9 Body Language Cues & What You’re Signaling
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
We all know body language signals things that are heard unconsciously by others. Here are 9 body language signals people send and how they are interpreted.
[00:00] Intro
[00:52] Number 1
[01:31] Number 2
[01:43] Number 3
[02:09] Number4
[02:21] Number 5
[02:41] Number 6
[02:56] Number 7
[03:14] Number 8
[03:25] Number 9
[04:09] Summary
[04:28] Outro
A Body Language Pro Presents What You Need to Know
Your body language will often speak louder than your words. So it’s important to pay attention to the messages you’re sending through nonverbal cues, during interviews, during meetings, during any sort of interaction. I’m Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter. People hire me for no BS career and coaching advice globally, because I make things easier for people. That can be with a job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, dealing with workplace issues, you know, a whole gamut of things for you and your career.
So I thought I would just outline some of the things your body language is telling people, just so you’re aware of it, if you need to correct it, you’re now conscious of it. Okay?
So the first thing is with eye contact. Eye contact will demonstrate competence and interest. Now, you can be too intense with your eye contact or, of course, you can make no eye contact, which is an expression of disinterest, or perhaps even untrustworthiness. I don’t think people think in terms of untrustworthinesss. I think they’re not paying attention is the way they interpret it. And thus, what they’re saying to you is unimportant. And since they’re hiring you, they’re running a meeting, you don’t care enough to pay attention.
Posture is the second thing. Sitting or standing up straight shows confidence and attentiveness while slouching or fidgeting can make you seem nervous or uninterested.
Facial expressions–smiling will indicate self-confidence, -nodding will show that you’re in agreement with what’s being said. Frowning or scowling can give off . . . well can turn people off. And you certainly don’t want to turn off a potential employer. You certainly don’t want to turn off a manager or director, a senior
professional or even a colleague for that matter.
Hand gestures can help you emphasize your points, but you can overdo them. Too much flailing of your hands can be seen as being aggressive. It can also show nervousness.
Pay attention to your breathing is number five. Rapid or shallow breathing can be a sign of nervousness. Slow breathing can indicate relaxation and confidence. Taking a few deep breaths can help you calm your nerves before an interview, before a meeting, and keep you centered.
Non-Verbal Communication During Your Job Interview
Next, your tone of voice being too loud or too soft for that matter, communicates the wrong thing. Being clear, and at a reasonable volume is what you’re aiming for.
Leaning forward, leaning forward slightly during an interview can be very powerful. It communicates your interest and engagement with a conversation. It shows that you care, you’re actively listening and invested in the conversation.
Number eight fidgeting or touching your face, or are your hair (which I obviously can’t do) can be distracting and take away from your conversation.
Lastly, personal space,. And this is a funny one to bring up. Because I always remember the Seinfeld episode of the close talker. If you haven’t seen it, I’m sure it’s on Amazon or you can watch it on YouTube in some form. But pay attention to how close you stand or sit to someone because invading personal space can be aggressive, disrespectful and keeping too much distance is a problem, too. In US culture, there’s a certain distance that people find acceptable. You know it instinctively. And when you cross over that line, or step away away from it, it’s a problem.
To sum up, mastering body language cues, like leaning forward, like creating a positive impression with how you express yourself, increases your chances of success in a job search, in interviews, and in meetings, and other professional situations.
I hope you found this helpful. I’m Jeff Altman. My website is TheBigGameHunter.us. Go to the blog and go exploring. There’s a lot there that will help you. In addition, you can schedule time for one on one coaching, a free discovery call to evaluate me for coaching. If you have questions, you schedule time for Trusted Advisor Services, where we spend the half hour with me answering your questions. You can find that about my video courses, books and guides. There’s a lot at the website to help you including the blog which is fabulous. Thousands of posts that are completely searchable on different topics.
Lastly, connect with me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter. Have a terrific day and most importantly, be great!
Body Language That Will Change You
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter is a coach who worked as a recruiter for what seems like one hundred years. He is hired to provide No BS Career Advice globally. That can involve job search, hiring staff, management, leadership, career transition and advice about resolving workplace issues.
Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2500 episodes.
Website: www.TheBigGameHunter.us (schedule a paid coaching session, a free discovery call or ask questions using my Trusted Adviser Services)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter
Courses: www.TheBigGameHunter.us/courses
Main YouTube: www.JobSearchTV.com
No BS Job Search Advice Radio Podcast: anchor.fm/nobsjobsearchadviceradio
Video Podcast of No BS Job Search Advice Radio: Spotify
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jeffaltmancoach
Medium: jeffaltmancoach.medium.com
Resume & LinkedIn Profile critiques www.TheBigGameHunter.us/critiques
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