Communication Body Language Presented By “An Ordinary Mortal”

Types of Communication The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium Types of Communication Verbal Non Verbal Oral Written Sign An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language - Handshake Firm Handshake Weak Handshake Bone Crusher An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language - Posture Keep a relaxed posture whether you are sitting or standing.  Keep your back straight but not stiff and let those shoulders relax.  This will reinforce the idea that you feel comfortable with your surroundings. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Take Up Space You do not have to sprawl out but try sitting or standing with your legs apart a bit.  This will signify to others that you are at ease with yourself.   An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Take Up Space Leaning in slightly when someone is speaking demonstrates that you are actively listening Leaning away signals that you are disinterested An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Arms Placement Crossing your arms is the visual clue that you are turned-off by what is going on around you. Practice hanging your arms comfortably at your side Bringing your hands together in your lap to show others that you are open to what they are communicating An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Use of hands Talking with your hands is an easy way to incorporate gestures into your conversation but be careful not to make it a dance party.  Emphasizing words with your hands can lead you to appear more credible and assured. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Eye Contact Good eye contact lets others know that you are interested in the conversation. Lack of eye contact indicates lack of interest in the conversation. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Looking at the Ground This tells people that you are shy or disinterested or do not know what to say next. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Checking Time Looking at a timepiece signals that you do not want to be there and that you have more important things to be doing.  If you are on a schedule or in a time crunch, politely let the other person know that you have an engagement and excuse yourself. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Touching The Face Everyone has a little itch they need to scratch now and again but repeatedly touching your face while speaking with someone is an indication that you are lying. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Picking at Something Whether it is your clothes, your notebook, or your fingernails, just leave it alone.  Picking at something demonstrates boredom and disapproval.  At the very least, it communicates that you are rude. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – On the Edge Sitting on the edge of your chair will communicate that you are literally on the edge both mentally and physically.  You can make others feel more comfortable around you by sitting back in your chair and looking relaxed.  When you lean into a conversation to appear engaged, you want to lean with your back and leave you bottom firmly planted toward the back of the chair. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Tapping Tapping your fingers, feet, or even a pen indicates stress or impatience. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Standing Too Close Four feet is the appropriate amount of space to give someone who is not a close intimate friend. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language – Fake Smile Can be easily made out. Shows nervousness and detachment. An Ordinary Mortal

Body Language - Positive Signs Affirmative movements. You can show empathy with simple actions of agreement like nodding your head or smiling.  These actions let people know that you are on their side and that you can identify with their plight.  You can even use laughter when appropriate. Taking notes.  Taking notes lets others know that you value what they are saying and that you are engaged in the conversation.  Taking notes is not appropriate though in every situation. Slower. Take a deep breath, hold it for a second or two, and let it out.  Focus on slowing down your speech and body movements a bit.  This will make you appear more confident and contemplative.  It will also help calm you down if you are nervous. An Ordinary Mortal

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