To the educated observer, body language gives helpful clues about a person’s mood and attitude. This can be useful in many situations, and is especially helpful at trade show stands. Exhibitors can interpret attendees’ body language to determine how they might feel about different products and services at trade show stands, and exhibitors themselves need to be conscious of signals they might be sending off with their own body language. Being aware of all of these will result in a better trade exhibit experience.
General Body Language Rules
Most people know that crossed arms can indicate that a person is disinterested or not listening, but what about other signals? Generally, body language cues are fairly easy to interpret. However, one must remember that body language can be subjective; while gestures may typically indicate certain emotions, they are not true for every case.
Facial gestures can be quite telling at trade show exhibits. Rubbing the eyes is seen as deceitful and may indicate the person is lying and wishes to avoid eye contact. Hands or fingers covering the mouth may also indicate dishonesty.
How To Read The Body Language Of Attendees
Attendees that approach trade show stands slowly and lean in the exhibit’s direction usually are interested in what exhibitors have to say. Direct eye contact also signals interest. Once speaking with sales representatives at exhibits, attendees who rub their palms are generally seen as eager to find out more information. Those who touch their face are often mentally evaluating the booth’s products and services – it’s recommended to let them take their time and not press the conversation at this point. Open arms are also a good sign, one that exhibitors should interpret as an invitation to continue engaging with the visitor.
Negative signs to watch out for at trade show exhibits include clenching the fists, backing away from the sales representative, and crossing not only the arms but also the legs, if sitting. Sudden gestures and shifts in positioning can indicate increasing or decreasing interest. Avoiding eye contact signals disinterest, while rolling the eyes usually suggests a superior attitude.
Exhibitors Should Watch Their Own Body Language
To encourage as many visitors as possible to trade show exhibits, those manning the booth should be sure to not cross their arms, roll their eyes at anything, or rub their eyes when speaking with potential clients. They should of course make direct eye contact and smile at the attendee. Exhibitors should avoid looking down at the ground, as this makes it easy to miss non-verbal cues from visitors that signal interest.
Other habits to avoid include leaning on the trade show stands’ table or other equipment, hobbling anxiously from foot to foot, and generally appearing nervous by moving around restlessly or jingling change and whatever else might be in their pockets. By staying aware of body language cues at trade show exhibits, booth representatives can interpret attendees’ attitudes and correct any negative vibes they may be sending out.
Chris Harmen writes for the experts in trade show stands, New York Skyline. For professional and affordable New York trade show exhibits, consider Skyline for quality booth rentals, refurbishing, supplies, storage, and more.