body language!!!
why do you think body language is the most efficient
way to communicate to the human being ?
Julie, Great suggestions! Thank you for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
If I was ever in the same situation again, I'd probably ask that person a question-something that could 1. help build their confidence or 2. encourage their engagement.
Julie, Great observations! Body language speaks volumes about someone's attitude. In the example you provided, what could you have done to assist that person?
Dr. Jean Norris
Body language can tell a lot about a person's confidence and the level at which they are engaged in a conversation. A good thing to keep in mind too is that body language can also positively or negatively affect the dynamics of a room. Have any of you ever been in a meeting where someone was slouching and more interested in their phone instead of paying attention to the important information being delivered? My first thought was that the person was disrespectful and unprofessional. True, he could have just been tired, but his body language exhibited pure boredom and lack of interest.
If we pay attention to the body language clues we can learn a lot about the person with which we are conversing. Thank you for your post.
Body language is a very important key when face-to-face with anybody. You are able to perceive how the person is feeling.
gabriela,
Great observation. Sometimes the words they speak aren't really the whole story. Have you ever run into a particular situation where the words didn't match the body language?
Dr. Jean Norris
posture is definitely an important component in body language. if someone's body is to the side or they are slouching, it might be a sign that they are not interested or are bored. as opposed to sitting directly towards you with straight posture.
Great awareness Andrea. How can you "check in" with yourself to make sure your body language is sending the message you want to send?
Your body speak even when words are not comming out of your mouth. I think that being aware of what you look like is key to understanding, what a person is saying or thinking.
Smiling show people you are interest, and having open arms is always inviting.
Kevin, absolutely. There are so many experiences that come into mind here. You bring up a great point that body language is just one way to observe and in order to truly listen and build rapport, we need to use all of our senses.
Dr. Jean Norris
The human experience can touch all the senses when body language is observed when interacting with others involved in group interaction. The elements of sight, sound, smell, touch can sense compassion, interest and how involed the client perseves the relationship. How have you experienced a situation where this applied.
Curtis,
Great observation! Posture is a big part of communication. What are some other ways you can "read" an individual?
Dr. Jean Norris
Shelly,
Allow me to turn the question back to you - if someone is still talking to you while you are walking away, what is the message that both of you are sending? Time is valuable, but sometimes the power of being heard is more valuable. What are your thoughts?
Dr. Jean Norris
Body language can inform you of a persons interest. Most of the time you can read someones facial expressions or simply the posture that one may sit.
I completely agree with eye contact and hand shakes. That reaction tells the other they care what you are saying and that you are interested. My question is when in a hurry of any situation why do people talk as they are walking away. Sometimes in life it is hard to stand still to finish the conversation completely. So body language is saying im in a hurry we need to wrap this up but the receipant does not follow that and keeps talking what do you do then?
Christina, absolutely, body language is a critical part of listening as well. Tell me more about your handshake.
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe that eye contact and a leaning forward really tells someone you are interested in what they have to say. The handshake at the begining and end of each interview really helps as well.
