Former FBI agent and author of The Dictionary of Body Language: A Field Guide to Human Behavior, Joe Navarro, shared that body language is a shortcut to understanding what people are feeling or contemplating via the New York Post. We might speak certain words, but our bodies have a language of their own, and at times, it is easier to decode how a person is feeling by their actions more than by their words. And did you know that if you pay attention to how people act, you might understand them better?
TalentSmart tested over 1 million people and found that people who scored high on emotional intelligence better understood other people’s body language and could also monitor their own body language accordingly(via Entrepreneur). Those who can detect and choose their body language also tend to be more successful because they are better at reading the room. Yes, some people are better at decoding other people, but fortunately, it is an ability that everyone can learn to have better people skills and become more successful. Want a helpful tip?
Attorney and entrepreneur Elena Ledoux told Reader’s Digest, “Before meeting someone, imagine that you really like the person,” because this will change your body language so you will feel more relaxed and look friendlier
Learn these body language tips to succeed
Posture says a lot more about our personality than we think. You likely already know standing up straight with your shoulders back is considered a good posture that helps limit the risk of back pain. Were you aware standing up straight is also a power position? Our brains are primed to think people who stand up tall are more powerful (via Entrepreneur). The value of good posture cannot be underestimated. People who stand with relaxed shoulders and their chin parallel to the ground are perceived as being more open and honest, according to Reader’s Digest.
Hand gestures can be extremely helpful in relaying to others that you aren’t reserved. They will really make you come across as more expressive; this is one tip all successful people know (via CNBC). Inc. Magazine claimed that using your hands to communicate will help others retain the information they may learn during your conversation. So gesture away knowing it’s helping make a point.
A great way to show others that you are respectfully paying attention during a conversation is by using the face triangle. That’s where you rotate your gaze between the speaker’s eyes and the mouth; it shows that you are paying attention and reading their lips. This is an excellent trick to keep in mind (via Lifehack). You want to look at people when they are talking, but you do not want to stare too intensely.
Originally published at https://www.thelist.com on February 4, 2022.