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Body Language - quick tips (1)

Watch the body language of strangers in coffee shops, they will show you who they are. Learn to notice people’s gestures and what your instincts tell you. People are endlessly fascinating. 

Body Language - quick tips (2)

Don’t worry about what you are doing with your hands while you give a speech - worry about the message you are sharing and your connection with the audience. 

Body Language - quick tips (3)

You can control your nerves with your body language. If you are in peripheral vision you cannot be nervous - it’s physically impossible! Go on.. Try it.. Relax your vision so you can see about 180 degrees without moving your head - and think about something that makes your nervous! Remember this next time you get nervous, change your vision . It will literally change the way you see things. 

Body Language - quick tips (4)

If you want more confidence, stand or sit as though you have it. If you want to feel happier - smile.  Body language works backwards too. If you smile, you brain sends a message saying “Hey, we are smiling, we must be happy” (or something very similar but more scientific) and pumps out endorphins and you become happier. 

Body Language - quick tips (5)

Mirroring someone’s exact body language does not make them instantly like you - in fact they will probably think you are a little creepy! Reflecting body language - sitting at the same angle, speaking at the same volume, drinking at the same moment etc.. Are all things that happen naturally when two people are in sync. Concentrate on establishing a genuine connection rather than faking body language. 

Body Language - quick tips (6)

Reading body language is an art, not a science - it is dependent on the person and the situation. There are general rules that can be applied to some actions, but be careful not to treat it like CSI.

Body Language - quick tips (7)

When people are trying to control their face and upper body their nervousness often shows in their legs and feet. They will pace, or repeat a step pattern over and over, or fidget. The truth leaks out. 

Body Language - quick tips (8)

If you mean what you are saying you shouldn’t have to think about your body language at all. It will all work seamlessly If you are thinking about your body language it will come across as fake.

Body Language - quick tips (9)

It’s a myth! Crossing your arms, in isolation, doesn’t mean you are being defensive... It can, but only in relation to certain circumstances. People cross there arms when they are relaxed, comfortable, needing reassurance, cold, have spilt gravy on their tie.. Ask yourself what it means when YOU do it. 

Body Language - quick tips (10)

You body language should match what you are saying (be congruent) or people will ALWAYS believe what your body is saying, rather than your words - even if they have to guess the meaning of the body language.