The Art of Body Language

Set the Mood of the Room with a Powerful Body Language

Body language is the second most powerful means of communication after language and holds the primary spot where we have to convey a lot before speaking or leave an impression even without speaking.

A strong body language can tilt the scales in your favor in a power game.

Body language determines almost fifty percent of the course of communication. We often ignore the subconscious gestures and positions which get noticed by others in conversation,whether its a job interview, a college group discussion or a romantic date with your beloved. The subconscious reactions can throw one with unwanted results if not taken care of.

Sublimial body gestures can often send negative signals to the interlocutor and one may be at a disadvantage in a high stakes conversation.

With Corona snatching away one year of everyone’s life,reduced public interactions due to quarantine and lockdowns, many people have become rusty and stiff when it comes to a good body language. Interactions with masks on faces only add to the woes.Therefore this article becomes important to improve and sharpen your body language.

Important tips for a powerful body language :

1. Do not lean in and against between conversation

Leaning in and against depending on your interest level in a topic of conversation is not a good signal.In this way one easily gives away the idea about his areas of interest and disinterest in a formal conversation which may throw him/her at disadvantage.

For example– During a job interview one may lean ahead subconsciously when a topic of steel designing is being discussed by HR professionals because it interests him while he may lean back when the topic in discussion is related to soil mechanics which the candidate does not prefer. The HR professional will easily get an idea that the candidate is not interested in all aspects of civil engineering.

2. Always keep your head high and straight

One should not lower down his head mid conversation as it shows lack of interest in communication or a slack attitude towards the topic.It can also signal submissiveness and docility ,which are not considered good traits.

If someone subconsciously lowers his/her head, one can rectify the mistake by gradually leaning back and bringing back the head in a straight position in a relaxed manner instead of haphazardly trying to fix your position which will appear weird.

3. Use gestures in a controlled and smooth manner

Many candidates/people have a habit of using hand gestures when they are stuck with words while communicating . It does not augur well for the person. Gestures during formal interviews and group discussions should be used in a very controlled manner. Even during informal conversations the gestures should be very subtle and smooth and should not appear interrupting the language.Gestures can aid you in being more expressive during an informal convo. Italians are well known for using gestures during communications in a classy way.

4. Look into the eyes while communicating

Its considered a sign of confidence and interest in the topic if you are looking into the eyes of the person while conversing.It also helps the interlocutor get the message straight and bold. Eyes can also be used to convey your deep engagement over a topic and it sends positive signals.

5. Keep your arms and legs open

Its considered a sign of openness to ideas during a conversation if one’s arms and legs are opened. Closed arms and legs signal lack of interest in the communication,which can hamper your chances during an interview or a date.

6. Be relaxed, move smoothly, sit comfortably

A relaxed outlook and a comfortable sitting posture reflect confidence of the candidate during an interview.It also shows that one is keen and eager to engage in the discussion. Signs of nervousness can deter one’s chances of selection for a job.

In many formal interviews and group discussion, generally one of the panelist is a psychologist whose only job is to notice and gauge your body language and deem whether you are fit for the profession or not.