In a society where interaction consists of more than just speaking, body language serves a prominent part in how we communicate to others and how we decode them. “Body language possesses a quality which is almost unrivaled; It is as if we coined motion whilst we were yet to articulate speech. It is reliant on the individual and the surrounding which infers it can be perceived in different points of context. It is easy to understand, as we did not need to expound during prehistoric times,” says Deborah Bull which portrays the dire need of body language, including non verbal communication even before languages were introduced to societies.
The Importance of Body Language
As Ms. Mandwal from Bada Business has claimed, body language is a subset of non verbal action. Non verbal action involves conveying feelings and messages without completely relying on words. Instead, body language includes fingers, arms, gestures, and a wide range of actions. Movements made by the body often communicate without words.
For example
- Emotions can often be depicted through our physical appearances. For instance, a smile usually portrays happiness, whilst furrowed brows usually indicate confusion.
- The way a person holds their body often reveals fragments of their mind e.g. a person can stand tall which is a portrayal of confidence or they can slump into their shoulders which indicates discomfort and lack of confidence.
- People can use hand gestures to express many things such as excitement, calmness, or even nervousness depending on the context of the situation.
- Understanding and trust can be built upon with eye contact, which makes it one of the most powerful means of non-verbal communication.
Types of Body Language
Knowing the subdivisions of body language will help you in analyzing the impressions people are trying to create and even control how they are presented in different contexts.
Facial Expressions
A big smile, for example, is something that would suggest positive emotions like happiness while showing someone one’s teeth is posing in a manner that suggests positive energy.
Sadness can be exhibited through a lack of a smile, eyes looking downwards, and shoulders hunching.
Fearful individuals tend to avoid eye contact and overly tense while those who are confident stand tall and maintain eye contact while radiating positive energy.
Signals from head and neck Posture
In terms of head and neck signals, those who have a relaxed posture indicate calmness while tension or constant movement signals discomfort. In terms of neck movement, nodding or shaking ones head is commonly associated with agreement or disagreement. Finally, head bowing and lowering can signal respect or humility.
General Body Postures
Your emotional condition can be easily deduced from your posture. For example:
- Standing or sitting straight with the shoulders pulled back indicates high levels of confidence.
- Leaning forward or slouching shows lack of self-esteem or insecurity.
- Gestures Movements performed with arms, hands, legs, and fingers are referred to as gestures. For example:
- Comfortable and relaxed hands signify comfort.
- A clenched fist is a sign of anger.
- A confident handshake can give a positive impression at greetings or negotiations.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is one of the most powerful nonverbal cues. Good eye contact demonstrates interest and one’s level of confidence. On the other hand, poor eye contact suggests shyness or disinterest. A person’s engagement or boredom can be assessed by looking at their eye movement.
Exercises to Improve Your Body Language
Now that we know what body language is and its importance, let us check what can be done to advance and improve your nonverbal communication.
Practice Your Sitting and Standing Posture
While standing, pull your shoulders back, and do not slouch. Sit with your hands on your lap and feet on the gound. This conveys an image of confidence.
Walk with an Attitude
Practice ‘pomp’ or power walking as it is often termed. A classic exercise that always works is standing tall and imagining that there is a book placed on your head and walking forward. This helps tremendously in boosting your self image and even helps relieve stress.
Practice Your Eye Contact Skills
During conversations, try to look the other person in the eye as you communicate with them. This helps build trust and shows that you are paying attention and interested in what they are saying.
Try to Be Open
Practice showing more agreement by shaking your head, avoid negative postures as doing so shows disinterest or even lack of confidence.
Stop Touching Your Face
Regularly touching your face may indicate forms of anxiety or deceit. Avoid this gesture in order to have positive body language.
Smile and Roll Your Shoulders Down
Keep smiling and maintaining a smile, coupled with a relaxed shoulder position, tells others that you are approachable. This body language is known to promote communication and interpersonal relations.
Why Positive Body Language is Important
Positive body language is something that will always greatly influence both your social and work life. Good and confident facial expressions, gestures, correct posture, and even steady eye contact enable you to express confidence, openness, and attention. It helps eliminate barriers in communication understanding other people around you.
Like Martha Graham puts it, “The body never lies.” People’s perception of you can be changed through your body language. With practice, both your self-confidence and relationships, personal and professional, will benefit greatly.
Conclusion
Every person’s body, including yours, has a language. Learning how to interpret it as well as integrating your own will completely transform how you engage with the world. Effort to cultivate and master good body language will pay off for the rest of your life.
