Body Language Basics

The ability to interpret body language is a skill that will enhance anyone’s career. Body language is a form of communication, and it needs to be practiced like any other form of communication. Whether in sales or management, it is essential to understand the body language of others and exactly what your own body is communicating.

1. Communicating with Body Language

We are constantly communicating, even when we are not speaking. Unspoken communication makes up over half of what we tell others and they tell us. It affects our work and personal relationships. Improve negotiating, management, and interpersonal skills by correctly interpreting body language and important signals.

For more details on training workshops we offer in body language and business communication call us on 888.815.0604.

2. Learning a New Language

In many ways understanding body language is like learning a foreign language. There are a few tips that make learning any language, even a nonverbal one, easier.

Tips

• Set Goals: Make sure that your goals are realistic and have specific timelines.
• Devote time to learning: Schedule time to practice. Do not rely on spare time.
• Practice daily: Hone skills by continued practice.
• Enjoy the process: You are not in school. Relax and have fun with your new skill.

3. The Power of Body Language

Understanding body language does more than improve relationships. You will get insight into the thoughts and feelings of those around you. Because it is not a conscious form of communication, people betray themselves in their body language. Body language is powerful in several ways.

• It is honest: Body language conveys truth, even when words do not.
• Creates self-awareness: Understanding body language helps you identify your own actions that hinder success.
• Understand feelings: Body language shows feelings and motive such as aggression, submission, deception, etc. Use these as cues to your communication.
• Enhance listening and communication skills: Paying attention to body language makes someone a better listener. Hear between the words spoken to what is being said.

4. More than Words

Much of the way people communicate is nonverbal. Body language specifically focuses on physical, not tone, or pitch. It includes the following characteristics.

• Proximity: The distance between people
• Positioning: Position of a body
• Facial expression: The eyes are particularly noticed.
• Touching: This includes objects, people, and themselves.
• Breathing: The rate of respiration is telling.

5. Actions Speak Louder than Words

Our impressions of each other are based on more than words. People can have cordial conversations and not like each other. The actions that we take are stronger than our words. For example, a person may dismiss someone using body language and not saying anything negative. Like it or not, our body language makes a lasting impression on the people around us.

• Deception
• Confidence
• Nerves
• Boredom
• Emotions
• Attraction
• Being open
• Being closed off

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of what body language can communicate.