9 TIPS FOR MAKING BODY LANGUAGE YOUR SUPERPOWER
KARLENE BELYEA, MBA www.karlenebelyea.com
In this VETgirl webinar entitled “Making body language your super power,” Karlene Belyea, MBA, reviews how to influence with body language to improve your communication! As a VETgirl ELITE member, check it out HERE and improve your communication skills, which are even more important behind a mask now!
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Interested in learning a few techniques to have more influence with clients, coworkers, and friends? Try using body language to improve your communications with others and help you understand what they are thinking! Studies have suggested that 93% of communication comes from body language when communicating face- to-face. That breaks down as 55% body movements and facial expression, 38% voice tone and modulation, and 7% words. Communication begins before you open your mouth, so try these tips to help make body language your superpower! 1 HAVE A GREAT HANDSHAKE (WELL, AFTER THE PANDEMIC) When meeting people, we generally shake hands in our culture. A good hand shake in the U.S. is firm, with equal pressure and vertical alignment. Typically, there are 2-3 pumps. Making good eye contact, smiling genuinely, orienting your body and feet toward the person, and repeating the individual’s name are important. Be sure your hands are dry and hold eye contact for at least 3 seconds – the first one to look away is typically more submissive. During these interactions, try to look in others’ eyes 60-70% of the time.
2 USE EFFECTIVE HAND AND ARM GESTURES
you want to express more confidence, try steepling with the fingertips of each hand pressed together. Avoid pointing, finger wagging, folded arms, and clenched fists. 3 HAVE GREAT POSTURE Posture is important in communicating confidence. Be sure to stand tall with your spine straight and long. Be sure to maintain good posture when you sit down. Slouching lowers self-esteem and tells your brain you are feeling less powerful. Be careful of slouching or bending over your phone since your physical posture sculps your psychological posture. (continued)
Be sure to show your hands. They are trust indicators. The brain looks at the hands first to make sure we are safe. Keep your hands above the desk or table and avoid pockets and crossed arms. Gesturing openly with your palms up will help to build trust. This is sometimes called “the give” because you are giving information, facts, or options. “The show” is another powerful gesture where you match your gesture to the words you are saying (ex. Saying “My heart goes out to you” as you place your hand over your heart). “The chop” is also useful when delivering strong opinions and can be done with one or both hands. If
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