Whether you (or they!) know it, other people are always reading your body language for secret clues about you. Find out what your gestures and movements are saying with these expert insights.
Though music is generally regarded as the “universal language” that connects people from all over the world, it isn’t the only form of communication that is inherently understood by humans from all walks of life. On an even simpler and intrinsic level, there’s also body language, which clearly communicates feelings of happiness, sadness, bitterness, and fear—sometimes even when we don’t want it to.
Yes, some nonverbal communication cues simply can’t be controlled— but it’s still important to know what your body language says about you. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 10 things you’re communicating with your body without even realizing it, from those power poses you strike in meetings to those tells that show you’re nervous.
An eye contact which lasts longer than usual will make your interlocutor feel that you press him. The one that is shorter than usual may be regarded as loss of interest.
Good posture should be easy and relaxing for the spine, there should be no tension in the muscles. Imagine a thin trickle slowly running up your spine.
When you want to look friendly, just tilt the head in any direction. You can change the inclination of the head during the conversation, as well as nod to show that you’re interested.
In general, the more open you are, the more you tend to use your hands when speaking. If you want to express your positive attitude to a person, do not cross your arms, because it shows disapproval and negative position.
Also, pay attention to how you cross your legs. Do you cross your legs at your knees, ankles, or put one leg on the other? It’s more a matter of comfort than anything else. Just be aware that the last mentioned position is generally perceived as the most defensive.
Yes, some nonverbal communication cues simply can’t be controlled— but it’s still important to know what your body language says about you. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 10 things you’re communicating with your body without even realizing it, from those power poses you strike in meetings to those tells that show you’re nervous.
Eye Contact
In any culture, eye contact is one of the most important aspects when dealing with other people, especially those whom we see for the first time. Maintaining good eye contact shows respect and interest.An eye contact which lasts longer than usual will make your interlocutor feel that you press him. The one that is shorter than usual may be regarded as loss of interest.
Posture
Take a good posture and you will automatically feel better. Next time you notice that you feel depressed, look at how you are sitting or standing. Most likely, you slouch and your shoulders and head are down. This compresses the breast and prevents proper breathing, which makes you feel nervous and restless.Good posture should be easy and relaxing for the spine, there should be no tension in the muscles. Imagine a thin trickle slowly running up your spine.
Head
The position of the head plays an important role. When you want to feel confident, keep your head straight, both horizontally and vertically. Thus you will look authoritative in front of others so that they take you and what you say seriously.When you want to look friendly, just tilt the head in any direction. You can change the inclination of the head during the conversation, as well as nod to show that you’re interested.
Hands
Hand movements allow other people to understand how open and receptive we are. Keep your arms relaxed at the sides of the body or behind your back. It will say that you are not afraid of contact and are open to any information.In general, the more open you are, the more you tend to use your hands when speaking. If you want to express your positive attitude to a person, do not cross your arms, because it shows disapproval and negative position.
Legs
Legs are the farthest from the brain and, therefore, are the most difficult to control. They tend to move much more when we are nervous or confused. In most situations, especially in interviews and workshops, it is better to keep them as motionless as possible.Also, pay attention to how you cross your legs. Do you cross your legs at your knees, ankles, or put one leg on the other? It’s more a matter of comfort than anything else. Just be aware that the last mentioned position is generally perceived as the most defensive.