What does the body tell us that the voice can’t?
More than you might imagine. When you meet as many people as I do – you become a student of ‘the read’. There are words all over people’s faces and bodies – though not audible, learn to hear them.
Different body parts speak in many different voices. They are very telling and the information that is right in front of you is screaming louder than any voice possibly could.
Verbalization can be seen all over someone’s face and body. Expression through, what I refer to as, voice of the body or body linguistics, is as important to note than that of the mouth.
Communicating with body language isn’t something we are generally cognizant of when we meet with people, but the details provide lots of data.
When I interview or meet someone, I am centered on the verbal content and exchange.
However, I also pay careful attention to how they sit, overall body posture, what the hands are doing, where the eyes are focused, body gestures, verbal tone and facial expressions.
The power of speech does not need to be through the voice. Truth be told – I get just as much from the silent read than that of the mouth. It’s a disguised communication, but it is full of information.
Body language is a significant communicator and not to be minimized in any meeting. People, without awareness, provide visual indicators or clues that can help determine more about them then words will.
Body vocabulary is significant and it doesn’t only apply to a professional experience. It’s just as important in the social arena, but the 2 most important are eye contact and the handshake. Meet people and talk to people with direct eye contact. That will engage you and them from the beginning. It establishes a solid first impression. Remember, we call it a first impression for a reason. Make a good one and make it count.
The handshake should work in tandem with the eye contact. When you shake – make it firm, make it meaningful and make sure the eyes are direct with your counterpart. The hands and eyes should be parallel.
After that, listen to your mom’s voice when you were a kid – “sit up straight’, then listen to the voice of your 5th grade teacher – “pay attention”.