Why You Must Know Body Language

We pay more attention to what we say than how we say it. This is because we are not taught the importance of body language. We don’t realize that our subconscious mind, unknown to us, reads the body language of our colleagues, our spouses, our friends or enemies and helps us make decisions.

 Studies show that 50% of our communication is non-verbal and happens silently through eyes, facial expressions, body posture or tone of voice. We don’t have to be told who is the boss; we sense it even when we are new to the group.

 Our parents don’t have to raise their voice; we instinctively become aware when they are angry. We know we are under threat when we are confronted by a bully just by looking at his chest out, chin up and hands on the hip stance. We go on the defensive when we see disapproving frowns or pursed lips because we know that something is wrong.

 We can understand when a person loses interest because his gestures like tapping toes, drumming fingers or looking blankly at us tells us that he is bored, and would like to end the communication at the earliest.

 Body language also shows when a team has given up the battle. The shoulders droop, the chin drops, the arms fall to the sides, and the eyes no longer look back at opponents. The meaning is clear – the game is over.

 Body language can also be used to evaluate how a man’s mind is working. Tapping of chin, repeated pushing of hair to the back of the head, fiddling with glasses, are signs that an individual is busy deciding or judging a point made by you.

 But the most fascinating is the language of romance. An eye contact across the room, first short, then contemplative, then longer is a clear signal that someone is interested. The interest is further communicated by gestures like tossing the head, flicking imaginary lint from clothes, stroking arms or face gently or leaning towards the person who has caught your fancy. Touching, of course, signals even closer intimacy and may start with 'accidental' brushing. It may even mean moving closer to the person so as to close physical space.

 You must know how to read body language for this may become your unique road to success.