How your Body Language is showing you up

Whether you are aware of it or not, your body movements clearly express your ATTITUDES and MOTIVES.  These simple body gestures, which most of us don't even notice, can COMMUNICATE key information that is invaluable in a variety of situations. 

The Most Important thing in COMMUNICATION is hearing WHAT isn't said

-Peter Drucker

Whether in social, business, dating relationships, family meetings, gym, or at a grocery store people-watching always proves to be a fascinating experience. On many occasions, you probably found yourself wondering what the other person was thinking; the story behind a certain action, gesture, or facial expression. 

When verbal and nonverbal messages conflict, it is often the case that the nonverbal gestures and expressions are more honest. 

By a man's fingernails, by his jacket-sleeve, by his shoes, by his trouser's length, by his expression, bu his shirt-cuffs, by his movements, his smile- by each of these things a man is delivering a silent message to others about him.

- Refinement Society

 

You probably already know that the "faces" people make or the way they tilt their heads, for instance, suggest certain thoughts or feelings. What people convey with their bodies, regardless of whether or not any words are said, speaks volumes about their intentions and emotions.  And if words, are spoken, knowing what a person is communicating via their body language can, in most instances, help affirm or contradict what you are hearing.

Being aware of the emotions and intentions behind certain mannerisms can help you in all areas of your life.  Understanding how your body language is showing you up helps you in dealing more effectively with people on a professional, personal, social, and casual level among friends.  Through practice and training, you'll be able to pay attention to the nonverbal language going on around you. You'll be able to "listen" with your eyes, watching carefully what is not said, through their gestures and expressions.  But take caution not to jump to conclusions based on some light exposure and practise, as in many cases, it may require a deeper observation and knowledge. 

BELOW ARE SOME USEFUL HOT TIPS  :

1. Attitude

Recognizing the overall attitude of a person displays through his or her words and gesture clusters is important for assessing his or her intentions. Reading body language by clusters is very crucial to understand the overall mood or background conditions of the person. 

The Defensive Crossed-Arms Position

Of all the mannerisms, gestures, postures, and facial expressions, defensiveness indicated by the crossing of the arms tend to be the easiest to recognize and the most likely to influence the behaviour of others.  Frequently in failed negotiations, an offer, or request is unsuccessful simply because someone becomes defensive. It is important to immediately recognize such defensiveness, and try to find out what motivated it, and seek a quick fix to address and diffuse the negative emotion. 

2. Taking the Jacket off, buttoned or unbuttoned, says something

In most formal business meetings, when people prepare to sit down in a meeting room, they seldom take off their jackets. But, whether or not they leave their jackets buttoned can nonverbally communicate their OPENNESS of DEFENSIVENESS.  Again, if people continue to leave their jackets on from the beginning to the end, the meeting is probably heading in a negative direction. 

3. Silence is where the gold is

In most meetings, it is often the person who has spoken the least, has the most important things to say, or has the final say. Through deep observations, you will be able to notice that the person through his or her gestures and facial expressions that the silent individual has the ideas or answers about the topic of discussion. 

4. Confidence 

A confident person is likely to speak without overusing his or her hand gestures. When you watch a self-assured person talk, you'll notice that these individuals basically will only use their hands to emphasize what they are saying, and do not touch their faces or head. You will realise that they take pride in the way they stand, which are erect, have no slouches, and have both feet firmly on the floor. Besides, a confident person does not shift their body from side to side when they speak. This individual will also use a fair amount of eye contact.

5. Nervousness

One of the quickest ways to know if the person is nervous or not is through their gestures and postures. The most obvious is through their voice and the way they sound. When the person clears his throat just before he or she speaks, or clears his or her throat halfway through speaking, the individual is showing his or her anxiety and tension.

Body language has its own vocabulary, grammar, syntax and sentences

Remember body language has its own vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and sentences, and it is silent but powerful. It can make or break a deal.

Are Your Body Language Showing You Up?

Are your body language showing you up and your personal image affecting your relationship and life success? If you feel the need to know why your body language could be the reason for not winning a deal, reach out to us at Refinement Society to discuss your business and life goal.

Leave a comment below and share with us your broad experiences where you feel that your Body language is showing you up and it is affecting your life and success.

Image Credit: Unsplash by Adrea Natali &  RF 123