What is your body language saying – right now? We all know that others are constantly interpreting our signals. But did you know that our own bodies are also affecting what our brains are thinking? Yes, our brains listen to our own body language. In this episode, Dr. Andrea and executive coach Cynthia Barlow share their insights and expertise about how to communicate confidence and openness, what to do (and what not to do) with your hands, and even how robots are learning body language! 

SHOWNOTES – BODY LANGUAGE

Contents

* 3 Key Learnings

* References & Links

* Andrea’s Commentary & Research

* Interview Transcript

* Conclusion

3 Key Learnings

* We know a lot about body language – to the point that we are programming robots to leverage body language. Scientists focusing on HRI (Human Robot Interaction) are programming robots to both encode and decode body language.

* Generally speaking, “attractive” body language means two things:

* Be confident and expansive. Take up lots of space. Try the “power pose” (hands on your hips, push your chest out like Wonder Woman, take a deep breath). Sit or stand up straight and breathe deeply. Oxygenate your brain and your whole body. Take big steps. Raise your hand up high when asking a question.

* Be open. Be physically vulnerable. No crossing your arms. Show your hands. Keep your hands on the table, and no hands in your pockets.

* Focusing on body language requires effort, but it’s well worth it! Self-awareness is a fundamental pillar of emotional intelligence and effective communication. Other people are constantly interpreting our body language signals. Our body language also affects what our own brains are thinking. If you want to look and feel confident, then act confident.

References & Links

Cynthia Barlow

* http://c3conversations.com/

Non-verbal communication

* http://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol20-issue2/Version-4/H020244752.pdf

HRI – Human Robot Interaction

* http://humanrobotinteraction.org/1-introduction/

* http://asblab.mie.utoronto.ca/sites/default/files/McColl-%20Social%20Robotics%202014_1.pdf

Professor Amy Cuddy on Body Language

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc

Brene Brown on Vulnerability

* https://brenebrown.com/

Confidence & Openness

* https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201709/how-our-body-language-can-make-us-attractive

Dr. Andrea’s Commentary & Research

You’ve probably heard that body language accounts for a significant proportion – like 95% – of what we are saying.  Body language is worth our attention. We can improv our communication if we understand and leverage our own body language.

TYPES OF VERBAL & NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

* Verbal communication includes VOCAL ELEMENTS including Rate, Volume, Articulation, Pronunciation, Fluency & Pitch.

* Non-verbal communication, includes BODY LANGUAGE or KINESICS.