the person is a strong starter, but a weak finisher.  

Is the prospect exposing his or her stomach when sitting across from you? If so, they are open to you and what you are saying; if not, they haven’t opened up.  

If the prospect's body is facing you, that is good, but if they are turned at all, you are losing them.  Finally, Acheson explained what the timing of a prospect’s response to your question conveys.  For example, if you ask, “Are you comfortable with the plan I drew up for you?” a short, brief and direct answer is the most honest.  Anything else—if the prospect hesitates or doesn't answer directly—then you need to probe further to address concerns.