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Body Language

This document discusses the importance of body language in communication and business interactions. It notes that 55% of communication comes from body language. It then provides details on proper handshakes, maintaining confident posture, effective eye contact, the appropriate use of smiles, and decoding common body language cues in American culture, such as various hand gestures, facial expressions, and body positions. Overall, the document offers guidance on displaying confidence and reading others through body language.

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barakatkom
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569 views

Body Language

This document discusses the importance of body language in communication and business interactions. It notes that 55% of communication comes from body language. It then provides details on proper handshakes, maintaining confident posture, effective eye contact, the appropriate use of smiles, and decoding common body language cues in American culture, such as various hand gestures, facial expressions, and body positions. Overall, the document offers guidance on displaying confidence and reading others through body language.

Uploaded by

barakatkom
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Body Language

http://www.getthejob.com.au/jobinterview/bodylanguage.htm
http://www.sideroad.com/Business_Etiquette/business-body-
language.html
http://www.charlestonschoolofprotocol.com/N5_News_Detail.asp?
pid=68&ID=179
http://www.corporateicon.com/morearticlesbycorpicon.html
Why is body language so important?
Body language speaks louder than words.
When we communicate:
7 % of the message comes from the words we use
38 % comes from the tone we use
55 % comes from our body language
Body language helps form the first impression
that people have of us.
Body language does not lie; it reveals the real us.
The Handshakes
Ingredients of a Good Handshake
Make eye contact and smile.
Hold the person's hand firmly.
Shake web-to-web, three times maximum.
Maintain constant eye contact.
Radiate positive aura.
Meanings behind handshakes

Controller
A person extends his hand to you, web-to-web,
and as soon as your hands are linked, he purposely
maneuvers his hand onto the top. He's telling you
he wants to be in charge.
Meanings behind handshakescontinued

Sandwich
Use this one only with people you know. When you
envelop another person's hands, you are invading
their private space ... where you are to be only
when invited. This handshake is also known as the
politician's handshake ... which may be cause
enough for most people to avoid it!
Meanings behind handshakescontinued

Dead Fish
Imagine rubbing a scaly, dead fish in your
hands ... and you got the picture. Your hands
typically are wet for two reasons: You are nervous
or you have been holding a cold beverage in your
right hand and move it to your left just before you
shake hands. In either case, it is extremely
unpleasant for the receiver. If you experience
anxiety, wipe your hands on a napkin, the
tablecloth or even lightly on your clothes. As for
the beverage, use common sense.
Meanings behind handshakescontinued

Limp Fingers
Women, far more than men, extend their fingers
rather than their entire hand. It can be painful for
the extender, when she is greeted by a man who
shakes with his forceful grip. One of the ways to
combat this syndrome is to always extend you full
hand (never cup it) horizontally, even if your grip
is light.
Handshake Blunders

Controller
Sandwich
Dead fish
Limp fingers = Shaking the tips of the finger may
be perceived as a lack of self confidence.
Energetic arm pump - Can sometimes be
perceived as insincere.
Extending your arm with your palm facing down -
This may be be seen as disrespectful.
Cultural variations in handshakes
In the U.S., the handshake is most often effusive.
There are several pumps of the arm, and a strong grip
delivers an unspoken message of confidence.
In France, one pump is considered sufficient, and the
pressure is generally lighter.
A light, lingering handshake is generally more favored in
Latin America, and to withdraw the hand too quickly
could be interpreted as an insult.
In Japan, a formal bow usually precedes the handshake.

In India, men automatically shake hands, but


businesswomen make the decision whether or not to
extend their hands along with a vocal greeting.
Handshake video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV_VpXVMVqw
(meeting Pepsi race car driver, Jeff Gordon)
Posture
Which posture shows more confidence?

Standing with:

Stomach in Stomach protruding


Chest out Shoulders drooping
Shoulders back Head forward
Head up Slouching
Eye Contact
When the eyes say one thing, and the
tongue another, a practiced man relies
on the language of the first.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Make it and keep it! Not only does focused


