Every time we communicate or pass messages, our bodies are involved. And half of our communication is made up of what is unspoken, to us or to our listeners. We regularly communicate even when we do not say anything. I know someone who would communicate with her body than with her words. When she doesn’t want the next person around, she may be speaking to them but she isn’t talking to them. She would usually take some seconds longer than normal to respond to quick questions.It is most often left to the other person to figure out if she wants them around or not and quite surprisingly, some people do not understand these signs. Understanding communication affects our work and personal relationshipsand every other areas of our lives.  

Body Language as a new Language

Trying to correctly interpret body language is like learning a new language. Might pose a little difficult at the beginning but as you persist, it gradually becomes a part of you.  

The Power of Body Language

Understanding body language does more than improve relationships. You will get insight into the thoughts and feelings of those around you. Because it is not a conscious form of communication, people betray themselves in their body language. Body language is powerful in several ways.

Power of Body Language:

•          It is honest: Body language conveys truth, even when words do not. You may be saying something and your body is conveying something totally different and giving you away. People who have mastered their body can match their words with their body language if they are being deceptive.

•          Creates self-awareness: Understanding body language helps you identify your own actions that hinder success.

•          Understand feelings: Body language shows feelings and motive such as aggression, submission, deception, etc. Use these as cues to your communication.

•          Enhance listening and communication skills: Paying attention to body language makes someone a better listener. Hear between the words spoken to what is being said. 

Characteristics of body language

Much of the way people communicate is nonverbal. Body language specifically focuses on physical, not tone, or pitch. It includes the following characteristics. 

Body Language:

•          Proximity: The distance between people

•          Positioning: Position of a body

•          Facial expression: The eyes are particularly noticed.

•          Touching: This includes objects, people, and themselves.

•          Breathing: The rate of respiration is telling.

Actions Speak Louder than Words

Our impressions of each other are based on more than words. People can have cordial conversations and not like each other. The actions that we take are stronger than our words. For example, a person may dismiss someone using body language and not saying anything negative. Like it or not, our body language makes a lasting impression on the people around us. 

What Actions Can Say:

• Deception
• Confidence
• Nerves
• Boredom
• Emotions
• Attraction
• Being open
• Being closed off

The list goes on.