deepstash
Beta
Deepstash brings you key ideas from the most inspiring articles like this one:
Read more efficiently
Save what inspires you
Remember anything
Body Language: Picking Up and Understanding Nonverbal Signals
6
Key Ideas
Save all ideas
Body Language
Is the unspoken element of communication that we use to reveal our true feelings and emotions - gestures, facial expressions and posture.
When we are able to "read" these signs, we can use it to our advantage.
233 SAVES
364 READS
Disinterested interlocutors
Signs of a disengaged, disinterested or unhappy audience:
- Arms folded in front of the body.
- Minimal or tense facial expression.
- Body turned away from you.
- Eyes downcast, maintaining little contact.
Being aware of these signs can help you to adjust what you say and how you say it, so you can make him feel more at ease and receptive to your viewpoint
277 SAVES
409 READS
Unengaged Audiences
Some signs that people may be bored or disinterested in what you're saying:
- Sitting slumped, with heads downcast.
- Gazing at something else, or into space.
- Fidgeting, picking at clothes, or fiddling with pens and phones.
- Writing or doodling.
When you notice that, you can re-engage people by asking a direct question, or by inviting people to contribute an idea.
253 SAVES
357 READS
Making a Confident First Impression
- Have an open posture. Be relaxed, sit or stand upright and place your hands by your sides.
- Use a firm handshake. But don't get carried away - you'll likely come across as rude or aggressive.
- Maintain good eye contact. Try to hold the other person's gaze for a few seconds at a time.
- Avoid touching your face. There's a common perception that people who touch their faces while answering questions are being dishonest.
318 SAVES
414 READS
Positive body language in public speaking
- Have a positive posture. Sit or stand upright, with your shoulders back and your arms unfolded and at your sides or in front of you.
- Keep your head up. Your head should be upright and level.
- Practice and perfect your posture. Stand in a relaxed manner, with your weight evenly distributed.
- Use open hand gestures. Spread your hands apart, in front of you, with your palms facing slightly toward your audience. This indicates a willingness to communicate and to share ideas.
324 SAVES
412 READS
Interviews and Negotiations
- Use mirroring. Subtly mirror the body language of the person you're talking to. This will make him feel more at ease. But don't copy every gesture.
- Maintain the appearance of calm by keeping your hands still, and by avoiding fidgeting with your hair or touching your face.
- Look interested. Touching your face or mouth can signal dishonesty. But, it can also demonstrate that you're thinking.
293 SAVES
410 READS
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
5
Key Ideas
Eye signals
- Eye gaze: Directly eye contact indicates interest and paying attention. Prolonged eye contact can feel threatening.
- Blinking: People often blink more rapidly when t...
Lip signals
- Pursed lips: an indicator of distaste, disapproval, or distrust.
- Lip biting: signals people are worried, anxious, or stressed.
- Covering the mouth: used when people want to hide an emotional reaction.
- Turned up or down: When the mouth is slightly turned up, it might mean that the person is feeling happy or optimistic. A slightly down-turned mouth can be an indicator of sadness/ disapproval.
Gestures
- A clenched fist indicates anger in some situations or solidarity in others.
- A thumbs up and thumbs down: gestures of approval and disapproval.
- The "okay" gesture: "okay" or "all right." In some parts of Europe, the same signal is used to imply you are nothing. In some South American countries, the symbol is actually a vulgar gesture.
- The V sign: peace or victory in some countries. In the UK and Australia, the symbol takes on an offensive meaning when the back of the hand is facing outward.
4
Key Ideas
Looking Friendly
- Smile. It is even more important than you think. It's a great way to create trust. We judge people to be more pleasant when we are smiling.
- Expand. Body movements th...
Being More Influential
The best body language for influence depends on your goal. Make sure your body language matches your words to make you more effective.
- If you want to increase the attractiveness of an offer, think sales-y. Use animated movements. Lean forward. Move and speak quickly.
- If you want to reduce resistance to what you're saying, think calm and authoritative. Specific gestures. Lean back. Move and speak slowly.
Looking Like A Leader
It is important to balance the appearance of authority and warmth.
- You show authority and power by your upright posture, your command of physical space, purposeful stride, a firm handshake, and palm-down gestures.
- You communicate warmth nonverbally with open body postures, palm-up hand gestures, full-frontal body orientation, positive eye contact, synchronized movements, nods, head tilts, and smiles.
4
Key Ideas
Prep with a power pose
2 minutes of power posing - standing tall, holding your arms out or toward the sky, or standing like Superman, with your hands on hips - will dramatically increase your confidence.
Try...
When the going gets tough, start smiling
Frowning, grimacing, glowering, and other negative facial expressions send a signal to your brain that whatever you're doing is difficult. That causes your brain to send cortisol into your bloodstream, which raises your stress levels. Instead, force yourself to smile. It works.
If you're confronted...
...don't back away; just shift to a slight angle - so you're standing at an angle--much like models who almost never stand with their bodies square to the camera.
And if you wish to appear less confrontational, approach the person and stand at a 45-degree angle (while still making direct eye contact, of course).