It's not that one way is right or wrong yet it is certainly a choice. Both are important skills it just comes down to knowing when to use which one. For instance if someone has positive body language and the other one doesn't it's highly unlikely the other party will simply adapt. You can however get someone to display more positive body language by first matching elements of their body language first. After you're in sync (rapport) you'll see you can model more positive behaviors that they'll now follow. It's magical!
I think you made me think more your way than the way I was thinking. After reading your message and reflecting, you are most right, I must mirror my receive in order to enable my message to be effective and reach him/her. My body language can be what I think is good, but not be received as such by the receiver. Thanks for making me think.
I think I'm following you (no pun intended)! Seriously though,you bring up a good point. Reading the other person is key to understanding what you should do next. Remember, you can't lead someone if you don't match them first.
I think that modeling good positive body language is more effective because it is displayed from the onset of the conversation or meeting. Not to detract from Mirroring my student's body language. But if my body language is out of line, there will be no open lines of communication to mirror. I hope this makes some sense. But body language is the foundation to being received.
Mirroring your students' body language is the best way for me because they will not like it looks when you do it they will relize and learn that it is not proper.
Do you ever find that the student doesn't "follow along" with your positive body language? If so, what do you do?
Very good awareness, Jeanetta! How do you specifically know which one to use with a student who has negative body language? Do you model positive behavior and hope they follow along?
I believe that having a positive body language at all times is definitely more important. Your student may have a negative body language to start, but if you are showing positive signals, it usually will help to open up your student. If you are just mirroring your student and your body language is not positive, then you will cause your student to be closed up and not find out the information you need. Start by being a good positive role model and go from there.
Both are effective because if they are using negative body language you do not want to mirror that. You would want to model positive body language so they can mirror you.
For example posture. If I want the students to be more attentive then I need to display that as well
It sounds as if you model the desired behavior you wish to see if your students, right? From your experience, can you tell us more specifics about how this improves communication with your students.
For me modeling has allways been a better source of communication with students.
That is a good idea David. It would be wonderful if others just copied the positive attributes but what do you do when they don't follow along?
I feel modeling positive body language is more effective. Others will respond to their surrounding environments. If you are promoting positive body language, then others around are more likely to display a positive attitude that stems from positive body language.
This is so true, Christine. In addition, once you match another person's body language (or other attributes) then you have the ability to move them or have them change what they're doing. Very insightful!
I believe both methods are excellent. When you mirror your student's body language nine times out of ten they dont's realize how they look. A good example would be when some has their arms crossed it gives the impression that their upset or there bored. It could be that there just cold. This is where the instructor could demonstrate how to stand,or sit without having to cross their arms. When instructors model positive body language your students will mirror you.
