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IMPORTANCE OF BODY LANGUAGE? Let’s begin understanding this with a fact, did you know, that 60% of what you communicate does not come out of your mouth. Then where does it come from? Your body language!!
Body language is a type of Non-verbal communication that primarily involves physical behaviors- voluntary or involuntary. It includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch, and the use of space.
Body language must not be confused with sign language since sign language has its own complex grammar systems, as well as being able to exhibit the fundamental properties that exist in all languages.
On the other hand, body language does not have any specific code or system. Since it is open for interpretation, one must have a broad mind to understand it rather than sticking to a system.
IMPORTANCE OF BODY LANGUAGE
Body language largely impacts your communication. It can affirm or testify your words and on the other hand, it can also contradict your words.
Our eyes communicate at all times. Even when we remain silent, it is important to be mindful of our body language.
Your hand gestures and movements also play a vital role.
For example tapping someone on the back, shaking hands, etc also compliment your speech.
Boosts self-esteem
Even if you don’t feel confident, practicing confident body language can increase your self-esteem and make you feel better about yourself.
Remember that you don’t have to feel confident to change your behavior.
Although it might feel strange at first, acting in a confident way will eventually feel more natural and might even boost your self-esteem.
If you really need convincing, have a look at yourself on video; your nervous habits and posture can be easily changed once you identify them.
Attracts audience
Effective body language conveys confidence and authority which helps the audience relax.
Natural gesturing and body movement fosters trust in what the presenter is saying and helps speakers articulate their ideas more fluently and expressively.
Effective use of gestures also allows presenters to express energy and enthusiasm, which attracts and maintains the audience’s attention.
Your body language should make the audience feel your warmth, comfort, and intellect.
Maintaining a smile or the necessary expressions throughout the presentation or speech will also prove to be helpful.
Establishing your Authority
The right postures, voice tone, gestures will help you look authoritative. If you are sloppy or with a slow voice or maybe you fail to look in someone’s eyes it shows that you are nervous or lack confidence.
While on the other hand if you do all of it rightly, it shows your confidence and hence you establish your authority.
HOW TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE BODY LANGUAGE
Eye contact
Since we have already established the fact that eyes do most of the conversation, maintaining eye contact reflects your confidence and presence in a conversation.
If you are trying to avoid eye contact it either shows that you are either lying or avoiding something or disinterested.
Maintaining the right Posture
Posture can reflect emotions, attitudes, and intentions. You should have an open posture. It is okay to relax but no slouch.
An open posture can be used to communicate openness or interest in someone and a readiness to listen, whereas the closed posture might imply discomfort or disinterest.
Head movements
Most of the clues that you would get about a person’s thoughts and acceptance would be from observing the way he uses his head.
You can use your head by nodding in acceptance or rejection or by denoting that you are following someone’s speech.
Hand gestures
Gestures can be one of the most direct ways to indicate something. Gestures can be anything like claps, pointing, waving, or a simple thumbs-up.
Gestures can be used to grab someone’s attention. You can also use gestures when you are explaining something or you are responding to someone.
Voice Tone
Your voice speaks volumes. If you are unnecessarily too loud or screaming, it either shows your insecurities or that you are a rude person.
On the other extreme end, if you are too low, people do not take you seriously. That is why maintain the right voice tone according to the event.
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY USE BODY LANGUAGE
As a student, there will be various situations where you are yet to make your first impressions. There will be times people will completely zone out of your words and just focus on your body movements, hand movements, gestures, postures, etc.
Here are some of the instances where body language plays a vital role:
Public Speaking
Student life is full of presentations, vivas, competitions, and whatnot. To look confident in situations like these and to make a mark is very important to attract the audience and have full control over the event.
If you look boring or nervous, people are more likely to get involved with each other which will kill your esteem even more.
So, in order to be an impactful speaker, you need to master the art of being able to grab everyone’s attention and establish your authority.
Once you learn about the right body language, you will automatically become an effective public speaker.
Building relationships
Student’s life does not just limit to academics and sports. Schools and colleges are one of the most underrated places for building networks.
It is a place full of people who will be from different walks of life.
Considering this, you need to have an approachable attitude and should be able to sustain many conversations.
In order to succeed at it, you need to maintain good eye contact, understand other people’s body language and give them a warm feeling.
Being a listener
The majority of your academic life will require you to be a listener.
Like classrooms, seminars, etc will mostly mean listening attentively for hours together.
If you look uninterested or you are not mindful of your body language, the speaker who is generally older in age and position might feel insulted or take offense. To avoid that you need to maintain a good posture, eye contact, and not gesture your hands badly.
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