Non-Verbal Communication: Understanding and Utilizing Positive Cues
Communication isn't limited to words alone. Often, our posture, gestures, and facial expressions give others an insight into our inner thoughts. These cues, which can be either intentional or unintentional, are essential in effective communication and in building relationships.
It's essential to both be aware of our own body language as well as of those with whom we interact. Dispersing positive body language can strengthen our relationships, make us appear more credible, and show that we are open to listening and hearing out what others have to say.
Examples of Positive Body Language
Here are some examples of how positive body language can be used to form relationships and showcase trust, respect, and openness:
- Open palms with hands facing upward – This gesture can signify openness and honesty, indicate the importance of the message being conveyed, and show that the speaker does not pose a threat.
- Standing up straight – Taking a confident stance implies capability and self-reliance, and shows that the speaker is open to conversation.
- Making and maintaining eye contact – Keeping steady eye contact demonstrates reliability and trust, while breaking it periodically demonstrates respect and attentiveness.
- Nodding or tilting the head to the side – This shows focus and validation of the speaker's views and conveys openness and approachability.
- Smiling authentically – A genuine smile makes a person appear friendly, likable, and respectful, often encouraging others to open up.
Negative body language, on the other hand, can be detrimental to both personal and professional relationships as it could come across as defensive, uninterested, or even deceitful. Thus, it's important to bear in mind the power of positive body language in order to achieve better resolution of problems and create productive conversations.
Negative Body Language: Examples and Tips
Negative body language can cause conversations to become more difficult and makes people seem unapproachable. Here are some examples of negative body language to look out for:
- Crossing arms: Crossing the arms over the chest can indicate hostility and a lack of willingness to partake or continue a conversation. It can be perceived as a defensive posture, as if a person is drawing a clear line and unwilling to have their opinions changed. It makes them appear unapproachable.
- Finger or foot-tapping: Tapping the fingers or the feet often implies impatience, boredom, or even anxiety. It gives the impression that the person speaking has no time for the other person, or wants the conversation to be over. It also shows that the speaker isn't listening.
- Crossing legs: Much like crossing arms, crossing legs can give the impression of defensiveness and insecurity. If someone crosses their legs at the ankles, it can indicate dishonesty or a lack of confidence. If crossed at the knees and pointed away from the person, it could indicate a strong discomfort with either the topic or the person.
- Avoiding eye contact: It may be uncomfortable to continuously look someone in the eye, but avoiding eye contact entirely can be interpreted as a lack of confidence or as a sign that there is something to hide.
By understanding and keeping an eye out for negative body language, we can ensure that the conversation remains comfortable and productive.
Communicating through Body Language
A significant part of non-verbal communication is body language. Certain gestures, such as avoiding eye contact, frowning or standing too close to someone, can give off an unconstructive message. Understanding both positive and negative body language cues and being self-aware can help you to interact with others more effectively.
Negative Body Language
- Avoiding Eye Contact: Refraining from direct eye contact can make it appear as though you are not interested in having a conversation or are not honoring what someone else has to say. This may be the case, or you may be lost in thought and not be aware that you are not making eye contact.
- Frowning: We often frown out of being deeply engaged in what someone is saying or for other reasons that are unrelated to being angry or upset, but it can be interpreted as such. It is important to be aware of your facial expressions and to check in with yourself when you are listening to someone and notice if you are frowning. Similarly, if someone is frowning at you while you are talking, it might not mean that they are annoyed, they may simply be intently considering your thoughts.
Positive Body Language
Being self-aware of your gestures, expressions and posture can help you to appear more respectable and open to dialogue. Positive body language cues -- such as maintaining eye contact, smiling, and standing an appropriate distance away from someone -- help to make you seem approachable, respectful and a good listener. Knowing both effective and ineffective body language techniques can be beneficial in a multitude of situations.
