As anyone who has ever undertaken any sales training should know, body language is an important communication technique. Body language can account for up 55% of your communication skills, and can be used to great effect whatever your job function, whether in management or sales.

Stand up to deflect interruptions
If you’re the type of manager who has an open door policy, if you’re busy when someone comes in to interrupt you, stand up. Standing up and asking how you can help, will encourage the other person not to sit down and get comfy; it encourages them to get to the point. If the discussion needs to go further (to your benefit!) decide whether you both should sit, and even better, schedule a discussion for when it suits you.

Stand up in meetings
If you want to encourage an efficient and effective brief meeting, conduct it standing up, and encourage the team to be on their feet as well. This avoids digression, and keeps people focused. Being on your feet will give the impression that what you have to say is important. A good tip; don’t shuffle around and look at the carpet. Keep relatively still and give everyone in the team eye contact, especially when you’re making a decisive point.