Yeah, I know. Yet another body language tip.
It’s that important you see. Though by now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that good body postures make good impression. And since I realize that some may find it hard to master the art, I have compiled some simple mistakes that you can avoid. Worry not. This should be a walk in a park for everyone. Enjoy.
1. Gloomy – Leave the house with a smile. It will do you wonders.
2. Crossing arms – Crossing hands makes you unapproachable and appears unfriendly. If I were you, I’ll simply avoid crossing arms altogether when I’m outside of the house. *hint*
3. Not paying attention – If you don’t pay attention, it will show. This also means that as long as you pay attention, your body language would do great. Yep, it’s that simple.
4. Standing too close – Everyone has a personal space of their own, and they don’t expect people to invade it. Unless there’s some chemistry going on, try not to stand too close to another.
5. Leaning backward – Is bad. It gives a sense that you are rejecting the other person, or simply not paying attention, even if that is not the case. The next time you go out, try to sit straight. It’s a good habit to instill.
Have anything to add? Share it at the comment section below.
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Editor’s note: Just so you guys know, I’ll be focusing more on short articles lately. This is because I feel that you guys can benefit more when the article is shorter. Also, I’m currently working on a free e-book. I’m pretty sure you guys will love it. Or hate it. Yeah, it’s that kind of book. More on that soon. Assuming I stop procrastinating that is. ;p
Photo Credit: Zobel
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Hey Nik.
Good call about not paying attention looking bad. Faking like you are paying attention, or trying to look normal while not paying attention, is like swimming up against the river of communication. People don’t want to feel like your effort is going into manipulating them, and they are quick to see it occur. Manipulating is always the wrong way to go.
Good set of practical items to keep in mind during social interaction.
Armen Shirvanian´s last blog ..Timeless Information Video #2
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I hear you Armen. Faking don’t last. I know this because I’ve tried. It never last. I guess the best way is to just be sincerely interested in others. These days I try to take some time to learn about others instead of worrying about my work, or whatever plans I have in mind. Trying to keep myself in the present helps.
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Good tips. Simple, familiar, yet we all need reminders. I’m not so sure about the last one though. There are situations when you wanna lean backward and make the other person lean forward. It’s a way to get commitment out of her.
Eduard
Ideas With A Kick´s last blog ..Sometimes forgiveness isn’t the answer
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Karlil Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Good advice Eduard. I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes, when you give too much, the other person tend to get spoiled. It’s that kind of reasoning, right? I hear you bro.
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Great advice Karlil! I totally agree with paying attention or being present. When you are truly present everything else usually works out automatically. Takes lots of work though to learn being fully present in every moment. But..so worth it!
Lana – DreamFollowers Blog´s last blog ..Relationships Advice – Other People Are Just Mirror Images Of You
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Karlil Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Thanks for the wonderful comment Lana.
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I like number 4. It’s funny, because everyday I take the elevator from 1st floor to the 9th floor to get to class and usually about 10 people will cram into one space. Everybody doesn’t want to touch each other so everybody’s body is really, really uptight. There’s only 1 to 2 inches of space between everybody, but you can definitely feel the intensity from people’s eye’s darting back and forth, showing that people prefer to have their own personal space!
Tristan Lee´s last blog ..Saying Hello to a Stranger: My Awkward One Second Experience
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Karlil Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I hate getting into a cramped up elevator Tristan. It’s so uncomfortable, like you said. Usually I wait for the second.
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Hey Karlil, I like this body language series, it’s very helpful to me.
Oscar – freestyle mind´s last blog ..Freestyle Mind is Now Uncopyrighted
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I’m glad you find it useful Oscar. Thanks for the comment.
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I am introverted person who has a tendency to cross arms when I’m in unfamiliar settings. Body language is a great indicator of how we’re feeling, but that’s not always what we want to communicate to others. Usually I catch myself as I’m about to cross my arms because I understand the nonverbal message.
Nea | Self Improvement Saga´s last blog ..10 Natural Health Tips to Prevent Swine Flu (and Everything Else)
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Karlil Reply:
October 30th, 2009 at 7:48 am
I know exactly what you mean Nea. I’ve caught myself a couple of time as well. It seems like a habit for me to cross my arms when I’m in unfamiliar places. But thankfully, I stop doing it nowadays.
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Hi Nik. Short and sweet. Just right. Great job.
Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last blog ..Some Books You Might Enjoy
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Glad you like the article Stephen. Thanks for the comment.
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Ahh…I didn’t know that about leaning back. It’s something I often do when I’m sitting down as I’m petite and often can’t reach to floor so I try to lean onto the back of the chair for comfort. Will remember going forward.
Like the short format, btw.
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hello karlil,
i was glad reading this article and thankful that i wasnt the only one delving into body language signs. I just started a series today.
Anyway, i loved the article. I agree with number 2 . i hope it’s okay if i add to it. sometimes crossing arms could be a display of confidence. eg. there are times while stressing an important point on a subject i have a bit knowledge on, i unconsciously cross my arms lol!!!
ayo olaniyan´s last blog ..Simple Body Language Signs Exposed.
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Karlil. Good job, short and sweet!
i agree about not paying attention. As you say, “If you don’t pay attention, it will show.” that is so true, yet many people don’t seem to know that they can’t fake it. You really can tell.
In Toastmasters we learn about body langauage when we’re giving a speech. Sometimes a person will adopt the “fig leaf” position, which is standing with hands in front, apparently protecting some vital body parts. I guess it comes from fear or nervousness.
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