Body Languages

Body language is the most essential part of a conversation that is it not only strengthens our verbal messages but it also gives the most impact to what we are saying in our conversation. It is a fact that people’s body language can convey a lot about them if they are observed carefully. This is because the body does not know how to lie. It is also usually said that our eyes is the mirror that reflects our thoughts. Unfortunately, despite all this, body movements are often misinterpreted by people. Hence, it is advisable that we learn some basic rules that can be followed to prevent misunderstandings in our daily lifes as much as possible.

The 3 most basic rules are:

1. To always read gestures in clusters

 Gesture clusters are like ‘sentences’ that need at least two or three gestures or words

 This will reveal exactly what the other person is trying to say

2. To look for congruence

 This happens when a person’s words and body language matches each other

 This observation lets us know the person’s state of mind

3. To see the context in which the gestures are made

 Context in here means the external environment

 The gesture clusters are related and influenced by the external environment

Besides that, we can also learn some basic tips for possesing attractive body languages that can be used correctly and effectively in our conversations to make the right impressions.

The basic tips are:

a) Eye contact - We should not make people uncomfortable by staring at them for too long or make them think we are uneasy by totally avoiding eye contact

b) Posture - We should lean forward when listening and stand straight while speaking

c) Shaking hands – We should not squeeze too hard or hold the other person’s hand limply but try to give as much pressure as the other person exerts

d) Head movement – Some positive movements are to nod the head while talking and to tilt it when listening

e) Territory – We should neither stand too close nor too far while talking with people, especially strangers

In a nutshell, body languages are vital for us as “ Actions speak louder than words”.

Posted by: A. Padmassini A/P V.Anand