Understanding Body Language:

Your body language - a huge range of unconscious physical movements - can either strengthen communication or damage it. Even if you are sitting completely still, you may be unknowingly communicating a powerful message about your real feelings.

1) Reading Body Language

Because of its subtle and range, body language is difficult to read - and control. However, a broad understanding of body language is one route to understanding the real opinions of others. For instance, if people are inwardly feeling uncomfortable because that are lying, their awkward body language will betray the lie.

A) Communicating By Body Language

Posture is all-important in body language. On a first meeting, depending on the posture that you assume, you would create different impressions. The positive posture might have the best effect on the out come by encouraging open communication, while the negative one would make communication difficult.

The following are three different types of postures:

I) Positive

Body facing front and open posture shows confidence

Hands on the hips shows determination and ability to take control

Direct gaze and a broad smile show friendly attention

ii) Neutral

Direct gaze shows attention

Relaxed arms and legs show lack of tension

iii) Negative

Indirect gaze is evasive

Ear - pulling indicates doubt

Body turned away signifies rejection of what the other person is saying

Slight slumping shows lack of confidence

Note: When standing with people, leave a personal space of about 1m (3ft)

2) Conquering Nerves

The nervousness people feel before making a presentation or attending an interview is very natural. Their minds prepare them for action via their nervous system, so nervousness is due in part to glands pumping the hormone adrenaline into their blood. Use body language to appear more confident than feel by making a conscious effort to smile and to relax your arms. Look people in the eye while you are talking or listening to them, keep your posture comfortably strait and do not fiddle with your hands. Take a slow, deep breath to relax yourself, if you are feeling tense.

3) Keeping Your Distance

Leaving an acceptable distance between people is part of body language, and this distance changes depending on situation. For instance, guest at a social gathering stand closer to each other than strangers in a non-social situation. Always take care not to intrude into another's personal territory in case you arouse defensive or hostile reactions.

4) Creating An Impression

First impressions are very important. It is thought that the initial five seconds of a meeting are more important than the next five minutes, so attention to detail can make a huge difference. Think about grooming and appropriate clothing, and err on conservative side. Even if an informal look is required, ensure your garments and shoes are in impeccable condition. Before going into a meeting, check your appearance in a mirror to make sure that your hair is tidy.

Making an Impact

A) Untidy

Messy hair

Crumpled T-shirt

Slovenly stance

Dirty shoes

B) Smart

Neat hair

Upright posture

Neatly buttoned jacket

Shining shoes.

Cultural Differences

Britons and Americans tend to leave more personal space around them then other nationalities, and are more likely to move away if they feel like their space is being invaded. People who live in rural areas may also stand further apart than city dwellers

Manik Thapar http://www.careerpath.cc

Articles Source - Free Articles
About the Author

Manik Thapar (MBA) http://www.careerpath.cc