Wednesday, September 14, 2011

A Guide To Basic Body Language In Building Self-Confidence

By John Sproson


For those who grapple with self-esteem and lack self confidence in professional or personal scenarios, it can be beneficial to understand and utilise components of unconscious body language and calmly, with no embarrassment, turn it to your benefit. When you are unclear about the way in which someone is responding to you, you will get a good comprehension of their demeanour by correctly deciphering their body language. Alternatively, in the event you try to convey a precise attribute or personality trait, then by employing your own body language it is possible to help to have an impact on how other individuals see you, preferably in a positive light - while not having to place quite to much emphasis on what you may say!

The following simple summary is designed to give a broad introduction to some of the more obvious elements of body language:

Eyes And Eye brows - The position and motion of your eyebrows are some of probably the most observed elements whenever you talk to someone face-to-face. A classic illustration on body language that communicates an apprehensive happens when you have your eye brows converging in the centre, as with frowning. Even though you talk softly and slowly, the individual that you are communicating with might think that you're almost about to get angry.

Lips - Another part of the body that's usually interpreted for the likely mood of a person is the mouth area. A retracted lower lip that's nearly bit by the upper teeth is generally a sign that the individual is holding back and awaiting affirmation or action from the other individual. A retracted upper lip that is bit by the lower teeth generally indicates someone who is holding back and retaining mixed responses, as with a reaction to the information being conveyed by the other. These kinds of small movements of the lips have considerable significance to the individual seeing them and could function as a basis either to continue or halt the conversation process.

Extremities - The legs and arms are regarded as responsible for a bigger understanding of body language, because these are more profound and have a weightier impact. Crossing the arms over the chest area generally indicates doubtfulness, suspicions, impatience, or closed-mindedness. Together with the body resting on one leg and having the other one moved away and set at an angle, the whole concept of this unwelcoming appearance is heightened. Examples on body language might be remedied with appropriate signals by practicing and internalizing the way you would possibly feel should you be the one viewing those actions you are carrying out. Actions frequently speak louder than words, therefore it is best to continually be alert to your signals and movements.

Making a Ć¢€œSteepleĆ¢€ with Your Hands - This is often used in superior/subordinate interactions. It can demonstrate confidence and a 'know-it-all' attitude. There are 2 versions:

1. The raised steeple - when the person is talking, expressing their opinion

2. The lowered steeple - when the person is listening

The steeples must be interpreted together with other indicators. Should they be preceded by positive body language, as an example speaking with palms open and leaning forwards, then the steeple implies a positive conclusion is probable. If it comes after negative signals, such as legs crossed and arms folded, then the conclusion is probably going to be negative.

Palm gripping - Keeping your head up high, chin out and one palm grasping the opposite hand behind your back. That is a confidence/superiority position. You've got your stomach, heart and throat areas totally exposed that is an subconscious act of fearlessness. If you're in stressful scenario assuming this posture will help calm you down and manage the situation.

Arms crossed - This is a negative or defending stance. Almost all people will assume this position should they disagree with the information they are hearing. Even though another person is agreeing with you, if their arms are crossed they'll have a negative attitude towards you. Their negative attitude continues until they've uncrossed their arms, as soon as they have done this you should have a better opportunity of bringing them around to your viewpoint.

Mirroring positions - You often see two people talking, standing in the same pose. This indicates that they are in agreement with each other, they like each other. If one uncrosses their arms, the other will do the same. If one stands with one foot forward, the other will assume the same position. To establish a rapport with someone, mirror their poses, or even their breathing - this will have the effect of relaxing them and giving them a non-verbal indication that you are both thinking along the same lines.

Body placement

The easiest way to tell if the person you're speaking with is enjoying the conversation: the individual is standing facing you with their entire body and feet pointing in your direction and reflecting your positions.

The tell-tale indicators that somebody's feeling awkward or not enjoying the dialogue: the person's head is turned in your direction and seems engaged in the conversation - smiling, nodding etc, however their body and feet are pointing away from you. In case someone's body is averted from you it will likely be facing the place where they'd prefer to be. If they are pointed in the direction of someone else or the exit then it's time for you to end the dialogue or do something else to attract their full attention.

If you find these very brief pointers to be helpful it is recommended you perhaps look into body language in more detail and how it can become a useful tool to build self-confidence.




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