Does personality matter for a good career? Body language is actually the communication that is nonverbal. It is judged through body movements and gestures. Positive body language exudes enthusiasm, interest, and positive reactions to what the other people are saying.
The researches have shown that 60% to 90% of our communication is nonverbal. Body language is known to send signals about your feelings.
Generally, our body language is controlled by the subconscious mind. It is not always according to what we say.
Perceptive individuals can pick up on the differences between what you are saying and what your body says and easily deduce how you actually feel. So, in order to make sure that your thoughts and opinions are conveyed the way you want, practice your body language skills. So, match your movements with your words.
Hence, for perfect body language, you need to learn an art. Go ahead and read these tips made ready for all those who would love to know all about
positive body language and negative body language!
Here are the 10 Tips to Improve Body Langauge
1. YOUR POWER POSTURE
Recent research conducted at the ‘Harvard and Columbia Business School’ states that simply holding your body in “high-power” poses (i.e., leaning back with your hands behind the head and feet up on desk/ or standing with your arms and legs stretched wide open) for at least two minutes stimulates lower levels of cortisol and higher levels of Testosterone. Testosterone hormone is linked to power and dominance. Cortisol is a stress hormone.
Why not try this when you are feeling tentative and want to appear confident at the same time.
Tips For Body Posture
- Keep a proper relaxed posture. Your back should be straight (not stiff) and your shoulders relaxed too. This will make you feel comfortable with your surroundings.
- Take up space. Do not sprawl out but try to sit or stand with your legs a bot apart. This will give the impression that you are at ease with yourself.
- Lean in slightly when someone speaks. This shows that you are actively listening. And if you lean away, it signals that you are not interested.
- Crossing your arms gives the visual clue that you are turned-off by whatever is going on around you. So, practice to hang your arms comfortably at your side or you can bring your hands together in your lap. This shows that you are open to whatever they have to say.
- Good eye contact lets them know that you are interested in that conversation. Look in the eyes of the person by keeping your head high. Remember to do this when they are talking to you and/or when you are talking to them. Do not stare them down. Remember to blink and also to look away occasionally.
2. UNCROSS YOUR ARMS AND LEGS – IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Remember to uncross your legs and arms. Yes, it is comfortable to sit arms crossed, but you seem defensive while doing that. When you cross your legs and arms you unintentionally make yourself smaller. It puts you in the opposite of the “high-power pose”. This way the testosterone level will automatically decrease and cortisone will increase.
A number of researchers report from their studies: When a group of some volunteers attended a lecture and sat with unfolded legs and arms, they remembered just 38% more than another group that attended the same lecture, sat with their legs and arms folded. So, to improve your retention power, uncross your legs and arms.
3. A STEP BACK
Stepping backwards will help. Researches have shown how backward motion is a powerful way to enhance cognitive control. When people encounter any difficult situation, get them to step back. This is tested to boost their confidence and ability to cope.
4. A LITTLE TOUCH – FIRM HANDSHAKE
Some people have a habit to naturally touch people more. Touch is the oldest and powerful nonverbal cue. Touching someone on the hand, arm, shoulder for as little as 1/40th of a second just creates a human bond. In your workplace, physical touch and warmth are established through handshaking. This is a connection that makes a lasting and positive impression. Studies have also shown that people are two times more likely to remember you if you give them a handshake. People become more open and friendly and thus, it is definitely a confidence builder!
The handshake can set the mood for the entire conversation. A firm handshake will give you instant credibility whereas a weak handshake makes you appear fragile. A firm hand-shake doesn’t mean to crush the other person’s hand. If you give someone, a death grip, it will signal to them that you are a bully.
5. CONFIDENT SMILE
A good smile stimulates not only your sense of well-being, but it conveys positive signals to people around you. They are likely to get the impression that you are approachable, trustworthy and cooperative. The smile should come on slowly, crinkling the eyes, lighting up the face, and fading away slowly. Do not give in a creepy forced smile, but a simple and genuine smile. Smiling is most important as it directly influences how other people will respond to you. A positive body language at an interview increases your chances of getting hired.
6. MOVE YOUR HAND
Get your hands moving. There is an area in your brain, which helps you to produce speech. It gets active while we are talking and making gestures with our hands. Isn’t it a piece of great news for those who use their hands while talking? This actually helps a person to form clearer thoughts.
It is an easy way to talking using your hands. It is a good way to incorporate gestures into your conversation. But do not make it a dance party. Hence, emphasizing words with your hands can make you appear more assured and credible.
7. KEEP IT DOWN.
Experts say that before attending an important phone call or interview, you should keep your lips together and make the sounds like “hum hum, um hum, um hum.” Also, women should practice and make sure that sentences do not end on a higher pitch. Be confident and authoritative. Keep your voice low and confident.
8. AFFIRMATIVE MOVEMENTS- good body language sign
You can show concern with simple actions of agreement like smiling or nodding. Unconsciously imitate their body language. Such actions let people to believe that you are on their side and also that you can identify their condition or situation. Start mirroring, observe a person’s facial and body language or gestures and then let your body subtly take on similar postures and expressions. Furthermore, doing so will make the other person feel accepted. You can even try to use laughter when appropriate. Try to show agreement, mirror expressions and postures. It can importantly build rapport and nurture feelings of mutuality.
