Body Language
Pre-talk:
● Is body language important? Why?
● Do you agree 7% of a message is conveyed through words, 38% through vocal elements (tone) and 55% through non-verbal elements?
● Which country uses the most non-verbal elements to express themselves?
Picture Talk:
● What is the difference between the top and bottom set of photos?
● Could you see yourself doing the top poses in the office? Why not?
● Which set of positions do you tend to do?
Headline: Why you should never cross your arms again (Source: by Leo Widrich, Business Insider)
Headline Questions
● What do you think the answer is to this?
● Do you believe you could become more confident if you did the higher pose?
Article:
Fake it until you become it.
Can you fake it until you make it? Yes, here are 5 postures to work on today to answer the question "How can I improve my body language":
1. Focus on the position of your feet
"When you approach 2 people talking, you will be acknowledged in one of two ways. If the feet of your two colleagues stay in place and they twist only their upper torsos in your direction, they don't really want you to join the conversation. But if their feet open to include you then you know that you are truly invited to participate."
Whenever you are speaking with a co-worker who seems to be paying attention, and whose upper body is angled toward you, but whose legs and feet have turned toward the door — realize that the conversation is over. Her feet are telling you she wants to leave. Foot positions are revealing even if someone's legs are crossed.
2. Smile — it'll make you happier
We smile because we are happy. But does it work the other way around too? Researchers at Cardiff University think so. People who smile, without actually feeling happy, can make themselves feel a lot happier, says Michael Lewis, a co-author of the study:
"It would appear that the way we feel emotions isn't just restricted to our brain — there are parts of our bodies that help and reinforce the feelings we're having,"
3. Practice Amy Cuddy's "power poses", which are the 5 poses in the top row in picture talk, before important meetings.
Amy Cuddy suggests 3 distinct power poses to practice for 2-3 minutes before you have an important conversation.
Try them next time in a quiet place and see if they have the same results for you.
4. Realign your body more congenially with your conversation partner
Another great tip from Goman mentions that if you try to align yourself more congenially with a conversation partner you will be able to solve tension in conversations and come to solutions more quickly:
"If you physically align yourself with that person (sitting or standing shoulder to shoulder facing the same direction), you will defuse the situation. “
I've found this especially true with meeting people you've never met before. It's hard to build rapport at the start, focusing on aligning can make a big difference. Give it a try.
5. Lower your voice with deep breathing
Although not a specific tip for body posture, this is one of my favorite tips. Men and women with deeper voices are more likely to land in leadership positions and are generally perceived as a greater authority.
To lower your voice, especially before an interview, try to take some deep belly breaths. It will relax your throat area, which generally contracts and raises the pitch of your voice
Discussion:
· What is you take away from this article?
· Will you fake it till you make it (do a warm-up before a presentation/meeting)?
· Do you think men are better at reading body language? Why (not)?
· Is it important to learn how to ready body language? Why (not)?
· Do you think children today learn how ready body language? Why (not)?
· Do you think body language is more or less standardized across the globe? Why?
· Do study other people’s body language consciously? Why (not)?
o Do you care what other people are saying?
· What body language pose do you have a habit doing that you want to break?
Additional Picture Talks