I bet you missed the body language entries. Well, I will try to post more often: there are enough topics to cover, probably as many as small gestures and sudden moves.
We will be talking about a sudden move today, one that betrays feelings such as: impulsive change of disposition, skepticism, disagreement, misunderstanding, tiresomeness, the will do leave, and other inner conflicts. Overall, not a positive attitude: body shift.
Of course, we cannot “read” body language out of a context, so this sudden body movement has its translations derived from a chain of events too.
For example, at the conference table, when the words of one speaker touch a nerve, you will see many non-verbal responses, among which the body shift is probably the most obvious. Other attendants might display a shoulder-shrug, or a lip purse, but the body shifter is clearly the most affected if not the most emotive.
When the body shift occurs, the translations are quite obvious: “are you serious?”, “I totally disagree”, “this makes me feel uncomfortable”, “am I your target now?”, “you lie” and so on. You can add to the list uncertainties, other negative unspoken emotions and a sudden will to leave the room. People do have the tendency to try to escape uncomfortable situations or to avoid conflict (especially when there are no chances that they win).
Body shifting poses are usually easy to spot, but there are some less obvious shifting poses too (picture shows a slight body shift from a woman obviously upset be the man’s words). They all enter the same category. Any sudden shift in posture should worry you, especially when you are the one trying to make the sale.
In business meetings at a high level, avoid such sudden aggressive moves at all costs. Even if you don’t actually see a pair of eyes watching you, your disposition will be noticed.
At a job interview, the human resource manager will most likely unconsciously make you feel uncomfortable. Try not to show your feelings with a sudden body shift. At a subliminal level this will send out the following messages: I am over-sensitive, I cannot control my emotions, I cannot work under pressure, etc. No employer wants something like that.
If you found this entry interesting, you will love The Definitive Book of Body Language.
The complete body language series includes so far:
- Body Language: Body Align
- Body Language: Blushing
- Body Language: Blank Face
- Body Language: Bending Away
- Body Language: Arm-Swing
- Body Language: Arm-Cross
- When Your Words Say Nothing Your Body Tells Me More
The study of Body Language is really interesting. When you have the chance to interact with people up close and personal the body language can tell you a lot. The whole idea of Shifting sounds fascinating, something I had never considered before. I will definitely have to check out the The Definitive Book of Body Language.
Thanks for the Great Post!
Steve
Hi Steve and welcome to eWritings. Yes, fascinating isn’t it.
And good to know too. Glad you enjoyed the entry.
Mig
HI MIG – Yes and here too! Great body language tips.
Always – Phil
This is indeed something to keep in mind in many circumstances. And yes, I did miss these posts
This is a great series! I’m going to stumble it so that it will get more readers.
I think that people completely forget to take body language into account. I know that I’ve been guilty of ignoring it.
The notion of body language was something I was vaguely familiar with. It began to peak my interest lately as I saw someone analyzing body language at a recent political rally. Having been interested in sign language and its development, body language seems like a natural extension. Thanks for the article.
Hi Alina, I’m glad to hear you missed them. Of course I will be blogging more often about this.
Thank’s a million for the Stumble, Laura
I hope everyone will find the article as useful and relevant as you did.
Hi there Ulitmate Language. Welcome to ewritingsand thanks for the kind comments. I am on my way to your site now.
This body shift tip is really interesting and perhaps one of the most common body language areas least discussed. Well chosen! I’m now off to investigate your body language series mentioned above.
wow I like this topic. yeah body language says it all. all of the movement has it’s own meaning. I wish your partner can ready it hehehe..