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I was introduced to a podcast called “Stuff You Should Know” on a recent epic road trip with my brother, Peter, and his family.
He wanted me to hear an episode on “Body Language” knowing it was right up my alley. These two guys do a bunch of research on a topic & then discuss it on their podcast. Super helpful. In this episode, they discuss body language within different cultures which they make really funny. They discuss the evolution of body language which I’ve always found super interesting because it strongly impacts how we use our bodies today.
Then at the end of this particular podcast, they suggest that no one should attempt to improve their body language because they will “come off as an aggressive weirdo corporate creep.”
They also suggest that you’ll be “manipulative” if you fix your body language. I don’t know why I’m always completely shocked when people recommend that others shouldn’t attempt to improve themselves, uh, but I am.
There are no 1 size fits all communication tricks. Everyone and every situation is different. Maybe these podcasters are as successful as they want to be but denying that we can make improvements to our communication skills is not good advice for the rest of us who want to succeed in life, too. (All apologies for the run-on sentence.)
Body Language Comes From the Stone Age
You guys know that I work with people to make them crystal clear, fearless and highly persuasive communicators when they need it most. The times when their success is on the line, right? Body language is a part of this. When we’re under a bit of stress (when at a job interview, first date or giving a presentation, etc.) that’s when our neanderthal tendencies come out. We tend to use body language that perpetuates that stress. This results in our not being able to use all of our skills.
Uncross your arms & legs.
Uncrossing your arms during a job interview doesn’t make you a manipulative, aggressive weirdo corporate creep. Do yourself a favor & uncross your arms whenever there’s success on the line. I want you to always have your arms uncrossed to make it easier to do so when success is on the line. Arms crossed is most often a way to defend ourselves which is why we do it more during high-pressure situations. I don’t have to say that evolution doesn’t happen overnight. We need to eliminate the vestiges that we needed when defending ourselves from sticks & stones. Crossing your arms won’t save you from being badmouthed on Facebook!
Keeping your body open results in your having control over yourself, what comes out of your mouth & other people. You make other people open to you & your message.
Sit at the back of the chair
The edge of the seat is reserved for your listener! Be sure to give me credit when you quote me on that one! You have less control over yourself when you’re sitting at the edge of your seat. Sit with your butt & lower back touching the back of your chair. Do it at dinner, in meetings, at your desk. You will be more relaxed and your upper body will be supported. That helps you to breathe properly keeping you on top of your game.
Breathe from your core
Keep your shoulders down & make sure you’re using abdominal breathing. If your upper body is moving you’re not doing it right. The benefits are many. It results in your being calmer and more confident. And it makes your voice fuller and more resonant. Consequently, people will perceive you as an authority. You’ll seem warm, confident and competent. Breathe abdominally for increasing increments of time until it’s a learned behavior.
I’m not advocating “put on” or fake behaviors. When we’re in anxiety-ridden situations your ability to get your message across & get people to follow your call to action is pivotal. Keeping your arms crossed using shallow breathing & sitting on the edge of your seat will not help you get where you need to go. Make these fixes in your posture/body language will make you well able to deal with stress-ridden situations.
Down with aggressive weirdo corporate creeps!
There’s so much more we can discuss about body language. Let me know what you think!
More on How to Use Body Language to Succeed in Life
I was inspired to write about body language after listening to a podcast where two guys warned of their concerns that if you work on your body language you’ll become an “aggressive weirdo corporate creep.” I suppose that could happen if you work on your body language in a really weird way. Like just being really stiff and putting your fingertips together. Let’s try that one for giggles.
The rest of us who are obviously trying to be self-actualized and realize that we humans weren’t born perfect and that our pre-frontal cortex still shuts down when we’re placed in anxiety-ridden communicative situations, us, we’re going to make sure that we don’t fidget or cross our arms or keep our shoulders up to our ears. Most of all, we’re looking to succeed in this world & being aware of our body language gives us a leg up in the world.
Communicate Successfully
Being observant of others‘ body language is also important. When people have their arms and legs crossed they’re likely to be more resistant to your ideas. Our bodies demonstrate how we’re feeling. Being observant of what others are doing can help us get what we need out of each situation.
Successful communications depend upon people being relaxed and open. When you bring your open body language, a nice smile and a warm voice to a meeting you’re helping other people to be relaxed. As a result, you’ve got kindness and great leadership.