How to Use Body Language

Communication is a vital key to meaningful and successful interactions and relationships. Your body has a language of its own. Nonverbal communication can be extremely powerful in setting the stage for effective communication. The following article discusses five important areas of nonverbal communication which can help you take a look at your body and see what messages you may be sending to others. Read on to learn how to use body language.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Consider the communication that occurs with the eyes. Attempt to be at eye level when communicating with others. Keep your eyes focused on the person speaking to you. Glancing away can send the wrong message--that you are not interested in what they have to say. If you are speaking to a small group of individuals, make eye contact with each of them throughout the conversation. If speaking to a larger group, glance around the room throughout the speech to give all in the room a feeling of inclusion. Be aware of eye brow gestures which could be misinterpreted as a negative gesture. Remember, maintaining good eye contact is important to skillful communication.

2. Consider your facial expression. Attempt to keep all facial muscles relaxed. Avoid tightening your jaw, clenching your teeth and fidgety movements. It is recommended that the facial expression reflect the feeling you wish to communicate. It would be confusing and unbelievable to the person with whom you are communicating, if you say your are happy however display a quite different emotion on your face.

3. Evaluate you shoulder and arm placement. Attempt to keep shoulders straight and back, arms relaxed and uncrossed. Avoid overuse of shoulder shrugging. Overuse of shoulder and arm movements, are annoying and distracting. Doing so takes the listener's attention away from your words and puts it on your annoying movements.

4. Consider your handshake. Attempt to keep handshakes firm and decisive. Remember, not too long, not too short, not too rough, and not too flimsy. Make sure you offer your handshake to all you meet. It is also customary to shake hands each time a meeting occurs. Also, keeps eyes focused on the individual's eyes when shaking their hand and verbally greet them.

5. Evaluate you total body gestures. Attempt soft, smooth motions, instead of quick, abrupt ones. Be aware of personal comfort zones and maintain adequate distances. Sometimes standing too close is uncomfortable for others. If you sense this to be true, casually step back one step and allow for more comfort. Turn your entire body and "face" the person you're communicating with directly. Do not stand at an angle as this can send the message that you are not completely focusing on them.