" The percentage of communication decoded through body language totals a whopping 55% "
Thats a huge figure! A figure that demands to be noted.
What could our communication look like if we took this number seriously and decided to learn how to control the communication of our bodies?
Our current body language could be keeping friendships at arms length, although not literally ;). Confusing acquaintances or jeopardising making that all important great first impression.
You are in for a treat today. I'm going to share with you 3 positive hand behaviours which lead to others feeling closer to you. Lets jump in.
When sitting across from someone...
# Hands where I can see them!
What does this mean? If ever you have a table in front of you in the presence of another person be sure to keep your hands on top of it and not hiding beneath it, out of view.
Any Physical obstacles between people cause emotional blockages. By keeping your hands visible you eliminate any further barrier between you and that person.
# Expose your vulnerability
Your wrists communicate openness because of their vulnerability.
Often when we don't like a person or when we are feeling uncomfortable we will subconsciously present them our knuckles paired with the back of our hand in an attempt to keep them out and self preserve.
By showing the delicate skin of your wrist you flip the sentiment. Your wrists say I trust you and I like you. I feel comfortable around you and I am in a relaxed state.
# Sunny side up
A recent TED talk by Allen Pease called 'Body language, the power is in the palm of your hands' showed the power our hands hold whilst communicating.
He talked about a conducted study whereby the reactions of an audience were judged when the speaker used palm up communication, palm down communication and finger pointing. Each audience was of the same demographic and the speaker used the same tone and body movement in each lecture.
Palm up gestures instantly caused likability and a willingness by almost all listeners to do as he asked. Whereas palm down gestures caused the audience to feel they were being ordered and finger pointing flat out made the people feel they had no choice and that they were viewed as idiots.
Words and gestures go hand in hand ;)
Many of us go about our daily interactions giving no thought to what our hands are saying. I have seen too many people say something positive whilst pointing their finger and hiding their palm. I see their sentiment lose value and impact as the receiver focuses instead on the disrespect of the hand gesture. Of course no words are spoken about it but mark my words; that finger was noted!
Handy advice
Its worth watching your hands then; keep those palms up and gain 40% more attention to what you're saying from your listeners instead of being misunderstood simply because of your hands.
So lets have our hands talk the sweet talk.
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