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True Communication involves Your Body Language

So you want to be the next great communicator? What signals are you sending to others? Does your body language agree with your message? Does your Body Language reinforce the power of the message or does it distract the listener?

Okay, you get the message – there needs to be coordination between your body language and your voice or message. How does this work – this coordination of body and message?

Let’s start with a really simple element – eye contact. Yes, making eye contact is the first step to improving your delivery of communication messages. Making eye contact shows confidence in what you are talking about and most importantly is it makes it person even in group settings.

Too often we see people speaking to the ceiling, the wall in the back of a room or worst – looking down at a paper or notes. Not making eye contact is the kiss of death regarding believe in the quality of the message. People want trust and they want information that they can relate to or commit to action.

A couple of other keys is to have good posture. Again, this is a sign of strength that others can relate to or want to relate to strength and confidence. Poor posture includes bending over at the waist, slumping shoulders, or looking down at the floor. Shoulders back and standing tall are signs of strength – use them accordingly.

Use natural jestures especially open palms facing the person or persons you are talking with as it shows a openness to actions. It also shows that you have nothing to hide. Use moderate jestures with your hands and arms. When overused or extreme, others can be distracted from the message and actually miss a critical point.

When doing major presentations to a group of people, stand like an oak tree when you make your major points during the presentation. Moving too fast again is distracting and takes away from the power of your presentation. However, standing firm behind a podium – like a marble statute – takes away from your energy level and likewise the emotional bonding with the group. Movement is good in moderation.

Tone of voice is another form that improves communication. I will discuss this factor in a later post. If you need assistance in your communication skills with others, call me at 901-757-4434. We offer monthly workshops on Effective Communication for Results or personal coaching in several areas. Check out our speaker site for the ECR guy.

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