Non-verbal cues play a significant role in how one communicates at the workplace. While you may be able to exercise control over what and how you speak, often other signals may complicate the message sent out to superiors or co-workers. Here are a few tips on sending the right cues for an effective, non-verbal communication.

Take out some time to reply to official e-mails. An incoherent, long-drawn out answer may confuse rather than clarify issues. At the same time a simple “OK” to a query may be viewed as terse or even rude. It is best to write a grammatically correct reply which directly addresses the issues in a clear and succinct manner.

Consider the signals sent out to co-workers or subordinates by your actions such as the perpetually closed door of your office. While closing the door is understandable in case of important calls or confidential meetings, a door shut all the time may signal your unwillingness to be approached by others. If you like to work with privacy, keep the door slightly ajar or when rushing to meet a deadline, tape a message on your door.

Finally, it is always prudent to give a balanced look to your workspace. While you might want to individualize your desk or cubicle, putting up items of too personal a nature might be considered unprofessional, politically incorrect or even downright offensive.