The Basics of Body Language

In life, what you say can either get you into a lot of trouble or bring you a lot of joy. Your words are very powerful messages about who you are, what you think, and what your intentions are with others. But did you know that you may be sending stronger messages with your body language than with your words without even knowing it?

Just take a look at your last family photograph. When you all gathered together around a birthday cake or in front of a Christmas tree, you stood together in a way that says a lot about your relationships. Notice the person who is standing off to the side, or the one who is hiding behind the others in the back. Take a look at your hands and arms. Are they crossed or open? Is your body turned toward or away from a particular person?

All of these visual cues tell an observer a lot about your family without your ever saying a word. There are hundreds of ways in which your facial expressions, physiological reactions, and body positioning play a role in your everyday communication.

Your facial expressions may be some of the most obvious. A classic case of body language betraying a person is when you say something positive but shake your head like you are saying “no.” A friend may ask if you like her new hair cut. You think it makes her look ridiculous, but you enthusiastically exclaim, “I love it,” while shaking your head side to side. Your body does not lie as easily as your mouth.

Other facial expressions that give away a person’s true feelings are raised or wrinkled eyebrows, which signify disagreement or offense. Someone might dart their eyes to the left when trying to come up with a lie. Or they might not make eye contact at all when nervous.

Your physiological responses also play a role in body language. It is fairly obvious when someone is terrified at an interview if they are drenched in sweat or if their hands are trembling. No amount of confident speech making can contradict the truth as the body tells it.

Body positioning also makes a big statement about your interest in a person or a situation. At the same interview, you might lean forward to show the employer your enthusiasm. Or in an argument, you might lean back in your chair to diffuse the aggression. Crossing your arms in front of your chest is a clear signal to someone that you do not want them to get too close.

Overall, body language is universal and may tell others more about you than you want them to know.

Contact info@pop-seminar.com to learn how you can have a Body Language Workshop at  your workplace.