This two-part article covers the following topics:
- How to master non-verbal communication.
- Debunking the myth that "93% of communication is non-verbal."
- An effective way to boost your self-confidence instantly and is applicable in any situation.
- An initial step you must take before using body language applications.
You might feel disheartened when you start applying body language principles and realise the negative intentions of those around you. You might notice rejection signals from someone you consider a friend, disregard from a partner who's fed up with the relationship, or joy from a colleague who learns you're planning to leave the company.
Conversely, mastering body language skills can help you unlock hidden potential, make the most of social situations, and uncover what others are trying to hide from you.
Body language isn’t about manipulation, psychological tricks, or pseudoscience. This article results from years of research and experimentation aimed at helping you improve your social skills.
Five Body Language Skills
1. Guessing Others' Thoughts
Fairy tales talk about heroes with supernatural powers, but what about real-life humans?
Reading body language signals can be considered a superhuman ability. However, viewing it as a skill is better, indicating that anyone can learn and develop it.
2. Conveying Emotions and Human Experiences
You've probably heard the claim that 93% of communication is non-verbal. This statistic is misleading. Just look at iconic silent figures like Charles Chaplin, Silent Bob, Teller from Penn & Teller, and Wall-E. These characters brilliantly convey human emotions and tell stories solely through body language, without uttering words.
Body language signals are often more powerful than words in terms of storytelling and conveying emotions.
Here's an exercise to illustrate the impact of body language signals:
Love is a powerful emotion, but its impact depends on how it's expressed. Try confessing your love in the following emotional states:
- Without emotions
- Happiness
- Sadness
- Anger
- Confusion
For example, it wouldn't make sense to scream, "I love you," angrily, during a tender moment.
Most people choose their words carefully but struggle to control their body language and facial expressions. Here are three situations where people often try to manage their body language:
- Distorting the truth and avoiding responsibility.
- Speaking in public.
- Trying to get noticed at events and parties.
Often, people are unaware of the signals they send that reveal their true feelings. Genetic factors influence body language signals, which people use automatically in response to stress and environmental conditions. For example, biting nails indicates tension, a woman playing with her hair while talking to a man shows interest, and moving her feet up and down during discussions signals excitement.
Wrapping Up
There's been a lot of buzz about body language skills lately, and their principles are now accessible to everyone. This first part of the article has covered two practical applications of body language. The second and final part will delve into the remaining applications.
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