What Your Body Language is Secretly Telling Others
What Your Body Language is Secretly Telling Others
Have you ever noticed how your body can give away what you’re truly feeling, even when you’re trying to convince yourself or others otherwise? It’s something I’ve studied for over 13 years with my wife, and it’s fascinating how our subconscious minds are always at work, often without us even realizing it.
One of the biggest misconceptions people have when talking to me is that I’m always analyzing their body language, but that’s not the case. Where I do use it most effectively is in professional settings—like when people are giving presentations or speaking on stage. That’s when body language really matters. You can always spot the little incongruities between what people are saying and what their body is doing.
I remember an example from a talk show interview where the host told the guest he had read her book. But as he said it, he gave a slight shake of his head—a nonverbal cue that suggested otherwise. The guest, a body language expert, called him out on it, and he had to admit he hadn’t finished reading the book. It’s amazing how much our bodies can reveal, even when we’re trying to be polite!
Your body is always giving off signals—sometimes ones you’re not even aware of. When there’s a disconnect between what you’re saying and what you’re showing through your body, it can confuse or distract your audience. This is something I’ve observed time and time again in business settings. Whether it’s a team leader giving a presentation or a manager reporting to their boss, when someone’s body language doesn’t align with their words, it creates doubt in the listener’s mind.
Want to experience this for yourself? Try this quick experiment: Think of something that’s unquestionably true, like “the sky is up.” Now say “absolutely” while nodding your head. Feels natural, right? Now try saying the same thing while shaking your head. Suddenly, it feels awkward and confusing because your body is contradicting the truth.
Our subconscious mind knows when something doesn’t feel right, and so does the subconscious of the people listening to you. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your body language aligns with your message.
I’ve put together a free 5-minute video to help you understand how to harness the power of body language in your communications, whether you’re speaking on stage or just having a conversation with someone important. Click the link below to watch it and start using body language to make your message stronger and more congruent.
I hope you find this helpful and start noticing the power of body language in your daily interactions!
Proactive, Productive and Profitable,
Dino Watt, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional)