BODY LANGUAGE

BODY LANGUAGE 

Body language is like a computer. Most of the people know what it is and how to use it, but very few are actually aware of how it works. This is because the process of decoding non verbal (or body language) clues is done on a sub conscious level. Humans are innately programmed to identify and interpret facial and behavioral cues. People see and interpret a gesture and often make judgments about the person they are communicating with in a matter of seconds. It is good to remember that non verbal signals that a person sends out play a vital role in the first impression he creates. Our ancestors efficiently used to read and interpret nonverbal clues because their survival often depended on
the ability to correctly decode the visual information. Over the ages, humans have lost the edge and now people make mistakes while interpreting body language. Not all first impressions are correct. The kind of life we live today is far more complex, and there are many layers of social boundaries and restrictions. There are many meanings that add to the social dealings and interactions. The corporate culture also adds complexities in the form of restrictions and guidelines for behavior in the mix. A person can improve his ability to correctly decode the body language by sifting the impressions he gets from other person through five Cs. These five Cs are: 

1. Context
2.  Clusters
3.  Congruence
4.  Consistency
5.  Culture

POSITIVE BODY LANGUAGE

Eye contact: Maintain proper eye contact but look away after every ten seconds so that the other person does not get uncomfortable.
Facial expression/Mouth: Remember that a smile gives a positive message and creates a feel good factor.
 Hands/Arms: Open arms with controlled movements are definitely preferred over fidgety arms and hands.
 Legs: Cross your legs at the ankles if you are a woman, and keep them flat on the floor if you are a man.
Body angle/Body posture: Sit attentively, appearing neither too loose nor too stiff. Proximity: Maintain at least one foot distance (neither more, nor less) between you and the other person.