you agree?

How to Sit in Meetings and Use Body Language in Tourism and Hospitality

Meetings are very important in tourism and hospitality. They help people talk, share ideas, and plan work. Meetings can be with guests, colleagues, managers, or tour groups. In tourism, you meet many people every day. How you sit, move, and use your body is very important. Your body can speak before you talk. Good body language shows confidence, politeness, and friendliness. Bad body language can give a bad impression.

This guide is for young people starting a career in tourism and hospitality. It shows where to sit in meetings and how to use your body. It has many examples, mistakes to avoid, and practical tips.

Part 1: Where to Sit in Meetings

1.1 General Rules

Always arrive early. Early people can choose a good seat.
Sit where you can see the leader or speaker.
Do not sit at the far end if you want to participate.
Sit straight and politely.

1.2 Big Tables in Hotels or Offices

Hotels often have big rectangular tables. Sometimes meetings are in conference rooms.

Tips:

The head of the table is for the manager or team leader.
Sit near the leader if you are a new employee.
Sit in the middle of one side if you need to speak.
Avoid sitting with your back to the door. This can be distracting.

Example:
You are a new receptionist. The hotel manager calls a meeting about guest services. You sit on the side, near the manager, hands on the table, looking at the speaker. This shows interest.

1.3 Round Tables

Round tables are common in tourism workshops or small group meetings.

Everyone can see each other.
Sit near the leader or trainer.
Sit next to a friendly colleague if you are nervous.

Example:
A tour company organizes a training session for guides. You sit next to someone you know and near the trainer. You can ask questions if needed.

1.4 Small Tables

Small meetings may have 2–4 people, for example, talking with a guest or manager.

Sit opposite the other person if you are discussing something important.
Sit next to them if you work together.
Do not sit with your back to the window. Light on your face is polite.

Example:
A guest comes to the hotel reception to ask about a tour. You sit opposite the guest, listen carefully, smile, and take notes.

1.5 Meetings Without Tables

Sometimes you meet in a room with just chairs, like a tour briefing or group discussion.

Here is very important advice for beginners:

Sit in the middle row. Not the first row, not the last row.
- The first row can be too close, and some people feel nervous.
- The last row is too far, you may not hear clearly and people may not see you.
- The middle row is just right. You can see the speaker, hear everything, and people can see you.
- Sitting in the middle row makes you look interested and polite.
Example:
In a hotel training session, you sit in the middle row. You can see the trainer’s slides, hear everything, and the trainer can see that you are paying attention.
Sit near people you know if the meeting is informal.
- Meetings can feel nervous for beginners.
- Sitting near people you know makes you comfortable.
- You can ask questions quietly if you do not understand.
- You can work together easily in group activities.
Example:
During a tour guide meeting, you sit next to a friendly colleague. When the trainer asks a question, you can whisper your answer and feel more confident.
Sit near the speaker if you want to listen carefully.
- When you sit near the speaker, you can hear every word.
- You can see gestures and slides clearly.
- You can ask questions easily.
- Sitting near the speaker shows interest and respect.
Example:
During a guest briefing, you sit close to the speaker. You notice small details about the tour, so you can help guests better later.

Summary:

Middle row = comfortable, polite, easy to see and hear.
Near people you know = less nervous, easy to participate.
Near speaker = clear understanding, good impression.

1.6 Special Seats

Some seats have special meaning:

Near the leader: Shows respect.
Near the exit: Shows you want to leave early. Not always polite.
Corner seat: Shows you are quiet. You may not speak much.
Middle seat: Shows you are active. You want to speak and join.

Part 2: Body Language in Tourism Meetings

Body language is very important. In tourism, your body communicates politeness and confidence. Guests and managers notice your hands, arms, legs, posture, face, and eyes.

2.1 Hands

Hands show interest, confidence, and respect.

Good hand positions:

Hands on the table or on your lap.
Hands moving slowly when explaining.
Hands visible, not in pockets.

Bad hand positions:

Hands in pockets = nervous or lazy.
Arms crossed = defensive or angry.
Playing with phone or pen = not interested.

Example:
During a meeting with tour guides, you explain a new schedule. You move your hands slowly to show points, hands visible, looking confident.

2.2 Arms

Keep arms relaxed, not tense.
Open arms = friendly and polite.
Crossed arms = closed or negative.

