{"id":10600,"date":"2022-05-10T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-10T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/?p=10600"},"modified":"2022-05-10T09:29:06","modified_gmt":"2022-05-10T13:29:06","slug":"how-to-become-fluent-in-body-language","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/how-to-become-fluent-in-body-language\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become Fluent in Body Language"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After so much time on Zoom, some people are experiencing a shift in their communication abilities when returning to offices, schools, and social events. The Zoom landscape has its own digital etiquette and social strategies<\/a>, but this doesn\u2019t always translate well to in-person connection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the main differences between virtual and in-person communication is that the latter is more affected by body language. That term gets thrown around a lot, but it\u2019s rare for people to dive into exactly what body language is, why it matters, how to be aware of your own body language, and how to become fluent in body language signals that other people send you.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body language is the kind of communicating you do without words. Whether you mean to or not, when you\u2019re talking with someone, you\u2019re also sending out nonverbal cues that they can read. In the best cases, your body language is in lockstep with the words you\u2019re speaking\u2014this gives the listener a sense of trust and clarity. When your body language is at odds with what you\u2019re speaking or with the situation in general, that can create confusion and tension.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even when you\u2019re not speaking, you\u2019re still communicating nonverbally. Some people experience social anxiety because they\u2019re worried about sending out the wrong signals. But you can rest easy with this simple guide to body language that\u2019s good for any occasion.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for improving nonverbal communication <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re trying to be proactive about creating positive body language, a series of minor adjustments can add up to a major difference. Take a look at some seemingly small considerations that are actually a big deal.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eye contact <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This may be the most influential aspect of body language, because the visual sense is often more dominant than other sensory details, and the eyes are so expressive. Eye contact requires a subtle approach\u2014some people say you should always make eye contact with the person speaking to you, but prolonged eye contact can be unsettling. Instead, try to make eye contact every so often throughout a conversation: not too much, not too little. It\u2019s a sign of respect and interest.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re in a group, try making occasional eye contact with the people who aren\u2019t speaking, too. This conveys that you notice their presence and want them to feel included.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to read eye contact:<\/strong> If you\u2019re speaking with someone and they\u2019re making very little eye contact, they probably don\u2019t feel very comfortable. Their discomfort may have nothing to do with you at all, but it\u2019s still better to end the conversation politely and move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"group-chatting_body-language\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Space <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The way you interact with the space around you (and other people\u2019s personal space) speaks volumes. If you\u2019ve ever interacted with someone who was standing too close to you, hovering, or otherwise invading your personal space, you know how important this kind of nonverbal cue can be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When making conversation with people you\u2019ve just met, position yourself at a respectable distance that communicates interest without being over-familiar. As a general rule of thumb, you should be standing at a distance where you could comfortably shake hands with the person across from you (about two to three feet apart). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to read space: <\/strong>If somebody sets a certain distance from you at the start of a conversation, don\u2019t try to close the gap. Mirroring their relationship to the space between you is always a good idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking and listening gestures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a broad category with many different considerations, including:   <\/p>\n\n\n\n