Non-verbal communication. How to connect before you speak. April 25, 2018

Non-verbal communication. How to connect before you speak. 8 tips for effective body language and facial expression. 

Is your body language engaging, confusing or repulsing? 

How do you feel when someone you’re engaging with is looking away, or appears to be closed off and not interested?  Do you feel like engaging further with them? Not likely. 

Here are 8 tips for effective body language and facial expression. 

1. Face the other person.
2. Sit or stand straight — heads up look.
3. Smile with confidence.
4. Get eye contact — direct soft gaze. Not staring but don’t let your eyes wander too much. Keep them on the other person in some way.
5. Uncross legs and arms. Posture open. 
6. Show genuine interest in them by invoking curiosity inside yourself. It shows.
7. Nod appropriately when the opportunity presents. 
8. If the other person is closed off with arms and legs crossed, open their body language by matching them with crossed arms and legs. Then open up yourself by uncrossing arms and legs. Repeat this closing-opening-closing-opening process over and over until they match yo in the opening of their arms and legs.

When people see you’re open and engaged it leads them, and they often respond with openness and engagement. The majority of people want to be lead. No matter who you’re connecting with, lead with open and engaging body language and facial expression.

Show interest in the other person by invoking your sense of curiosity, smiling and nodding once in a while. Face them and keep good posture yourself. Stay open, uncross your legs and arms. Lead the other person to openness if you have time. 

When you develop these body language habits, you will notice a difference in how people feel comfortable with you. 

Developing and maintaining, open, direct and healthy communications habits takes consciousness and work.  Do it and the rewards are plentiful in every aspect of life.