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Home::Technology & Science
Bodies With Lots to Say
Author : John Sheridan
Bodies With Lots to Say.
I once read somewhere that at least 90% of language is
non-verbal. How do we communicate then if only 10% of a
language is actually spoken? The simple answer is body
language. In general day-to-day life we are constantly
reading other people's body language. From just walking
along a street and looking at passers by, we ascertain
whether someone is friendly, hostile, approachable,
standoffish or just indifferent. All this information is
gathered and assessed subconsciously and without uttering a
word.
Have you ever been in a room a shop or a park for example
and spotted someone you took an instant dislike to? You
don't know the person, you've never seen them before, yet as
soon as you looked at them they irritated and annoyed you.
You didn't like what you saw but you are totally unaware of
the reason for this feeling.
The object of your irritation could be extremely attractive
to lots of other people in terms of personality, looks and
general demeanour, but to you - well you've already decided
that you just don't like them but you don't know why.
The answer is simply that their body language is
incompatible with your own. This is no-one's fault; it's
just one of those quirky things that happen from time to
time. The point is that all this information has
subconsciously been gathered, analysed, assessed and a
decision made without a word being exchanged.
Everybody at some time or other has heard comments about
body language such as when someone is talking to you and
they fold their arms they are subconsciously putting up a
barrier. Salespeople in the belief that it will give them
an edge in business and negotiations sometimes take up the
study of body language or ‘kinesics’ as it is often referred
to. For instance, by being able to read the body language
of their prospective client, they feel they are equipped to
pre-empt any negative responses that may be forthcoming.
It is a matter of personal opinion as to whether you think
that would work or not. One final thought to leave you with
though - when someone is talking to you and they fold their
arms; remember - sometimes they might just feel more
comfortable that way.
About the Author
I am a proofreader of hard copy items and website copy. I also write web copy. Related articles
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