Have you ever wondered why people are either more attracted to you or even shy away from you? You may be sending silent signals with y0ur body that either act as sort of aphrodisiac or as a repellant. Since most success comes from networking or simply working with others, the ability to decode what someone is really saying is truly essential. Here’s an intro course of body language breakdown. Ready for Body Language 101?
Body Language is defined as a form of non-verbal communication, which consists of body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements. Since this is Body Language 101, let’s start with some simple behaviors and the perceived meaning of each:
AVOIDING EYE CONTACT: avoidance, lying, nervousness, or showing non-interest.
INTENSE EYE CONTACT: attempt to intimidate, anger, showing authoritative position or serious listening
TOUCHING THE FACE OR FIDGETING: nervousness, lack of confidence, submission
NODDING: agreeing, willing to compromise, submission to avoid conflict
Shaking the head or turning away: frustration, disagreement, disbelief
Here are some general indicators of common behaviors:
LYING: constantly clearing throat or swallowing, rapid blinking, sticking tongue between lips to moisten them, fingers constantly touching the face or areas of the face, avoiding eye contact
ANGER: fists clenched, unconsciously kicking up dust (people actually do this), incessant eye blinking, fingers gripping an edge of an object or an elbow
AUTHORITY: eyes maintaining contact with yours and never looking below the mouth, firm handshake with fingers pointing downward, reverse straddling a chair, leaning back in a chair with head supported by the hands
NERVOUSNESS/DOUBTFUL: chewing on nails, lips, pen tops; touching of the neck; hands rubbing the small of the back; fingers squeezing the palm of the opposite hand
Now that you have the tools to start deciphering others…and your own body language, pay attention to what you are actually saying…and send out the right message!
Keep it strictly fab!
