For what its worth and general interest only
https://www.meetup.com/blog/how-to-become-fluent-in-body-language/
quote
After so much time on Zoom, some people are experiencing a shift in their communication abilities when returning to offices, schools, and social events. The Zoom landscape has its own digital etiquette and social strategies, but this doesn’t always translate well to in-person connection.
One of the main differences between virtual and in-person communication is that the latter is more affected by body language. That term gets thrown around a lot, but it’s rare for people to dive into exactly what body language is, why it matters, how to be aware of your own body language, and how to become fluent in body language signals that other people send you.
Body language is the kind of communicating you do without words. Whether you mean to or not, when you’re talking with someone, you’re also sending out nonverbal cues that they can read. In the best cases, your body language is in lockstep with the words you’re speaking—this gives the listener a sense of trust and clarity. When your body language is at odds with what you’re speaking or with the situation in general, that can create confusion and tension.
Even when you’re not speaking, you’re still communicating nonverbally. Some people experience social anxiety because they’re worried about sending out the wrong signals. But you can rest easy with this simple guide to body language that’s good for any occasion.
Tips for improving nonverbal communication
When you’re trying to be proactive about creating positive body language, a series of minor adjustments can add up to a major difference. Take a look at some seemingly small considerations that are actually a big deal.
Eye contact
This may be the most influential aspect of body language, because the visual sense is often more dominant than other sensory details, and the eyes are so expressive. Eye contact requires a subtle approach—some people say you should always make eye contact with the person speaking to you, but prolonged eye contact can be unsettling. Instead, try to make eye contact every so often throughout a conversation: not too much, not too little. It’s a sign of respect and interest.
When you’re in a group, try making occasional eye contact with the people who aren’t speaking, too. This conveys that you notice their presence and want them to feel included.
How to read eye contact: If you’re speaking with someone and they’re making very little eye contact, they probably don’t feel very comfortable. Their discomfort may have nothing to do with you at all, but it’s still better to end the conversation politely and move on.
Space
The way you interact with the space around you (and other people’s personal space) speaks volumes. If you’ve ever interacted with someone who was standing too close to you, hovering, or otherwise invading your personal space, you know how important this kind of nonverbal cue can be.
When making conversation with people you’ve just met, position yourself at a respectable distance that communicates interest without being over-familiar. As a general rule of thumb, you should be standing at a distance where you could comfortably shake hands with the person across from you (about two to three feet apart).
How to read space: If somebody sets a certain distance from you at the start of a conversation, don’t try to close the gap. Mirroring their relationship to the space between you is always a good idea.
Speaking and listening gestures
This is a broad category with many different considerations, including:
Get out there and give it a try
As with any skill, practice is the only way to get more comfortable and improve your body language awareness. Fortunately, all you need to practice body language is a group of people to gather with and chat.
It doesn’t have to feel like work—make your body language practice a fun experience by incorporating it into a Meetup event that interests you! You can improve your nonverbal communication while going on a walking tour of your city, networking with professionals in your industry, playing Dungeons and Dragons, learning how to code, and so much more.
https://www.meetup.com/blog/how-to-become-fluent-in-body-language/
quote
After so much time on Zoom, some people are experiencing a shift in their communication abilities when returning to offices, schools, and social events. The Zoom landscape has its own digital etiquette and social strategies, but this doesn’t always translate well to in-person connection.
One of the main differences between virtual and in-person communication is that the latter is more affected by body language. That term gets thrown around a lot, but it’s rare for people to dive into exactly what body language is, why it matters, how to be aware of your own body language, and how to become fluent in body language signals that other people send you.
Body language is the kind of communicating you do without words. Whether you mean to or not, when you’re talking with someone, you’re also sending out nonverbal cues that they can read. In the best cases, your body language is in lockstep with the words you’re speaking—this gives the listener a sense of trust and clarity. When your body language is at odds with what you’re speaking or with the situation in general, that can create confusion and tension.
Even when you’re not speaking, you’re still communicating nonverbally. Some people experience social anxiety because they’re worried about sending out the wrong signals. But you can rest easy with this simple guide to body language that’s good for any occasion.
Tips for improving nonverbal communication
When you’re trying to be proactive about creating positive body language, a series of minor adjustments can add up to a major difference. Take a look at some seemingly small considerations that are actually a big deal.
Eye contact
This may be the most influential aspect of body language, because the visual sense is often more dominant than other sensory details, and the eyes are so expressive. Eye contact requires a subtle approach—some people say you should always make eye contact with the person speaking to you, but prolonged eye contact can be unsettling. Instead, try to make eye contact every so often throughout a conversation: not too much, not too little. It’s a sign of respect and interest.
When you’re in a group, try making occasional eye contact with the people who aren’t speaking, too. This conveys that you notice their presence and want them to feel included.
How to read eye contact: If you’re speaking with someone and they’re making very little eye contact, they probably don’t feel very comfortable. Their discomfort may have nothing to do with you at all, but it’s still better to end the conversation politely and move on.
Space
The way you interact with the space around you (and other people’s personal space) speaks volumes. If you’ve ever interacted with someone who was standing too close to you, hovering, or otherwise invading your personal space, you know how important this kind of nonverbal cue can be.
When making conversation with people you’ve just met, position yourself at a respectable distance that communicates interest without being over-familiar. As a general rule of thumb, you should be standing at a distance where you could comfortably shake hands with the person across from you (about two to three feet apart).
How to read space: If somebody sets a certain distance from you at the start of a conversation, don’t try to close the gap. Mirroring their relationship to the space between you is always a good idea.
Speaking and listening gestures
This is a broad category with many different considerations, including:
- Tone of voice — It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. A flat tone can indicate boredom, a quiet voice could point to shyness, while a clear tone with good pace and inflections can convey confidence and enjoyment.
- Nodding and “listening sounds” — A simple nod of the head while somebody is speaking demonstrates your engagement. Same goes for peppering in a few “listening sounds” like “uh-huh,” “ahh,” and “mmm.” The principle of not overdoing it goes for all of these cues—and try not to fixate on them! Actually listening is the best way to be a good conversation partner.
- Hand gestures — When people are animated in their conversations, they usually start to use hand gestures to emphasize their words, often without even realizing what they’re doing. These gestures can be hard to describe, so it’s better to learn from seeing them in action. Overall, though, open palms are a sign that you’re relaxed.
Get out there and give it a try
As with any skill, practice is the only way to get more comfortable and improve your body language awareness. Fortunately, all you need to practice body language is a group of people to gather with and chat.
It doesn’t have to feel like work—make your body language practice a fun experience by incorporating it into a Meetup event that interests you! You can improve your nonverbal communication while going on a walking tour of your city, networking with professionals in your industry, playing Dungeons and Dragons, learning how to code, and so much more.
