Afternoon Drive with Jeff & Carly

Body language can speak volumes and often it’s saying things we don’t mean to communicate.  According to AOL, here’s what you need to know to become fluent in body language - other people’s and your own. 

WHAT YOUR BODY LANGUAGE SAYS ABOUT YOU

• Body Language Says: Shifty eyes that avoid eye contact with others.
  What Others See and Hear: A lack of eye contact hinders your ability to create a connection with the person or people you’re speaking with. This oversight gives others few reasons to trust you and your ideas.
• Body Language Says: Arms crossed in front of your body, holding your torso tight.
  What Others See and Hear: Crossed arms make you appear guarded, unapproachable, and on the defense, as though you have something to hide from the people in the room with you. If you’re having trouble relaxing your arms, try folding them neatly in your lap instead of across your chest.
• Body Language Says: A broad grin showing all of your pearly whites.
  What Others See and Hear: A smiling face suggests that you are eager, confident, and pleasant to work with. However, be careful to not smile too much when talking about serious subjects, as your grin might suggest that you aren’t taking the discussion seriously enough.
• Body Language Says: Fidgeting, tapping, or shaking incessantly.
  What Others See and Hear: If you can’t remain still in a meeting or conversation, your constant movements make you look uncomfortable with yourself and others, which can cause a domino effect making other people in the room uncomfortable as well.
• Body Language Says: A stance as strong as an oak-tree.
  What Others See and Hear: Great posture suggests that you are confident, can lead well, are trustworthy, and are rooted in your beliefs. Just make sure that your excellent posture isn’t negated by a stiff, immobile upper body.
• Body Language Says: Legs wide open, arms stretched out, taking up lots of space.
  What Others See and Hear: You’re clearly comfortable with yourself and don’t mind being noticed, but taking up too much space in a small room can be perceived as thoughtless and arrogant. Furthermore, your casual stance may limit the ability of others to take you as seriously as you might like.
• Body Language Says: Leaning towards the person who is talking.
  What Others See and Hear: A subtle lean towards the individual who is presenting indicates that you are a gracious listener and are interested and respectful of that the other person has to say.
• Body Language Says: A shirttail out, a missing button, and other slovenly behaviors.
  What Others See and Hear: You can’t expect people to take you seriously if you don’t take the time to put yourself together properly. A quick check in the mirror and a change of shirt could make or break your career trajectory in many fields.

Is there any body language that you would add to this list?  Do you know someone whose mannerisms are distracting?  I find people who fidget end up making me nervous.  I just can’t concentrate when someone has a restless leg, for example.  Sometimes I cross my arms, but it’s not because I’m unapproachable - it’s simply because I’m cold (temperature wise, not unemotional).  Do you agree with the list?  Post your thoughts by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is BODYLANGUAGE.  It’s valid until July 17th.