Understanding body language

Research would indicate that the message we send our audience is not simply related to what we say, but the way we say it. Our own credibility can be established or lost through the use of our body language.

When a person states “I don’t know, there was something they said I was not convinced about”, they are probably referring to the non verbal communication accompanying the
spoken words.

Remember:
• How you look is not simply dependent on what you wear, but the way you wear it.
• It is not what we mean through our body language that counts, but what is understood from it.
• It is not always what we say, but the way we say it that communicates our meaning.
• The key is self awareness and not to become self conscious.
• Observe, but do not analyse other speakers and yourself.
• Eliminate unhelpful gestures and mannerisms and remember:
Body language should be a natural extension of our verbal communication.

The impact of image

We now live in a very visual age. We like to put people into boxes. Sometimes, although we might not like it, we have to play the game. ‘Looking the part’ is one of the rules of the game. To say appearance does not matter is sadly naive in this age. By paying attention to our appearance, we can make sure that when people pigeon hole us, they put us into the box we want to be in.

How a person looks can affect how they are received.

Remember the following:
• How does ‘all of me’ look. Check your appearance in a full length mirror.
• Do not be hypercritical. Change what is changeable.
• Ask yourself some honest questions about your appearance and get feedback from at least two other people.
• Dress for comfort as well as for impact.
• Our appearance will be influenced by the occasion. If in doubt, it is better to over dress than under dress.
• Be prepared to invest in your appearance and when appropriate, accompany it with a smile.', 'Research would indicate that the message we send our audience is not simply related to what we say, but the way we say it. Our own credibility can be established or lost through the use of our body language.