Human interaction is made up of much more than just our words and speech patterns. Body language is instrumental in communicating our emotions, thoughts, and intentions, often without our conscious awareness. This silent language can either support us or work against us, so understanding it is crucial for improving communication in all relationships.
The Power of Non-Verbal Cues
According to research, 55% of communication is achieved through body language. With 38% achieved through voice tonality and only 7% through words, this indicates that having a knowledge of the power of body language is integral for those looking to improve their communication skills.
Human beings have thrived on an evolutionary level due to our immense social skills, making it easier for us to form strong individual and communal bonds. There are several ways in which our bodies are used to converse in social settings. This includes eye contact and facial expressions, gestures, posture, touch, body movement, proximity, and much more.
Common Body Language Interpretations
Many people would be surprised to learn that they engage in body language that may be detrimental to their communication. For example, crossing one’s arms can signal defensiveness or close-mindedness whether intended or not. A lack of eye contact may indicate a lack of confidence or dishonesty, while fidgeting or hands in pockets may indicate boredom.
Regular touching of the face may indicate nervousness, while slow blinking can be interpreted as being condescending. Interestingly, close body contact can indicate a desire for intimacy or even aggression. It’s important to note that while many of these interpretations can be misguided, they tend to happen unconsciously for the actor and interpreter.
Why Mastery is Important
When thinking of masters of body language, one needn’t look further than professional Texas Holdem Poker players. They are not just successful because they understand the rules and strategies of the game, but because they know how to use their body language to communicate a desired message to their opponents.
Mastery of positive body language can impact how people are perceived by their loved ones, which is important in both day-to-day interactions and in conflict situations. It can also express attentiveness and confidence among colleagues and superiors at work, which could greatly aid in career advancement.
This is especially important during job interviews or presentations. Workers in sales positions can use body language to lead to successful negotiations, while workers in care positions can use their bodies to communicate a sense of calm and safety. Ultimately, mastery of body language awareness can improve relationships and increase life satisfaction.
Tips for Mastering Effective Body Language
The first step to improving body language involves awareness. People can begin to practice self-observation in social situations, noting how they stand, sit, move, and talk. As observation progresses, they can pay attention to their gestures and expressions to see what they could be communicating. From there, they can make adjustments.
To project confidence, maintain an upright posture, while appropriate eye contact will convey interest and engagement. Keeping arms uncrossed and palms visible when speaking will project openness while leaning slightly toward the other in a conversation will communicate attentiveness. Subtly mirroring the body language of others can also help to build rapport.