Final answer:
A guest's body language, including facial expressions, posture, and movements, provides cues to a team member on how to respond. Eye contact, fidgeting, and smiling are some of the key elements to observe to gauge engagement, comfort, or openness, facilitating better communication and relationship-building with the guest.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elements of a guest's body language, such as facial expressions, posture, and movements, can provide a team member with vital information on how to respond to the guest effectively. For instance, direct eye contact might suggest that the guest is engaged and expecting a direct response. Conversely, a lack of eye contact could imply the guest may feel uncomfortable or less confident. Observing whether a guest fidgets or squirms can indicate discomfort or a desire to leave the conversation, while a relaxed posture might suggest openness and receptiveness.
A guest who smiles can be perceived as friendly and approachable, which would enable more open communication. A team member should also be alert to their own body language, maintaining good posture and positive facial expressions to convey professionalism and confidence. Understanding and responding appropriately to these non-verbal cues can help build rapport and trust between the team member and the guest.