Example:
A guest asks for help. You stand with open arms, smile, and nod. The guest feels welcome.

2.3 Legs

Legs also show feelings.

Sit with legs together or crossed at the knee. Polite.
Do not bounce legs = nervousness.
Do not put feet on the table = rude.

Example:
During a briefing with your team, you sit calmly, legs together, listening carefully.

2.4 Posture

Sit straight but relaxed.
Lean slightly forward = interest.
Lean too much back = lazy or disinterested.
Slouching = boredom.

Example:
In a hotel staff meeting, you lean slightly forward, hands visible, looking at the speaker. You appear interested and polite.

2.5 Face and Eyes

Face and eyes are very important.

Look at the speaker = respect.
Smile politely = friendly.
Nod sometimes = understanding.
Avoid frowning = can show anger or confusion.

Example:
During a guest meeting, you look at the guest, smile, and nod. The guest feels valued.

2.6 Head Movements

Nod head = agreement.
Tilt head slightly = listening carefully.
Shake head = disagreement. Use carefully.

Example:
During a tour guide training, you tilt your head and nod. The trainer knows you are paying attention.

2.7 Speaking with Body

Stand up if explaining or presenting.
Use slow hand gestures.
Maintain eye contact with the group.
Lean slightly forward = confident.
Do not point at people = rude.

Example:
Explaining a tour schedule to new colleagues. You stand, hands moving slowly, look at everyone, and smile.

2.8 Listening with Body

Lean forward slightly.
Hands visible and relaxed.
Nod sometimes.
Smile when appropriate.
Take notes to show interest.

Example:
During a guest feedback session, you lean forward, nod, and take notes. Guest sees you are serious and polite.

2.9 Group Meetings

Face the group.
Turn body to speaker.
Keep open posture, do not close yourself.
Avoid whispering = rude.

Example:
In a hotel weekly staff meeting, you sit in the middle, hands on table, listening to everyone, nodding sometimes.

2.10 Virtual Meetings

Sit in a quiet place.
Sit straight, look at camera.
Hands visible, not playing with objects.
Smile politely.
Keep background clean.

Example:
During an online tour company meeting, you sit straight, look at camera, nod and smile. Colleagues see you are polite and professional.

2.11 Combining Sitting and Body Language

Where you sit + body language = strong impression.

Sit near the leader + good posture = confident and respectful.
Sit in middle + smile + nod = active and interested.
Sit far + slouch + crossed arms = bored or nervous.

2.12 Common Mistakes in Tourism Meetings

Sitting at the far end and looking away.
Slouching or resting head on hand.
Checking phone or fidgeting.
Crossing arms in a guest meeting.
Feet on chair or table.
Talking too fast or too loud.
Avoiding eye contact.

Tip: Always observe your body and adjust posture.

2.13 Cultural Differences

In some countries, smiling is very important.
In others, direct eye contact can be seen as rude.
Use polite gestures according to the culture.
Always observe colleagues and guests.

Example:
A Japanese guest prefers slight bow and polite nod, not strong eye contact.

2.14 Practical Tips for Tourism Beginners

Arrive early. Choose good seat.
Keep hands visible, relaxed.
Sit straight, slightly forward.
Smile politely.
Nod sometimes.
Avoid fidgeting or phone.
Observe others’ body language.
Use hands to explain slowly.
Keep legs still, feet on floor.
Look at speaker and guests.

2.15 Mini Scenarios

Scenario 1: Hotel Manager Meeting

You are new receptionist. Manager explains new check-in process.
Sit side, near manager, hands on table, lean forward slightly, nod and smile.

Scenario 2: Tour Briefing

Tour guide explains next trip.
Sit in middle, take notes, hands relaxed, nod when you understand.

Scenario 3: Guest Feedback

Guest gives suggestions.
Sit opposite guest, hands visible, smile, nod, write notes.

Scenario 4: Online Training

You join Zoom call for new software.
Sit straight, look at camera, take notes, smile occasionally.

Scenario 5: Team Brainstorm

Group meeting to plan events.
Sit near active colleagues, hands visible, nod, participate politely.

🥳😎Body language, non-verbal communication, as important as verbal communication, part 4/5, meetings and body language, text only👍🙈 (A2)