Learning to Speak the Language of the Body

Aside from taking N-O-T-E (Nod, Open Arms, Touch, and Eye Contact) of the body language, here are other things to consider when communicating with other people nonverbally:

1. Do not overdo the eye contact.

Make direct eye contact to show you are engaged, open, and responsive to the conversation the other person is carrying out with you. However, too much eye contact can turn into a stare-down.

That can seem intimidating, or just plain awkward.

2. Make use of your eyebrows.

Let them dance along with your voice and the thoughts you’re trying to convey.

The more animated your eyebrows are, the more outgoing, engaged, and friendly you’ll appear to other people.

A positive thought is best expressed with a rising eyebrows, indirectly saying “I am open for you.”

On the other hand, lowering them can imply negative thought.

3. Emote with the eyes. Widening your eyes implies interest and passion.

This will signal that you’re accepting, welcoming, or reacting on what others are saying.

On the other hand, narrowing the eyes may mean disbelieving, doubting, or disagreeing to the idea of the other person.

4. Combine your expressive eyes with a winning smile.

A smile communicates friendliness. Eyes are expressions of emotions.

When combined, they reveal attachment and so much interest on the other person.

Their two features combined will equal more perceived friendliness than either one alone.

5. Hold your head up when you talk.

When your head is up high, it shows confidence – you’ll seem to know what you are saying or doing.

It shows a level of engagement and warmth, as well.

On the other hand, if your head is down low, you’ll appear timid, shy, and having no interest in participating a conversation or an activity.

6. Maintain good posture.

Proper poise and posture shows confidence, interest, as well as openness.

Slouching is perceived as unfriendly because it indicates disengagement.

7. Never tap your feet when someone is talking.

Tapping says, “Hurry up, I’m losing interest,” or “I’m bored. When are you going stop?”

Unless you want to convey those ideas, don’t tap your feet in front of somebody who is speaking.

It clearly shows an unfriendly aura. You don’t want others to see this on you.

Hence, go with your relaxed feet that are kinder and more welcoming.

Relaxation shows that you are interested and have more time to listen.

8. Speak up, rather than be quiet.

Silence can be unfriendly. Words break the ice, so start a conversation.

When you begin to talk, you can form a connection with other people that will get rid of the irritation and awkwardness possibly arising out of the silence.

Maybe they are not as irksome as you thought, and you will find out how interesting they are. There’s no harm in breaking the silence and making new friends by speaking up.