Communication is not simply talking. The impression you give of yourself to others incorporates many other elements. For example, your mannerisms, how you carry yourself, your facial expressions, body position, habits, eye gestures, how you interact with what you touch – even how you breathe – are critical factors in how people perceive you. This is called “body language.”
Life Daily is going to demonstrate how you can improve your body language
Firstly, you need to understand that many habits are subconscious, including evaluating someone you meet for the first time.
But there are things which are are consciously controllable, and one of these is body language. You need to identify your bad habits, and replace them with good ones.
Although some of the following techniques may seem awkward or forced, it’s because you’re changing a habit of a lifetime.
But persevere, improve your body language, and reap the benefit of a huge improvement in your ability to communicate.
Just one warning: Some cultures respect personal space more than others, whilst others view eye contact as a threat and lack of respect, and not the sign of confidence it represent in western culture.
Take that into account as you browse our tips:
1. Awareness
Pay attention to everything you do, and when you do it. Check, for example, if you are constantly fiddling with a tie or an earring. Awareness is half the battle.
2. Study Others
Look at other people. How do they conduct themselves? Is there anything you can you learn from them?
3. Crossing Your Arms and Legs
Many people find crossing arms or legs comfortable, and if you want to cross your legs, that’s okay; just be aware of the direction your cross them in – always towards your conversation partner.
Grabbing your opposite shoulder or elbow is a sign of a lack of confidence, it’s like closing your body (and mind) to the conversation.
4. Eye Contact
It is said that the eyes are windows to the soul – so never hide them behind sunglasses when engaging in conversation. Don’t be afraid to look somebody in the eye – subject to the culture caveat above.
5. Don’t Slouch
This seems obvious, but we all find ourselves doing this from time to time.
6. Face Your Conversation Partner
This also seems obvious, but not facing your conversation partner is a sign of distraction or disinterest. Looking over their shoulder, or gazing into space, indicates a lack of respect.
7. Lean In
One sign that a conversation is lively and interesting is the tendency for each party to lean their body closer to the other. This is good, just not too close!
8. Don’t Fidget
Try not to fidget, because this is seen as a sign of nervousness and, at the very least, a distraction for others. Also try not to touch your face or run your hands through your hair.
9. Don’t Tilt Your Head Too Much
Too much of a head tilt – women do this a lot – indicates submissiveness.
10. Give a Firm or Matching Handshake
A nice firm handshake feels good, but try not to squeeze too hard. Try to match the strength of the handshake, but if you encounter a “wet fish” handshake DON’T match it, just make sure that yours is firmer.
11. Where are Your Hands?
You can hold your hands behind your back, which is is a sign of confidence. Alternatively, putting your hands in your pockets might be comfortable and help prevent fidgeting.
12. Sit in a Natural Position
But try not to sit directly opposite, it indicates confrontation. Having a table or desk between you is even worse as it creates a barrier. Instead, try to sit at a 45 degree angle. This provides comfort, space, and allows you engage comfortably.
13. Try to Relax!
When you start the process of checking and adjusting your body language, it makes you very self aware. Just take a deep breath and relax. You need to apply these techniques gently over time.
We are sure that following our advice will guarantee that you improve your body language.
And, with that, will come an increase in your self confidence and ability to communicate.
If you have any suggestions for other ways of improving communication skills, you can share them with our readers simply by making use of the comments feed below.
