Image is Everything: The Secrets of Body Language

Body Language
Source: TopCounselingSchools.org

At work, at home, at play, famous, or infamous, your body language tells the world all about you.

How We Communicate:
93% of what we communicate is non-verbal
Gestures 55%
Voice 38%
Words 7%

A majority of what we communicate is through gestures and how we physically position our bodies.

The Face:
7 Universal Expressions:
Happiness
Sadness
Anger
Fear
Surprise
Contempt
Disgust
There are over 3000 emotional expressions that we react to…
And over 10,000 that we register.

The Body:
Open your body to face your audience.
Relaxed uncrossed limbs
Keep your upper body from being too stiff.

Sit up straight. (= in control of your emotions)
vs.
Or slightly sag to garner sympathy. (= I need help)

Crossing legs presents a “closed” view of yourself. (Like you’re trying to build a fortress around yourself)
vs.
Splaying your legs carelessly in front of you is the opposite. (Like you’re out of control).

For Poise:
Crossing your legs at the ankle is the equivalent of folding your hands in your lap.

Hands Say a Lot:
Hands behind the back says “I have nothing to hide”
Self touch gesture (rubbing hands) says “I have something to be nervous about.”
Opening your palms to someone shows trust.

Handshakes–
“Getting the upper hand” is a sign of power:
You always want to be on the left, with hand on top…
Or, grab onto elbow
Or, Tap on back
Or, if you get the right side, shake their hand with two hands.

For full article: http://www.topcounselingschools.org/body-language/