They say up to 93% of communication is non-verbal. Therefore, it is essential that you understand what you are saying beyond just the words you are uttering.
Here are some great tricks to better understand body language and communicate more proficiently.
Use Mirroring – Mirroring is doing what the other person is doing. By mimicking their actions, whether it’s crossing your arms if they have their arms crossed, speaking soft if they speak soft, or keeping great eye contact if they keep it on you – you build a rapport with the individual. They feel more like you and therefore they feel more connected to you. It’s effective in this sense.
Don’t Make Unnecessary Adjustments – Oftentimes, nervous individuals will cross their arm over their body to make an adjustment to a watch or a bracelet on that arm. They may be walking in front of a large crowd, or perhaps getting on stage to make a speech, but by making this unnecessary adjustment on their arm, they’re displaying a great amount of insecurity. They do this as an unconscious attempt at covering their body with their arm. Stop fiddling around and you will not reveal your potential uncomfortable side to the world. Instead, keep your arms on each side and confidently stroll into wherever you are going.
Do The Power Pose – The power pose is the extension of your arms up and over your head as high as possible. It creates a V-shape over your head. This pose has been studied and documented to increase testosterone, confidence, and leadership qualities in all who make it. Next time you are feeling nervous or unsure of yourself before a big meeting, raise up those arms of yours and strike a power pose!
Laugh to Really Connect – Laughter signals the ultimate form of connection between people and it speaks volumes of rapport and bonding. Laugh when you want to really connect with someone in a business sense. Laughing, and getting someone else to laugh, can be extremely beneficial when it comes to communicating effectively.
Uncross Your Arms – Crossing your arms signals defensiveness and skepticism. When you cross your arms, you distance yourself from whoever you are speaking with. Instead, uncross your arms next time you are trying to connect with someone you have just met, and you will notice it is easier to build a rapport with them.
Lift Up Your Chin – When you lift your chin up, you display a great amount of pride, confidence, and dominance. If you have ever seen anyone with their head down, you will understand the importance of lifting it up. By keeping it up, you show you are content with yourself and secure in who you are.
Nod Your Head – When trying to build rapport with someone speaking to you, nod your head on occasion when the person says new things. This is a huge sign that you are in agreement with them and that you are listening and accepting what they are telling you. It creates a great bond in conversation when the listener is nodding their head and displaying, they are really listening too.
Smile! – It’s as simple as that! We often forget to do the one thing that will surely get us one in return every time.
Push yourself out of your comfort zone and add these to your everyday communication skills and see if it doesn’t help improve your confidence as well as your relationships.
Make it a great day!