Unlocking the Power of Non-Verbal Communication: EPOKA University's Body Language Training Session

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, EPOKA University’s Career Planning and Alumni Office and the Department of Business Administration, in collaboration with the Institute of Body Language Albania, hosted an exclusive training session led by the institute's founder, Ksenofon Ilia. The event aimed to provide participants with valuable insights into the significance of non-verbal communication and how it can enhance their personal and professional interactions.

Key Takeaways from the Training:

1. The Dominance of Non-Verbal Communication: Studies reveal that 93% of interpersonal communication is influenced by body language and voice, while only 7% depends on the words spoken. Mr. Ilia emphasized that body language reflects what the unconscious mind knows, making it a more trustworthy indicator of true emotions and intentions.
    
2. Strategic Positioning in Conversations: One of the notable strategies shared was the importance of positioning in group discussions. Research indicates that people naturally tend to look to their left. Therefore, sitting on the right side of the main speaker may result in being overlooked. Understanding this dynamic can help individuals position themselves more effectively.
    
3. The Power of Handshakes: Handshakes convey power and authority. Mr. Ilia stressed the importance of maintaining a firm but respectful handshake to project confidence and establish dominance in professional settings.
    
4. Handling Group Interviews: Group interviews can be intimidating as multiple interviewers pose questions. The best approach, according to Mr. Ilia, is to directly address the person who asked the question while maintaining eye contact with others to demonstrate engagement and confidence.
    
5. Gender Differences in Communication: Men and women communicate and interpret body language differently. Understanding these distinctions can enhance interactions and prevent misunderstandings in both professional and personal environments.
    
6. Building Trust and Authority: Using non-verbal cues effectively can help establish trust and authority. Maintaining good posture, making eye contact, and using open gestures were among the techniques highlighted to build rapport and credibility.
    
7. Mastering Eye Contact: Maintaining appropriate eye contact can convey confidence and attentiveness. However, balancing it is key, as too much can seem aggressive, while too little can indicate insecurity. Mr. Ilia suggested that a helpful strategy is to look at the direction of the speaker's right ear to maintain natural and confident eye contact.
    
8. The Role of Personal Space: Understanding the concept of proxemics, or personal space, is vital in different cultural contexts. Respecting personal space can enhance comfort and trust in interactions.
    
9. The Impact of Facial Expressions: Facial expressions can convey emotions and intentions more effectively than words. Being mindful of expressions can help communicate empathy and sincerity.
    
10. Using Gestures to Emphasize Points: Purposeful gestures can enhance verbal communication by reinforcing key points and making the message more memorable.
     

This training session provided attendees with practical tools to enhance their communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of the subconscious signals conveyed through body language. By mastering these techniques, participants can improve their professional presence and navigate social interactions with greater confidence.