You have 10-20 seconds to make a favorable impression when meeting someone for the first time. The difference between making a great impression or a very bad one often depends on your ability to read and understand another persons body language. We can unintentionally undermine communications with our nonverbal messages.
The spoken word is generally considered the way to have face to face direct communication, but it can be masked. Actions are the expressions of the mind. Body language says more about you than the verbal message. The smallest gesture, like the way you stand or enter a room, can speak volumes about your confidence, self-worth and credibility. Knowing secrets about body language gives you inside knowledge that wins trust and respect from others.
Our ability to use body language in a positive way to read other peoples minds can be a powerful tool in business or personal relationships. Imagine creating a great impression by being knowledgeable in this not-so-common yet valuable field of study. It is the unspoken tool to a successful life.
Empathy is a skill well worth developing to its full potential. Effective communication depends on recognizing the subtle signals of feelings coming from the people around you. It takes practice to notice and understand but that gives you insight on how to proceed. Soon you will notice a positive difference in their attitudes and reactions toward you. You have given them sincere attention and that gift is appreciated.
Eye contact is one of the most important aspects, especially with people you have just met. Good eye contact shows respect and interest in what they have to say. Equally important is mastering your posture. Good posture shows others that you are confident and self assured. The added benefit is that it makes you feel better as well.
You have no doubt heard the comment: 'You were given two ears and one mouth for a reason!' If you listen twice as much as you talk, you come across as a good communicator who knows how to strike up a balanced conversation without being me, me, me or the wallflower.
If you really want someone to like and trust you, you need to exhibit the same qualities as that person. And there is no better way to do this than by using body language. Mirroring is one way to do it. Match their facial expressions, gestures, posture, speech styles, actions, breathing patterns, values and beliefs.
Put yourself in their shoes. By doing this you are matching their way of thinking. We choose our friends because we can relate to each other's interests and ideas. It is not a suggestion to turn yourself into a chameleon, however. It is simply finding where you do have interests in common.
