Nimlok Tradepoints:
Nonverbal Behavior Tells All

Watch your staffers. Do they engage in any of the following nonverbal behaviors?

• Continually fidget with pens, lead-gathering devices, or other items?
• Assume the "fig leaf" position with hands crossed over their crotch?
• Root in their pockets — for change, keys, or goodness knows what?
• Play juggler — tossing giveaway items, brochures, or other items into the air?

What these behaviors, often unconscious, communicate to attendees…

• I'm bored.
• I don't want to be at this show.
• I'm nervous and don't want to talk to anyone.

What can you do?

1. Create awareness and provide an alternative to keep their hands busy.
2. Give your team something to hold onto. Clipboards with surveys, lead cards, giveaway items, brochures — anything to keep hands out of the pockets!
3. Practice makes perfect! Role-play the do's and don'ts before the show.

Written by Susan A. Friedmann, CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, working with exhibitors and meeting & event planners to improve their event success through coaching, consulting and training.

Website: www.thetradeshowcoach.com