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Communication Tips: 7 Types of Body Language to Master

The message you pass through your body language will affect how others
see you, if they will like, respect you or even trust you.

Interestingly, many people send confusing or negative signals without
even knowing it. When this happens, both connection and trust are
damaged.

There are many different types of non-verbal communication:

1. Facial expressions

The human face is extremely expressive, able to express countless
emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of non-verbal
communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial
expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust
are the same across cultures.

2. Body movements and posture

Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they
sit, walk, stand up, or hold their head. The way you move and carry
yourself communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type
of non-verbal communication includes your posture, bearing, stance,
and subtle movements.

3. Gestures

Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We wave, point,
beckon, and use our hands when we're arguing or speaking
animatedly—expressing ourselves with gestures often without thinking.
However, the meaning of gestures can be very different across cultures
and regions, so it's important to be careful to avoid
misinterpretation.

4. Eye contact

Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an
especially important type of non-verbal communication. The way you
look at someone can communicate many things, including interest,
affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in
maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other
person's response.

5. Touch

We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the messages
given by the following: a weak handshake, a timid tap on the shoulder,
a warm bear hug, a reassuring slap on the back, a patronizing pat on
the head, or a controlling grip on your arm.

6. Space

Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the
other person was standing too close and invading your space? We all
have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending
on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship.
You can use physical space to communicate many different non-verbal
messages, including signals of intimacy and affection, aggression or
dominance.

7. Voice

It's not just what you say, it's how you say it. When we speak, other
people "read" our voices in addition to listening to our words. Things
they pay attention to include your timing and pace, how loud you
speak, your tone and inflection, and sounds that convey understanding,
such as "ahh" and "uh-huh." Think about how someone's tone of voice,
for example, can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.

Important Points to Note:

Improving your awareness of the signs and signals of body language
will help you understand people better and communicate more
effectively.

Body language is not necessarily always loud sometimes it can be subtle.

Body language helps reflect on the outside whatever is happening
inside, so this is one important skill you need to learn when dealing
with people, especially in the workplace.

(special thanks to helpguide.org)

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