Reading body language: four tips on using non-verbal communication at meetings

A large part of interpersonal communication takes place on a non-verbal level. The signals our bodies emit say a lot about what we think, feel, or what our intentions are. If you learn how to detect and interpret these signals in other people, you will improve your negotiating position and communication skills in general, both when dealing with business partners and in everyday communication with subordinates or colleagues. So here are four tips on correctly reading and using body language in a conversation.

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These tips were published by Entrepreneur.com.

Posture

Somebody's posture can tell you a lot about what they think of you. In general, sitting or standing openly towards you indicates they trust you and are interested in what you have to say. If, on the other hand, they are withdrawn, hunched over, standing to you side on, or putting a barrier between you and themselves (for example, with their hands), it may be a sign of distrust or that something is wrong.

Sudden changes in behaviour and body language

It is difficult to say what a particular gesture means as we are all different and each person has completely different ways of expressing themselves, including with non-verbal communication. But what you should pay attention to are any sudden changes in these patterns. If the other person suddenly starts to fidget, changes their tone of voice or significantly alters their posture, beware: something has probably happened in their perception or mood.

Micro-expressions

Most people are able to hide quite effectively what they are really thinking and only send the signals they want to the other person. But few people can control micro-expressions, which are spontaneous, very brief facial expressions, maybe lasting only a fraction of a second. These occur when someone hears something that evokes a particular emotion. If you want to know what someone really thinks about what you have just said, watch their micro-expression at that given moment.

Breathing and blinking

A rapid breathing rate, as well as high frequency of eyelid blinks, can mean a number of things. Most often, however, it is the result of nervousness and stress, especially if breathing rate or blinking increases out of the blue in the middle of a conversation. Be aware of the other person's breathing and the frequency of their blinking and you can learn when they are starting to feel uncomfortable during the conversation.



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