The Quiet Strength of Body Language: The Things You Say Without Saying
People talk all the time. They are using words to express ideas, feelings, and facts. But communication is more than words. In fact, many times we are saying things without saying anything at all. What are we using? Our body. This is body language.
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What is Body Language?
Body language simply means how your body talks. Body language involves subtle indicators and grand gestures. For example, if you smile, you are showing happiness. If you cross your arms you may display discomfort. Standing tall shows confidence.
The Significance of Body Language
Verbal input can mislead, but body language will often speak the truth. A person may state they are “fine,” but appear sad, look away, and have droopy shoulders. Body language can be more powerful than linguistics.
That is, the power of body language, is the essence of what we recognize within our inner self. It reveals more than what we represent verbally.
It Creates Connection
Body language creates connections. A simple smile can establish trust. Eye contact shows respect. A nod signifies agreement. These signals help others feel heard and important.
Even the smallest of actions make a difference. Handshakes, leaning forward, or keeping an open posture all communicate comfort and safety. People can feel safe and value others.
It Can Destroy Connections Too
On the flip side, bad body language can do the exact opposite. Looking away can be interpreted as rude. An eye roll can be viewed as disrespectful. A turned-back communicates disinterest.
This is why we need to be mindful of body language. Every behavior communicates a message. Every message creates an impression on other people.
Workplace Body Language
Body language plays a major role in workplace settings. When interviewing, showing confidence by sitting upright and having eye contact is an important display of body language. Can you imagine going into a job interview and just crossing your arms or looking down? This can display hesitation, fear, or doubt.
When giving a speech, it is important to move your hands naturally. This helps engage the audience, and naturally smiling helps others feel more at ease. So, as you can see, body language plays an important role in success!
Body Language and Friendship
Body language helps establish and manage closeness in friend relationships. Warm hugs, gentle pats, and sitting close together convey love or affection and these body language actions express, “I care about you!”
Contrarily, turning away or avoiding looking at your friend’s face can diminish trust; body language can heal or hurt.
Psychology: How the Brain Interprets Body Language
From a psychological perspective, the brain is constantly monitoring bodily signs. It interprets faces in less than a second. It even sees movement without thinking, all due to the amygdala – the part of the brain that helps us identify danger or safety.
This is why we can “feel” someone’s mood without them saying a word. The brain collects the small signals and creates a meaning to help us respond quickly and establish trust or predict danger.
Psychology: Body Language Can Change Us
Body language can change other people, but it can also change us. When we stand tall or sit up, we feel stronger and more confident. When we smile, we feel happier. This is called a feedback loop.
The brain tracks the body and provides the feelings that are associated with the body. Therefore, when we act confidently, we are telling the brain that we are confident. Over time, the brain remembers this and it can positively influence how we perform and how we feel.
Kids Learn Body Language at an Early Age
Body language starts very early – even babies use it! They smile so you will engage. They cry to express a need. Also, they move away when they are scared. As children grow up, they learn more signals.
Parents, educators, and friends use body language to teach. A hug conveys safety. A frown might express a warning. This is why we learn body signals before the ability to speak.
How to Improve Body Language
You can improve body language by taking simple steps. First, when talking, make eye contact. Second, keep your arms relaxed and open. Third, smile when you first see someone. Fourth, nod your head, levelly, if you are interested and listening.
If a child looks to you for reassurance or respect, don’t let a “silent” body cue derail it. A body cue must signal respect. These cues will help the child lock in feelings of calm. With practice, they should become habits, and good habits create strong communication.
Use Your Face and Hands
The face is a good indicator of emotion. It can show happiness, worry, uncertainty, surprise, and much more. Your face can help to indicate your level of interest in what the person is discussing. Your hands also help with visual cues from your talks. Let your hands flow naturally with your thoughts – don’t keep them stiff, or wedged into your pockets.
Make your body cues just like your verbal cues as well. If you’re communicating “I care” with your words, say it with your face/body language too!
What Not to Do
Some things can send the opposite of the intended message. Try not to fold your arms too often, which can appear unempathetic or angry. Don’t avoid eye contact for too long, which can seem dishonest.
And don’t get too close. It is important to respect people’s space. These subtle changes can still establish a nice connection.
In Stressful Situations
In a moment of high stress, the body language you present can amplify or mitigate another person’s fear. It is vital to remain as calm as possible. Calmly breathe, keep a good posture, and speak softly. All of these audible and visual hints can alleviate fear and make people more prone to explain themselves.
In a high-stress argument, the body language you present will help mitigate the situation. For example, standing up with your arms open (not crossed) and speaking in a soft tone goes much further than harsh words.
What We Can See in Others
Watch for others. If someone avoids eye contact, they may be nervous. If someone constantly fidgets, they may be uncomfortable. Or, if someone leans closer, they may be feeling connected. If someone backs away, they may not feel safe.
Seeing these outward signs can help create understanding. It helps us to be more mindful. It helps us to be more loving.
Conclusion
Body language is a nonverbal communication tool, but it can make a big impression. It conveys our identity. It establishes trusting relationships, and feelings of love and creates feelings. Also, it can even help more than words do.
Psychology tells us that our body and brain are working together; they influence our emotions and actions. Good body language will improve communication, our relationships, and even our relationship with ourselves.
So, let your words match your body; speak kindly, stand straight, smile, and always remember; that your body is talking whether your mouth is saying something or not.
