BODY LANGUAGE – HOW MUCH DO WE REALLY KNOW?

In our daily encounters with the public, our customers and our colleagues, having basic knowledge regarding the significance of body language can help us understand various emotions and adjust our approach accordingly.

Picture this: you arrive at the conference room to present your new program. You notice that all the participants have arms and legs crossed. You then ask yourself: Are they already weary of what I have to say before I event start? In fact, they are merely guarding themselves against the unknown – the new program – and as your presentation evolves, and as people are starting to warm up to your message, arms and legs are uncrossing, upper bodies are leaning towards you, heads are tilting slightly. It does not take a degree in body language to understand that the mood is friendlier and that the program has a good chance to be accepted. The important thing to remember is to acquire the skill to “read” your audience. Sometimes, we are so concentrated on what we want to say, that we forget to observe this, and we are left wondering why our message was lost.

It is true that crossed arms and legs may just mean that we are considering an issue, but beware if these legs are extending forward, feet crossed, and arms crossed: look carefully and you may notice that these people are in the twilight zone! You must win them back. Are you rambling on? Are you interacting with one participant who is taking up your time and attention? If this is the case, you will lose the attention of your audience, and will have to put in more effort to reverse the situation.

Moreover, ask yourself, what does your own body language communicate? Standing up while you are talking, putting your hands on your hips, pulling slightly the bottom of your jacket or your sleeves to adjust them, are all signs that show assurance and self-control, and help communicate your message.

The study of body language exists, and there is a lot of literature on the subject. This subject makes for quite interesting reading and is recommended, but to a point! Some put forth notions that lack consistency, and may be too descriptive: body language is not a recipe composed of a number of specific gestures; it is a combination of postures and reactions. However, some basic knowledge goes a long way in trying to understand and convince our audience.

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The authors can be reached at: consultation.virtus@outlook.com or mj.verhaaf@gmail.com

Anick Lamothe and Marie-Josee Verhaaf