Body Language: Your Path to Success

This lecture introduces body language, which is also known as Kinesics.

We get to learn that these non verbal behaviours are a powerful form of communication that can be used in ways to positively impact on our lives.

Body language comprises of seven factors, and this lecture introduces us to them, before we explore them fully later on in the course.

This is an important aspect of body language.

Understanding mixed messages and how to avoid them, is crucial in order to be an effective communicator. Our body language gives us away in terms of displaying our true feelings, so it is essential that we fully learn the eight areas that our body language influences.

We learn in this lecture that there are twelve core patterns of body language that we exhibit through something called "Message Clusters". A message cluster, is a series of messages that we give off that have the same meaning.

This lecture looks at the core patterns surrounding; Closed or Closing, Crossing and Enacting.

The closed core pattern is surrounding body language relating to protecting, hiding and denial.

The crossing core pattern is concerned with defensive actions.

The enacting core pattern is all about the subtle body movements which represent acting out, what a person is thinking.

The next set of core patterns we're looking at are: Expanding, Moving Away and Moving Forward.

Expanding is much like it sounds. This body language behaviour is intended to make one's body larger, wider etc.

Moving away, in body language terms, involves the behaviours that includes literally moving away from another person.

Similarly, moving forward involves behaviours such as stepping forward and have a number of meanings.

The next set of core patterns we learn about include being Open, Preening and Repeating.

The open body language involves being accepting and showing interest.

Preening is a body language that is often seen in the body language of flirting.

Repeating in body language terms can exhibit a true meaning of being bored or irritated.

The last in the core patterns of behaviour, include looking at shaping, striking and touching. We will look at these in detail and explore them at length.

In the first part of Body Language Skills, we look in detail at the following:

- Accenting Skills

- Moderating Skills

- Complementing Skills

- Substituting Skills

- Contradicting Skills

- Regulating Skills

In this second part of Body Language Skills, we look at the following in greater detail:

- Repeating Skills

- Deceiving Skills

- Gesturing Skills

Gestures tend to have three stages and these include:

Preparation / Stroke / Retraction

There are five aspects to consider when interpreting body language and these include:

- Cues

- Changes

- Clusters

- Character

- Context

We learn how to use each of the se to interpret body language more accurately and more effectively.

Aspect number one is all about cues.

Our actions or behaviours tend to be responses to other people's actions or what other people say. Our internal responses are triggered by these external actions or words of others. These triggers are also known as cues.

Aspect number two is all about changes. Changes in body language or transitions, are important indicators. We learn that sales people are particularly good at this aspect!

Aspect number three is all about clusters.

Changes in body language can be singular, like crossing the arms, however generally they appear in clusters. Clusters are a group of movements that happen close together or at the same time. When clusters occur it is an indication that the message is a strong one!

The fourth aspect we're going to be looking at is all about character.

When reading someone's body language, it’s very easy to misinterpret signals because of personality. It is important we take this into account because this will give us a clearer interpretation of a person's message.

The last aspect we will be looking at is something called context.

When reading another person's body language, consideration should be given to the broader context that may be influencing their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Much like character, this will give us a better indication of what a person is actually conveying.

In this first part of matching and mirroring we look at the body.

Matching and mirroring of speech and body language signals between people, has a tendency to assist in establishing rapport. Rapport is having a mutual understanding, shared between two people, including empathy and trust.

In this second part of matching and mirroring we look at speech.

We look at the ways in which we mimick each others tone and speed of speech in order to help someone feel comfortable.

Being aware and respectful of other people's cultural background can ensure that we guard against the possibility of misinterpreting the message they’re conveying and also that we don’t inadvertently cause offence.

Here is where you'll find all the downloadables that accompany this course.

These are your take away guides to getting to know every body language signal, what they mean and how to use them to benefit you!

This is a very important aspect of learning body language.

The signals you communicate to other people through body language determines:

• Whether they like you and how much they like you
• If they have respect for you
• Whether they trust you or don’t trust you

Sending negative, confusing signals to people damages trust and breaks connection, so it's important we get it right!

One of biggest things you can do to improve your body language, is learn to manage stress. Your ability to effectively communicate with other people is seriously compromised if you’re stressed out. Signals you send out will be negative and confusing, signals other people are sending out are likely to be misread by you.

Body language signals, in sexual social environments, operates at a whole different level to body language signals in the working, non sexual environment.

Here we explore this in greater detail.

We look at the whole game of dating and mating in greater detail and see how this plays out!

Question – Do you know what the biggest factor is related to approaching and attracting women?

Answer – may actually surprise you - t’s not money, it’s not looks, it’s not age, the answer is communication!

Communication is not just speaking, the majority of communication is delivered and received through body language.

First impressions are very important, as these impressions tend to last a long time with other people.

Using your body language skills is a great way of making a good first impression. Sending the right signals, you can impress people in your professional and social life.

As we know, body language signals can tell us everything we need to know about other people we communicate with.

When your next negotiating with someone, look out for these three body language signals, and you may just get the upper hand!

Many people become anxious at just the thought of asking for a pay rise and Mainly this is down to fear of rejection.

The biggest factor to consider, when you’re negotiating for a pay rise or promotion, is your reasoning behind why you’re deserved of a pay rise, or promotion.

Influencing success is easy when you know how to use the correct body language. I will show you how to influence an outcome of any given situation whether it is in a business environment or in your personal life!

Shrewd job searchers know the importance of saying the right things during job interviews. But what about the things their bodies are saying?

You could be saying the right things, however your body language could be communicating your true feelings.

Whenever you’re speaking in public, the words you speak should fit in perfectly with the movement of your body. Your body and voice in unison.

Here you'll find tips and tricks to ensure you speak like a professional!

This is the conclusion of the course. We'll take you through a summary of what we've learned and recap on some of the key body language signals.

I really hope you've enjoyed the course and will choose to study with me again soon!

Libby :-)

PLEASE SEE THIS LECTURE ON DETAILS FOR CPD ACCREDITATION