Body Language
- Tone of voice and body language accounts for 65% of what’s communicated.
- Words account for 35 of the message that’s communicated.
- Body language can give away a lot of our feelings, such as nervousness, dishonesty, and other negative attributes can also become dead give-aways.
- To begin with, you need to be in a confident and comfortable position to help avoid negative body language habits.
Obvious Body Language
- Fidgeting shows boredom and restlessness and lack of confidence in what you are saying.
- Touching your face or playing with your hair can be a sign that you’re hiding something.
- Looking away or hesitating before or while speaking indicates that you’re unsure of what you’re saying.
- A fixed, unfocused stare shows your attention is elsewhere.
Using your voice
Take some time to practice, and try to be aware of the following:
- Speak clearly in a controlled range of tones, avoid a monotone.
- Sometimes pause before speaking, this avoids instinctively reacting and saying the wrong things.
- Speak slightly slower than normal, don’t over do it though.
- Vary your tone and dynamics, but try not to speak too loudly or too softly.
- Don’t mumble or gabble on excitedly.
- Keep your hands away from your mouth as you speak.
- Watch your pitch (high-pitched voices are tough in the ears) and avoid a ‘sing-song’ tone.
- Let your voice show your enthusiasm and keenness.
Finally…
- A smile is the most positive signal you can give, it re-affirms your enthusiasm and good nature, but be careful of over-grinning stupidly.
- Relax! Give off calm signals and don’t rush.
- Do not hurry any movement, if you’re challenged with a difficult question, remind yourself about negative body language habits before answering the question.
- Try to maintain an alert position, stand up straight, don’t slump, and adjust your position slightly if you get uncomfortable but don’t fidget.
- Maintain good eye contact with the person you are talking to.
- Always try to adopt an open, honest and confident attitude: this is the starting point of managing subconscious body language.
