BODY LANGUAGE

Human beings, the most advanced version of living beings created by God, was given
the unique ability to communicate verbally and they went ahead and innovated on so
many languages, so much so that today, we have a language each for each section of
the society. It has spearheaded communication revolution. However, it has had its share
of disadvantages as well. Verbal communication took the forefront and nonverbal
communication was made a complimentary language.

Before languages were born, human beings communicated only non- verbally. Sign
language was the order of the day. Even today, any child born need not be taught body
language. Every child understands body language. Yes, it is the original language
software that God gave us.

Body language has become an important area for research and of late, people have
started accepting the importance of body language. There is only 16% impact in verbal
communication, but the impact of nonverbal communication is as high as 70 %.

Body language is also known as Kinesics. Kinesics is the science of movement. Body
language can be broadly divided into three parts - gestures, postures and facial
expressions.

Body language is the art of seeing what others are thinking. Seventy percent of the
communication exchanges are nonverbal or depend on body language.

While communicating, effectiveness doubles when one concentrates on two aspects:

1. Understanding what is not being said by others.
2. Others must understand what you say.

It is easily said than done. However, as someone gains awareness of nonverbal

behaviour, and attempts to interpret the body language of others, he or she becomes
inwardly conscious of his or her own gestures. This results in more effective two way
communication.

To understand body language, one can do the following:

1. Keep an open mind.
2. Observe your own posture and gestures when you are in different moods and
frames of mind. Try to interpret them.
3. Observe the body language of others. These movements can indicate thoughts
and emotions.
4. Learn to read and interpret body and spoken language and draw conclusions. In
other words, do not jump to conclusions just by seeing one gesture, posture or
expression.
5. Learn to control your body language, sending only those signals that you truly
wish to send.
6. Treat your body language as a special language and master the same with
practice.

How to improve, tune and polish ones body language?

Use the SOFTEN technique. The acronym SOFTEN can give you the direction to
practice effective and positive body language.

SMILE – As they say, open smile open doors.

OPEN POSTURE – Try avoiding defensive and closed gestures and posture. Crossing
your arms and legs can give a closed look.
FORWARD LEAN – Lean forward and tilt your head to one side to show interest and to
send listening signals.
TOUCH – Touch people mentally and physically at the right place in the right manner at
the right time. Observe and respect others’ privacy and be careful of the culture and
background of the persons in front of you.
EYE CONTACT – With your eyes, look at the faces of those who face you. Taking the
eyes off gives a signal that either you do not know, or you are hiding or you are lying!
NOD – Apart from agreement, this is a sure shot signal that you are listening and that
you will not interrupt.

SOFTEN your listeners with your positive body language.

You don’t have to be taught the science of body language, but you have to trim and
polish the same to effectively communicate.

As said, effective communication is all about touching others. Yes, body language has a
major role to play in relationships.