Aligned to Connect
by Stevie Scott, MS, ATC
“Are you even listening?” We talk heavily about proper lifting and its importance for our body, but how about using these principles to help us with more than just strains and sprains. Have you ever thought about how your body language impacts your everyday conversations and relationships with your friends, family, and coworkers?
How about when you DO have an uncomfortable interaction with someone – did body language play a role in the outcome of the conversation? When someone doesn’t take the time to make eye contact or stop what they’re doing while we are trying to talk to them, it can be very discouraging. Just as we align our shoulders, hips, and toes to the task at hand at work, we should square up to our conversations in order to convey the message that we are engaged and invested.
Square Up For Success
When we “square up” to our work onsite, we are reducing injury risk and promoting safety. When we align our shoulders, hips, and toes to make safe lifting a priority, we are conveying that we care about the health of our body. Just as we align ourselves with our work, we should also align ourselves with others when listening to them in order to be the most efficient listener. When our body language is open, we are reinforcing respect, compassion, and that we are truly paying attention to what they are saying.
Align With Your Audience
It’s common to be approached by someone that just needs a listening ear: this could be a child, significant other, family member, friend, coworker, etc. (Don’t forget that sometimes our parents still need a listening ear, too!) If they come to us looking for compassion and are met with closed off body language, they are less likely to open up. Sometimes people need help, while other times they just need to feel heard. Either way, body language is key in showing people that we care about what they have to say. What are some ways we can align to connect better with others?
We should always start with our entire body facing the person, arms un-crossed, and making eye contact. It’s often beneficial to mirror the person’s body language in order to make them more comfortable. For example, if they have their hands in their pockets, try putting your hands in yours while you talk with them. We should always stop any typing, scrolling on our phone, or essentially whatever task we are working on when someone approaches us to have a conversation.
Align to Connect with Your Body by:
- Facing Forward: Turn your shoulders, hips, and toes toward the person you’re speaking with to signal attention and respect.
- Keeping an Open Stance: Relax your posture and stand or sit tall. It shows you’re approachable and receptive.
- Leveling Your Eyes: Eye contact builds trust. Avoid staring at screens or glancing away. Look up and stay present.
- Matching the Moment: Mirror the other person’s energy, pace, or stance when appropriate to build connection and ease tension.
- Letting Your Body Agree: Nod when listening, lean in slightly when someone’s talking, and avoid distracted movements. Your body should reflect your engagement.
Body language isn’t just background noise. It’s often the first message we send. Whether it’s a pre-shift huddle, a coaching moment, or a one-on-one with a teammate, the way we physically show up can either support or sabotage our words. Open posture, intentional alignment, and full-body attentiveness don’t just improve safety on the floor, they build stronger, clearer, more respectful communication on and off the clock.
Stevie Scott, MS, ATC || Stevie was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, where she graduated from UNLV. She moved to Southern California and began work in the occupational setting before obtaining her Master’s Degree in I/O Psychology. She has been an Injury Prevention Specialist with Work Right since June of 2024 and in the industrial setting for over 8 years. Her hobbies include live music, trying new restaurants, and relaxing at home with her rescue dog, Cali (chocolate Labrador).
Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right NW!