Reading Non Verbals

Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly reading and being read by others.  Even without the utterance of words, language of the body can speak volumes.  It is often a subconscious thing - we may not make a conscientious effort to think through all the details of why someone has just folded their arms across their chest and narrowed their eyes at us, yet somehow this body language registers enough subliminally that we would still automatically feel uneasy.  The subconscious would instantaneously interpret these actions to indicate resistance, suspicion, or spite, even if we had not made a conscious study of the person or their background. 

Using body language is not only mastering your use of body language to create and maintain rapport, but the ability to read the body language of another person.  When you can read body language you can identify the emotions and discomfort of others.  You can see tension and disagreement.  You can feel rejection and suspicion.  You have to understand that your body language adds or detracts from your message.  In other words, it helps or hurts your ability to persuade others.   You must be able to read you prospect  --- Is your prospect relaxed, nervous, confident, or indifferent?

Check for the following non verbals.

Relaxed
Warm Smile
Open Palms
Unbuttoned/Removed jacket
Stretched legs
Sitting Back, Relaxed Pose in Chair
Deep/Long Breaths

Nervous
Little/No Eye Contact
Tight Lips
Rigid Body
Running Fingers Through Hair
Wringing of Hands
Pacing

Confident
Loud Voice
Palms Down
Strong Handshake
Feet on Desk
Moving into Your Personal Space
Close Proximity

Indifferent
Blank Stare
Little Eye Contact
Finger or Foot Tapping
Staring into Space
Sighing
Drooping Eyes

Copyright 2002, Magnetic Persuasion, Inc.