The Art of Body Language

Many are often misinterpreted by the people around them. Sometimes, they wonder what they did wrong to deserve it. There are also times that these people feel disappointed because as much as they want to project a side of themselves to others, they remain misinterpreted for their actions. To avoid these feelings of frustrations and disappointments from misinterpreted actions like this, it is high time that one learn the language behind the spoken words.

Body language includes non-verbal actions that people do when they interact with others. According to experts, it is roughly two-thirds of the actual communication process. For this reason, people ought to know the basic do’s and don’ts. In addition to this, this kind of language is usually harder to interpret when compared with oral language. In fact, this is often misinterpreted by many people. Many think that what was said in a conversation by the speaker already contains his real thoughts about the topic. Little did they know that what was being talked about during conversations involved only one-third of the actual communication process.

Why is it important?
  
Actions often speak louder than words. Some things are better off being shown rather than being said. Occasionally, there are also words that are said but were not meant by the speaker. When this happens, misunderstandings tend arise. To avoid conflict, one must have an idea of what the speaker really meant. An individual can usually gain information through the non-verbal signals that someone have displayed.

Body language is very vital to an effective communication process.  It is a very helpful tool to be successful in one’s endeavors in life. For instance, it can help a businessman read the movements of their clients in order to close a deal with them. It also enables an interviewer to be more aware of the applicant’s personality during a job interview.  Aside from these, it also aids doctors in interpreting the conditions and ailments of their patients. There are countless ways to use it in real life. It’s correct exhibition and interpretation leads to harmonious relationship with other people.

How does posture affects body language?

Good posture matters. The way one stands or walks can affect the way he is being perceived by the people around him. If someone stands or walks confidently even if he is not too tall, his height will not matter. He will look taller compared to his original height and to others. No one will dare get in his way. In the same way, a person who walks and stands in a slouching position with his hands on his sides or in the front of his body can be deemed as a person having a very low self-esteem.

The position of the legs when talking to someone also plays a role in exhibiting nonverbal communication. If an individual is standing and having a casual conversation with someone, he must make sure that his feet is in a cross-legged position at the ankles as this implies that he is having a comfortable time with the people he is talking to. This is very particular especially to women. On the other hand, if he is having a very important talk with someone say an argument for example, he must make sure that his legs are wide apart. This position tells the other person that he is fearless.

The position of the arms of a person is also important to exude that air of confidence. Crossing one’s arms for example can mean different things in different situations. It can imply that one is intimidated by the other person in an argument. It can also indicate that a person doesn’t want to talk to the other person. In addition to these, it can also mean that someone is simply more comfortable in that position. Whether an individual tries to cross his arms because he is frightened or he is just comfortable about it, he should be aware of his actions because it can send different signals to the person he is talking to.

Having good posture exudes an air of confidence. In order to look good in the eyes of others, one must first look good first in their own eyes. Also, individuals should note the importance of consistent eye to eye contact during conversations. Eye to eye contact is a must in initiating talks and conversations because this suggests interest, truthfulness and sincerity. This is also one of the most important elements of the art of nonverbal communication. 

How accurate is it?

Body language can be a helpful tool in interpreting nonverbal signals exhibited by a person. However, this does not mean that it is always accurate and reliable. Sometimes, people fail to recognize the reason behind some actions that were shown to them. In some cases, people are also often biased regarding the people they are talking to that they tend to oversee body languages displayed by the other person.  When these situations arise, one’s knowledge in the art of this language may be impaired or prejudiced. Whatever the reasons are for misinterpreting body language signs, it should be noted that its accuracy always depends on the mindset and interpretation of its interpreter. As much as possible one must avoid misinterpreting non-verbal actions because if they are misinterpreted, there are also greater chances of conflicts and misunderstandings.