Besides facial expressions, body language helps us get a better read of people’s moods and emotions.
Reading people gives us an idea of how to approach someone and how to convey what we want to say.
However, learning non-verbal cues can be difficult, especially for those with online jobs.
Remote workers often deal with clients from diverse backgrounds, so you should also take note of cultural differences.
What’s okay in your country might not fly in theirs.
Reading non-verbal cues can also be a challenge when it comes to our coworkers. After all, we don’t get to see our workmates most of the time in a remote setup.
While video conferencing exists, people may be more comfortable with the cameras turned off.
So, how do you get better at reading people if you are working from home?
Watch Out for Microexpressions
Different cultures express their emotions in various ways.
For instance, Filipinos are more open about their feelings. You can immediately tell what someone is feeling based on their facial expressions.
In contrast, East Asians like the Japanese tend to hide their true emotions behind a calm expression.
However, you can still see what someone is truly feeling through microexpressions.
Study someone’s face carefully, and you will see flashes of emotion before they can be hidden.
Microexpressions are consistent throughout various cultures, giving you a good idea of someone’s true thoughts about work matters.
In a remote work environment, this is easier to look out for when the team has their cameras on during meetings.
Pay Attention to the Tone
People say it’s difficult to gauge someone’s tone in written communication.
Still, you can get an idea of what the other person is saying indirectly (besides what’s already on paper or onscreen).
First, evaluate the type of text. Is it an email or just a simple chat message?
If it’s the former, expect a more formal tone compared to a more casual one when someone directly messages you.
Next, inspect the sender’s choice of words. Certain words can put a negative connotation on your perception of the matter and/or the sender.
To identify what sort of tone a piece of text carries, evaluate its main subject. Is it more direct and does it focus on facts? Or does it seem more humorous?
At work, it’s best to keep things simple and tight if you want to exude authority.
However, if you want to sound warmer, keep your sentences short, and feel free to use the vernacular. You can also use emojis if appropriate.
Do discern well whether you should use a formal or informal tone in written communication.
Listen to Your Intuition
While trusting your intuition is not necessarily a skill, it can be useful in specific situations.
For instance, if you see a flash of expression on someone’s face, take time to evaluate what it could mean.
Do they seem to agree with your points? Or do they think otherwise?
Remember, the human brain can detect even the tiniest of facial expressions.
Thus, you can usually tell how someone feels in a split second and react accordingly if you pay attention.
“People Reading”
Reading people can be tricky. However, it’s a pretty helpful skill once you get the hang of it.
Yes, people can mask their true feelings, especially at work, but emotions are universal across cultures.
If you can, take time to look into non-verbal cues, especially in different countries so you’ll work with international clients better.
On that note, if you want to switch to a remote job after working in an office, check out Remote Staff’s job listings. It is regularly updated and has open positions in various industries.
Remote Staff has also been in business for 15 years (and counting)! Currently, the company is expanding to the US after establishing operations in Australia.
Got prior work experience working with either American or Australian clients? Register with us today!
