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.

Body Language

Some signs that people may be bored or disinterested in what you're saying:

<ul>
	<li>Sitting slumped, with heads downcast.</li>
	<li>Gazing at something else, or into space.</li>
	<li>Fidgeting, picking at clothes, or fiddling with pens and phones.</li>
	<li>Writing or doodling.</li></ul>When you notice that, you can re-engage people by asking a direct question, or by inviting people to contribute an idea.

Unengaged Audiences

<ul><li>Have an open posture. Be relaxed, sit or stand upright and place your hands by your sides. </li><li>Use a firm handshake. But don't get carried away - you'll likely come across as rude or aggressive.</li><li>Maintain good eye contact. Try to hold the other person's gaze for a few seconds at a time. </li><li>Avoid touching your face. There's a common perception that people who touch their faces while answering questions are being dishonest.</li></ul>

Making a Confident First Impression

<ul><li>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.</li><li>Keep your head up. Your head should be upright and level.</li><li>Practice and perfect your posture. Stand in a relaxed manner, with your weight evenly distributed.</li><li>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.</li></ul>

Positive body language in public speaking

<ul><li>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.</li><li>Maintain the appearance of calm by keeping your hands still, and by avoiding fidgeting with your hair or touching your face.</li><li>Look interested. Touching your face or mouth can signal dishonesty. But, it can also demonstrate that you're thinking.</li></ul>

Interviews and Negotiations

Signs of a disengaged, disinterested or unhappy audience:<ul><li>Arms folded in front of the body.</li><li>Minimal or tense facial expression.</li><li>Body turned away from you.</li><li>Eyes downcast, maintaining little contact.</li></ul>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

Disinterested interlocutors

Picking Up and Understanding Nonverbal Signals Lauren sighed. She'd just received an email from her boss, Gus, saying that the product proposal she'd been working on wasn't going to be signed off after all. It didn't make any sense. A week ago she'd been in a meeting with Gus and he'd seemed really positive about it all.