Entries Tagged as 'Body Language'

Body Language Resource

 

I’ve been reading a great book called The Definitive Book of Body Language by Allan and Barbara Pease.  Of particular interest to me is the research they and others have conducted where people were asked to cross their arms to see what effect that gesture had on retaining information. 

 

In these studies, two groups of volunteers attended lectures with one group sitting with their arms unfolded and relaxed. The other group kept their arms tightly folded across their chests.  They were both tested on the retention of the subject matter and the “results showed that the group with the folded arms had learned and retained 38% less than the group who kept its arms unfolded.” 

 

Research has also shown that you appear unapproachable when you cross your arms.  These are two good reasons to avoid using that gesture!  For other books the Peases have written, check out their website at http://www.peaseinternational.com/

 

 

 

Tags: Body Language by Marcia Hall
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Your Body Language Matters

 I often speak to college and high school students about how their body language creates an impression about them.  One of my favorite stories is about a young woman who told me she was a hard worker in school, but her boss thought she was a slacker because she slouched in her chair.  Even though her work was completed on time, this boss believed she was goofing off.

 

Whenever I tell this story, students sit up a bit.  I find body language fascinating because of what it reveals about a person.  Employees who understand its significance really have an advantage.

Tags: Body Language by Marcia Hall
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A Look Out the Window

 

I often talk to employers about how they form impressions about their workers and job candidates.

 

One supervisor told me she actually looks out the window as potential employees walk into the building before their interviews.  She wants to know what their body language reveals.  If a person is shuffling along with his/her head staring at the ground, the supervisor assumes this candidate lacks confidence or initiative.

 

If, on the other hand, the person has a good stride and good posture, the supervisor has a positive first impression and wants to interview the candidate.

 

How has a person’s body language affected you?

 

Tags: Body Language by Marcia Hall
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