The body: a vital part of language

As linguists, we often talk about languages, how to learn them, tricks to retain them, and the culture that connects them, all in an effort to master them. However, the interconnected web of language and communication is never complete without body language. That’s right, effective use of body language plays a key role in communication. And interpretations vary from country to country, culture to culture, making it vital for language learning as a whole. In fact, some researchers conclude that “non-verbal communication represents most of the information transmitted during interpersonal interactions.”

People constantly emit silent messages through body movements, facial expressions, tone of voice, and volume. Whether it’s a small hand gesture or a certain posture, subtle involuntary movements register immediately and can have lasting repercussions.

There is some controversy surrounding the theory that body language is universal, however most people can agree that there are some tips on body language to keep in mind when dealing with people in life. everyday life in the United States.

Assume a pose

Do you need to feel safe when you feel shy? Time to strike a pose. Amy Cuddy, a Harvard Business School professor and social psychologist, found that simply holding the body in expansive “high-power” poses, such as leaning back with feet on the desk and hands behind the head, or with hands on hips, or legs and arms spread wide for two minutes, stimulates hormones. Power poses specifically increase testosterone, which is related to power and dominance, and lower cortisol, the stress hormone. You seem more confident and, according to the study, people are more influenced by how they feel about you than what you are saying.

Smile

A smile directly influences the way others respond to you. They make us feel better about ourselves and make us seem more approachable. When we see someone smile, we think that they are more cooperative and trustworthy. Best of all, the smiles that breed smiles enhance everyone’s emotional state, something we all need. Speak softly

Speak softly

A relaxed voice evokes images of a relaxed and confident person. If your pitch increases at the end of sentences, it seems like you are asking a question or you are not sure what you are saying. A more authoritative way to sound is to start at one level, gently raise the pitch throughout the sentence, and lower again at the end. On-screen reporters are good at this type of speech.

Remove barriers to collaboration

Eliminate everything that separates you from the rest of the team. It can even be as simple as a cup of coffee and where you hold it. Is it in front of your body? Is it closer to your face, a clear indicator that you feel insecure? Or is it close to waist level, a sign that you are feeling more comfortable?

Put yourself at hand

Broca’s area of ​​our brain, which is important for speech production, is directly affected when we use our hands when speaking. Gestures go hand in hand with speech and can actually help us form clearer thoughts and greatly improve our verbal content.

Tap to create a link

A powerful non-verbal cue includes touching someone on the arm, hand, or shoulder. Even if it’s only for 1/40 of a second, it creates a strong bond. Most of us are familiar with the traditional handshake, this tactile gesture that leaves a lasting and positive impression. One study showed that people are twice as likely to remember you if you shake their hand. The same study also found that people react to those they hold hands with by being more open and friendly.

Hear the participation

To increase engagement, focus on those who are speaking. Avoid the temptation to check your text messages, email, or look at other people. If your head and torso are looking at the person speaking, it shows that you are paying attention. Other non-verbal clues to show that you are engaged include leaning forward, nodding, and bowing your head. It is just as important to make sure people know that you are listening as it is to listen to them.

Be a mirror

When we inadvertently imitate another person’s body language, we are saying that we like or agree with them. When we want to establish a good relationship with someone, we can try to intentionally reflect someone’s facial and body gestures. When done subtly, we help the other person feel understood and accepted.

The truth is in the sole

Studies show that we can better judge a person’s body language when we can see their entire body. Why? When anxious or emotional people try to control their body language, they often forget to control their feet. When stressed, people tend to increase the movements of their feet; they move, fidgety, or kick. Instinctively we have been reacting to foot gestures our entire lives.

Be open to remember

In their book The Definitive Book of Body Language: The Hidden Meaning Behind People’s Gestures and Expressions, Allan and Barbara Pease found that those who listen to lectures while sitting with their arms and legs spread, remember more than their counterparts who sit in postures. more defensive with arms and legs crossed. Basically, they were less “closed” to remembering what they were hearing. If you meet people who are not open to you, they will not be open to your suggestions and will not be persuaded. If you seem bent yourself, you will also not be perceptive to new ideas or thoughts.

Whether you’re talking or listening, these tips on body language are sure to come in handy. Keeping them in the middle will help increase their non-verbal impact and improve their communication skills.