It was once beautifully said: ,there is no non-communication,. Even if you don’t say anything, you communicate through your body. The fascinating thing about this is that most people express very precisely through their body language what they may be trying to cover up verbally. “The body never lies,” is a wisdom known to many communication experts.
Verbal communication should match your body language
Anyone who wants to appear good to others through verbal communication must ensure that it is in accordance with the signals from their body. If there is a detectable contradiction, the words are vague and not credible. Then it may be that:
- don’t take you seriously;
- ignores your proposals;
- ignores your contribution to a discussion;
- or even worse, you do not follow directions and instructions.
Observing body language
The most important principle of body language is therefore given: the body never lies. This is mainly due to the fact that almost all body signals are transmitted unconsciously, thus providing us with a deeper insight into what is really going on inside a person. But one must train to read these signals.
In other words, one must learn to consciously perceive these signals in the other person and to translate them into communication with him. Because strangely enough, body signals unconsciously emitted by others are received in one way or another, but usually not processed. At least that’s what psychologists have discovered.
Recognize and understand body language
However, anyone who wants to improve their communication skills must learn to leave that unconscious or semi-conscious level and deal with body signals – including their own body signals by the way – purposefully and deliberately.
A very important distinction is between approving and disapproving body signals. Anyone who leans back or takes a step back, crosses his arms over his chest, crosses his legs and keeps his palms down in his gestures, sends a more or less strong ,no, signal through his body.
Be wary of recognizing these body positions while your conversation partner is still using words of agreement. Most likely, for some reason he feels compelled to give these approving responses, which are, however, not sincere. In any case, you cannot rely on it.
By the way, there is an excellent way to better understand body language. Just imitate that once! For example, if you cross your arms in front of your chest and lean back, you will notice that you immediately adopt a defensive attitude internally.
Good communication requires the right body language
As noted above, it is important that your words match your body signals. Good communication depends on the right body language. So when you explain to the boss why you are absolutely sure that a certain advertising concept can be successfully implemented and will significantly increase revenues in a short time, avoid rubbing your nose or picking your ear. Because this signals to your subconscious that you do not really believe in it yourself.
In that case you have two options:
- either you learn to control your body language, whether or not through intensive actor training;
- or you are honest and simply say that your intended advertising concept has good prospects, but that it can still be improved on a number of points.
Wrong body language betrays insecure behavior
Many managers and politicians believe they should choose the first option. But that is usually a fatal mistake, because most people cannot become perfect actors anyway. Out of sheer fear of making the wrong gesture and betraying themselves through their body language, these people usually fall into forced and unnatural behavior. They completely
forget that their expressionless poker face, a seemingly disengaged look and a stiff posture tell the expert exactly what is going on inside them: the fear of making a mistake and showing their feelings. Both certainly not a recommendation for a modern manager who should know that making mistakes and showing feelings are just part of it. It just comes down to how you deal with it.