What Does Your Body Language Say about You? Body language is about more than flashing a friendly smile and looking people in the eye. Our gestures and posture are constantly sending clues that other people can read both consciously and subconsciously. Consider a recent joint study by Princeton University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and New York University. Researchers at these institutions looked at how important body language sends non-verbal clues. Participants were asked to view images of people in real-life situations (such as a tennis player losing a point). Some saw only the facial expression of the person being showcased; others saw images with face and body, and a third group saw just the body. Those who saw only the face were much less likely to correctly estimate the person’s emotions than the other participants. It was as if they had been blindfolded and had simply guessed. Those who saw just the body, or the body along with the face, could easily tell if it was a positive or negative experience. From the study, the researchers “found that body language provides a better cue in trying to judge whether an observed subject has undergone strong positive or negative experiences.” What does all of this mean for those of us in an everyday professional environment? Since our bodies give away more information than we are aware of, it’s a good idea to (pardon the pun) do what we can to put our best foot—and entire body—forward. Here are a few tips to help you take control of your own body language. Keep them in mind to help you send out positive, powerful non-verbal messages in your professional life. Keep your arms loose. As body language expert Robert Phipps explains, “Arms give away the clues as to how open and receptive we are to everyone we meet and interact with, so keep your arms out to the side of your body or behind your back.” This means don’t cross your arms, don’t grab your elbow with your opposite hand, and don’t clasp your hands in front of your body. If you feel awkward standing with your arms hanging to the side, you can clasp your hands behind your back. Position your torso. While you can’t gesture with your torso as you can your hands and arms, it does tell a story. “Angle of the body in relation to others gives an indication of our attitudes and feelings towards them. We angle toward people we find attractive, friendly, and interesting, and angle ourselves away from those we don’t—it’s that simple!” writes Phipps. Watch your legs. As with arms, leg crossing can signal a lack of receptiveness. However, legs vary greatly from arms, as you want to keep your legs stable and still. As Eliot Hoppe, a body language expert, suggests, “Keep your arms and legs loose, open, and relaxed. But do not cross your legs when standing or constantly shift from one foot to another.” Communication coach Ric Phillips agrees, “The upper body can move and sway with the rhythm of your speech, but your lower trunk should be strong and sturdy.”. So keep that engaging smile and that eye contact going; but consider the signals that your body is sending out as well.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Jun 2013 19:31:41 +0000
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