How can you use body language to resolve conflicts in real estate?

As a real estate professional, you may encounter various conflicts with clients, colleagues, or other parties involved in a transaction. Whether it is a disagreement over price, terms, or expectations, how you handle these situations can affect your reputation, relationships, and results. One of the most important skills you can develop is using body language to resolve conflicts in real estate. In this article, you will learn how to use nonverbal cues to communicate effectively, de-escalate tension, and build trust.

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1 Why body language matters

Body language is the way you express yourself through your posture, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and tone of voice. It can convey your emotions, intentions, and confidence, as well as influence how others perceive you. According to research, body language accounts for up to 55% of the message you send, while words only account for 7%. Therefore, paying attention to your body language can help you avoid misunderstandings, create rapport, and resolve conflicts in real estate.

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Richard Di Britannia

Voice, Speech and Communication Skills Specialist - Bestselling Author - I teach Leaders how to say exactly what's on their mind
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The Mehrabian myth which states "...According to research, body language accounts for up to 55% of the message you send, while words only account for 7%..." simply isn't true. If only 7% of your words are understood, we wouldn't have to learn foreign languages, because by that logic, 55% of our body language would express what we were attempting to say! Instead, examine if your body language aligns with the emotions you aim to convey: • Are your palms open when negotiating suggesting calmness, or are they bundled into angry fists ready to strike? • Are you facing your listener and appearing engaged, or are you turning away and seeming distant? • Are you smiling when discussing happy topics, or are you wearing a frown?

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2 How to use body language to communicate effectively

One of the key aspects of using body language to resolve conflicts in real estate is to communicate effectively. This means being clear, concise, and respectful with your words, and matching them with your nonverbal cues. For example, if you want to show that you are listening to the other party, you can nod your head, maintain eye contact, and lean forward slightly. If you want to express your opinion, you can use open gestures, such as spreading your arms or palms, and speak with a calm and confident voice. Avoid using body language that can be seen as aggressive, defensive, or dismissive, such as crossing your arms, pointing your finger, or rolling your eyes.

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Richard Di Britannia

Voice, Speech and Communication Skills Specialist - Bestselling Author - I teach Leaders how to say exactly what's on their mind
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Have you ever noticed how World Leaders and CEOs demonstrate they are listening? They tilt their head to one side, lock eye contact and nod their head three times in slow succession while the other party speaks their mind. This shows they are paying attention, goads their audience to keep talking and gives them more time to appreciate what others have to say.

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3 How to use body language to de-escalate tension

Another aspect of using body language to resolve conflicts in real estate is to de-escalate tension. This means reducing the negative emotions and stress that can arise during a conflict, and creating a more positive and cooperative atmosphere. For example, if you notice that the other party is angry, frustrated, or anxious, you can use body language to show empathy, such as tilting your head, smiling gently, or touching your chest. If you feel that the other party is hostile, defensive, or distrustful, you can use body language to show respect, such as mirroring their posture, nodding your head, or lowering your voice. Avoid using body language that can be seen as confrontational, intimidating, or sarcastic, such as raising your eyebrows, frowning, or shrugging your shoulders.

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4 How to use body language to build trust

The final aspect of using body language to resolve conflicts in real estate is to build trust. This means establishing a connection and a mutual understanding with the other party, and showing that you are reliable, honest, and professional. For example, if you want to show that you are trustworthy, you can use body language to show openness, such as uncrossing your arms, exposing your palms, or removing any barriers between you and the other party. If you want to show that you are honest, you can use body language to show consistency, such as aligning your words and your actions, maintaining eye contact, or nodding your head. Avoid using body language that can be seen as deceptive, manipulative, or uninterested, such as touching your face, looking away, or yawning.

Using body language to resolve conflicts in real estate is a valuable skill that can help you achieve your goals, enhance your relationships, and improve your reputation. By paying attention to your nonverbal cues, and adapting them to the situation, you can communicate effectively, de-escalate tension, and build trust with your clients, colleagues, and other parties involved in a transaction.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use body language to resolve conflicts in real estate?

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1 Why body language matters

2 How to use body language to communicate effectively

3 How to use body language to de-escalate tension

4 How to use body language to build trust

5 Here’s what else to consider

Real Estate

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How can you use body language to resolve conflicts in real estate?

1

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3

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5

1 Why body language matters

2 How to use body language to communicate effectively

3 How to use body language to de-escalate tension

4 How to use body language to build trust

5 Here’s what else to consider

Real Estate

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