Understanding Body Language and Strengthening Your Non-Verbal Communication Skills

An essential part of communication and strengthening your interaction skills is understanding body language.  Understanding “Non-Verbal Communication” is critical in not only recognizing, appreciating, learning and gaining perspective into another person’s feelings and thoughts – but also in knowing how you yourself are being perceived!

Body language refers to the nonverbal signals that we use to communicate.  These nonverbal signals are a large part of our daily communications and interactions with others.  From our facial expressions to our body movements, the things we don’t say are incredibly important and can convey volumes of information!

 

Body language and non-verbal communication is thought to account for between 50-70% of all communication!

Body language is relevant to all types of interactions – management, leadership, all aspects of work and business… in addition to personal, family, parental relationships and bonds.

Communication includes listening and observing… a special type of witnessing, studying and perceiving of observable body language, messages, non-verbal signals. 

Body language can go both ways… 

Your own body language reveals your feelings and meanings to others! Do you know what messages you’re sending to others?

Other people’s body language reveals their feelings and meanings to you!

Be aware of the messages you’re sending out…and getting in. 

And remember...those body signals happen on conscious and unconscious levels!

Always keep in mind that body language is not an exact science and no single body language sign is a reliable indicator.

Understanding body language involves the interpretation of several consistent signals to support a particular conclusion…so don’t be too quick to jump to an assumption!

When you understand the importance of body language – you have a gift that will give you a significant advantage in life – professionally and personally!

Body Language is a powerful concept that successful people tend to understand very well.  Make it work for you…with HorsePower!  

For more information on Body Language and other communication topics, contact me at http://www.betticoffeypresents.com/contact-betti.html

E.I. Tips

Tips to improve your Emotional Intelligence:

Ask people questions about their lives, interests, hobbies, their challenges, their families, their aspirations!

Pay attention not only to verbal cues but also to body language. It can say so much more!

Listen without judging. Tricky…but so important.

Use active listening; double check the meaning of what another person is saying by paraphrasing.

Don’t interrupt.  Don’t change the subject. Let the person talk….and you listen!

Be fully present with body and mind.  Never multi-task! Don’t read e-mails, take calls or think of something else.

Encourage people to speak – especially the quiet ones.

Grow in your emotional intelligence skills! Always!

Learn more about Emotional Intelligence and Empathy and how you can be more successful using these valuable tools…with HorsePower!

www.betticoffeypresents.com

Listen with HorsePower

Listening is a magnet…it’s a strange thing…it’s a creative force.  Never underestimate its power! The people who listen to us are the ones we will always move towards.  When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand. We know that person…who is listening to us…really cares.

The most successful leaders in business always listen to learn…and then they lead.

When leaders listen – they empower.  They gain commitment. When a leader listens, they encourage diversity and collaboration! A true leader must be compelling in their ability to help others embrace change and company values that will lead an organization to success.  They have to be able to do more than just verbally communicate.  True leadership requires the ability to listen…and listen intently!

Listening at all levels of an organization will foster openness, collaboration and a sharing of ideas.  When a person listens, they proved the opportunity to give the gift of meaningful feedback.  That gift will enable everyone to feel valuable and grow.

So, I have a few questions for you to think about:

Who have you really, truly, deeply and emphatically listened to lately?

Think about a particular friend, colleague, and family member.  How can you use listening to help this person “unfold and expand”?  How by listening to this person can a particular challenge or issue be resolved?

Who has listened deeply and intently to you in the past?  How did you feel?

What did that mean to you both personally and professionally?

Never underestimate the powerful tool of listening! Listen with HorsePower!

For More on Listening and Emotional Intelligence, Contact me at

http://www.betticoffeypresents.com/contact-betti.htmlbetti.html