eye contact display confidence on your part,
it also helps you understand what the other
person is really saying verbally.
Good eye contact also shows you are paying
attention to others. It plays a large part in
conveying our interest in others.
Eye Contact
When to Look
Begin as soon as you engage someone in a
conversation. However, you may wish to
start even earlier if you are trying to get
someone's attention.
Continue it throughout the conversation.
Be sure to maintain direct eye contact as you
are saying "good-bye." It will help leave a
positive, powerful lasting impression.
Eye Contact
Where to Look
An imaginary triangle
Imagine an inverted triangle in your face with
the base of it just above your eyes. The other
two sides descend from it and come to a point
between your nose and your lips. That's the
suggested area to "look at" during business
conversations.
Socially, the point of the triangle drops to
include the chin and neck areas. When people
look you "up and down," it's probably more than
business or a casual social situation they have
in mind!
Eye Contact
How long to Look
About 80 - 90 percent of the time.
Less than that can be interpreted as discomfort,
evasiveness, lack of confidence or boredom.
When you stare longer, it can be construed as
being too direct, dominant or forceful and make
the other person uncomfortable.
It's okay to glance down occasionally as long as
your gaze returns quickly to the other person.
Avoid looking over the other person's shoulders as
if you were seeking out someone more interesting
to talk with.
Smiles
Smiles show interest, excitement, empathy,
concern; they create an upbeat, positive
environment.
Dont overuse your smile.
To gain and increase respect, first establish
your presence in a room, then smile. It is far
more professional than to enter a room
giggling or "all smiles."
Good body language overview
Move smoothly
When introduced to someone, be aware of his
space
Stand straight without slouching
Stand with your feet 4 to 8 inches apart facing the
person with whom you are speaking.
Keep your arms at your side; do not put your
hands in your pockets, behind your back, on your
hips or cross your arms.
Keep your chin parallel to the ground, do not
lower your head or look at the ground
Nod your head in acknowledgment of what is said
Gesture with hands open
Sit up straight
Do not plop down into the chair
Decoding Body Language
based on the culture in the USA

Eye flash: GREETING


Head tilt: EMPATHY
Arms crossed: DEFENSIVE,CAUTIOUS,
UNINTERESTED
Arms behind back: THOUGHTFUL, RELAXED
Arms akimbo: YOU THINK YOU STAND APART
FROM THE REST
Body leaning forward: INTEREST
Decoding Body Language
based on the culture in the USA

One hand clasping the lower arm: INSECURE


Legs/Ankles wrapped: INSECURE [note: the
feet are the most honest part of body]
Legs crossed, ankle on knee, hands clamped
on horizontal leg: STUBBORN, IMMOVABLE
Hands clasped behind neck: SUPERIORITY
Hand clamped swiftly on to back of neck:
ANGRY
Decoding Body Language
based on the culture in the USA

Rubbing chin: THINKING, UNDECIDED

Rubbing back of neck: UNSURE, DISBELIEF,


DISINTEREST IN CONVERSATION

Rubbing cheek: CONFUSED, NOT UNDERSTANDING

Head scratch: PUZZLED

One-sided smile: SARCASTIC


Decoding Body Language
based on the culture in the USA

Touching/Rubbing nose: DISHONESTYGIVING YOU


ONLY PART OF THE STORY, A "WHITE" LIE OR OUT-
RIGHT LIE; DOUBTFULTHINKS YOU'RE LYING

Rubbing eye: I DON'T SEE IT THAT WAY

Unblinking gaze: THREATENING

One eyebrow raised: SKEPTICAL

Eyes closed while talking: VERY SURE, NOT


WANTING ANY OBJECTIONS
Decoding Body Language
based on the culture in the USA

Touching/Covering mouth: SOMETHING TO HIDE

One finger ear/neck scratch: UNSURE

Face leaning on hand: BOREDOM OR TIREDNESS

Rubbing forehead: HEADACHE, SORELY IMPATIENT

Jutting chin out: DOMINANT POSTURING &


THREATENING

Lifting chin very high: DOMINANT POSTURING


Decoding Body Language
based on the culture in the USA

Adjusting man's shirt cuff or womans purse:


NERVOUS ANTICIPATION
Rubbing hands together: EAGER ANTICIPATION
Tapping fingers, pen, foot: IMPATIENT,
AGITATED,BORED, CALCULATING
Seated, hands on knees: IMPATIENT OR READY
TO LEAVE
Slapping side of thigh repeatedly: ANXIOUS TO
LEAVE
Decoding Body Language
based on the culture in the USA

Resting palm on chin: CRITICAL, CYNICAL AND


NEGATIVITY

Rubbing around ears when giving a verbal


response: I DONT KNOW

Staring blankly at the floor: DISINTERESTED IN


THE CONVERSATION
Decoding Body Language
based on the culture in the USA

Rapidly nodding head: IMPATIENCE, EAGERNESS


TO ADD SOMETHING TO THE CONVERSATION

Slowly nodding: POSITIVE INTEREST,


COMPREHENSION

Rubbing collar: NERVOUSNESS

Biting fingernails: NERVOUSNESS

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