Why Body Language Is Important
A huge portion of the interactions that we have every day are non-verbal and come as a result of our body language.
Body language can cause us to appear in either a negative or positive light depending on the gestures made or the situations they are made in.
Most often, our body language comes naturally from our subconscious mind.
Here are six different body language signals that you should pay attention to in order to read others better and ensure you're not sending the wrong message: 1.
Mirroring - Mirroring is when one person subconsciously imitates the gestures of someone they see or are speaking with.
If the person you're speaking with mirrors your actions, such as touching their face after you touch yours, it shows that they are comfortable with the situation.
Mirroring can be a tool you can use to build trust with someone else, or it can be a way for you to disarm negative feelings (a smile is one of the most commonly mirrored actions).
2.
Uncross Your Arms - Crossed arms are commonly used in a conversation when someone is closed off and not receptive to the other person.
When speaking with someone who has their arms crossed, it is likely that you will need to develop a stronger bond before presenting your ideas or opinions if you want them to be considered.
In friendly conversation, be sure to keep your arms open to prevent promoting a negative tone.
3.
Point Your Feet - Another important facet of body language that you should be paying attention to when talking with someone is the direction that your conversational partner is pointing their feet.
Are they aimed at you, or turned elsewhere in the room? People often subconsciously direct their feet towards wherever they want to go, and if their feet are pointed towards the door it's possible that they are looking to make an escape.
4.
Expand Your Personal Space - If you want to give off the impression of power and control, be sure to expand your personal space.
This can mean anything from talking with your hands to standing with a wider stance.
When sitting down, spread your arms and legs out.
This shows that you are dominant in the situation and conveys a sense of confidence.
5.
Be Sure Not To Slouch - One of the fastest ways to show that you're less-than-confident and subordinate is to slouch.
When walking, standing or sitting, keep your back straight.
Not only will this keep you from slouching and promote a confident air, but it is also an effective way to expand your personal space.
6.
Make & Maintain Eye Contact - Looking away from someone when you're speaking to them makes it appear that you are uncomfortable or not confident in what you are saying.
When someone else is speaking to you, looking away shows disinterest in what they are telling you.
On the other hand, maintaining eye contact until the other person looks away shows you are more confident and dominant in the situation allowing you to take charge.
Nearly as important as what we say is how we portray ourselves.
By understanding and maintaining positive body language, it is easier to grasp the true intentions and mindset of others.
Through recognition of the physical signals we send and self-conditioning, improving the way we are seen by others can easily and quickly become second nature.
Body language can cause us to appear in either a negative or positive light depending on the gestures made or the situations they are made in.
Most often, our body language comes naturally from our subconscious mind.
Here are six different body language signals that you should pay attention to in order to read others better and ensure you're not sending the wrong message: 1.
Mirroring - Mirroring is when one person subconsciously imitates the gestures of someone they see or are speaking with.
If the person you're speaking with mirrors your actions, such as touching their face after you touch yours, it shows that they are comfortable with the situation.
Mirroring can be a tool you can use to build trust with someone else, or it can be a way for you to disarm negative feelings (a smile is one of the most commonly mirrored actions).
2.
Uncross Your Arms - Crossed arms are commonly used in a conversation when someone is closed off and not receptive to the other person.
When speaking with someone who has their arms crossed, it is likely that you will need to develop a stronger bond before presenting your ideas or opinions if you want them to be considered.
In friendly conversation, be sure to keep your arms open to prevent promoting a negative tone.
3.
Point Your Feet - Another important facet of body language that you should be paying attention to when talking with someone is the direction that your conversational partner is pointing their feet.
Are they aimed at you, or turned elsewhere in the room? People often subconsciously direct their feet towards wherever they want to go, and if their feet are pointed towards the door it's possible that they are looking to make an escape.
4.
Expand Your Personal Space - If you want to give off the impression of power and control, be sure to expand your personal space.
This can mean anything from talking with your hands to standing with a wider stance.
When sitting down, spread your arms and legs out.
This shows that you are dominant in the situation and conveys a sense of confidence.
5.
Be Sure Not To Slouch - One of the fastest ways to show that you're less-than-confident and subordinate is to slouch.
When walking, standing or sitting, keep your back straight.
Not only will this keep you from slouching and promote a confident air, but it is also an effective way to expand your personal space.
6.
Make & Maintain Eye Contact - Looking away from someone when you're speaking to them makes it appear that you are uncomfortable or not confident in what you are saying.
When someone else is speaking to you, looking away shows disinterest in what they are telling you.
On the other hand, maintaining eye contact until the other person looks away shows you are more confident and dominant in the situation allowing you to take charge.
Nearly as important as what we say is how we portray ourselves.
By understanding and maintaining positive body language, it is easier to grasp the true intentions and mindset of others.
Through recognition of the physical signals we send and self-conditioning, improving the way we are seen by others can easily and quickly become second nature.
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