Do you know what is meant by negative body language and how you can read it and interpret it to better understand people and communicate with them more effectively? Next we will explain what negative body language is so you can learn to identify it instantly.
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What is body language?
Simply put, body language is the tacit element of communication that we use to reveal our true feelings and emotions. Our gestures, facial expressions and posture, for example. When we can “read” these signs, we can use them for our benefit.
For example, it can help us understand the full message of what someone is trying to tell us, and improve our awareness of people’s reactions to what we say and do. We can also use it to adjust our own body language to make us look more positive, attractive and accessible. If you realize that you are having negative body language, it will be the right time for you to change it and start having positive body language that opens doors and good relationships instead of closing them.
How to read negative body language
Being aware of negative body language in others can allow you to detect unexpressed problems or negative feelings. So, next, we will highlight some non-verbal negative signals that you need to keep in mind.
Difficult conversations and defense
Difficult conversations are always tense. They’re an awkward fact of life at work. You might have had to deal with a difficult customer, or you needed to talk to someone about their poor performance in the company. It’s not easy… any conversation of this kind can make you feel some tension before you tackle them.
Ideally, these situations would be solved calmly. But, they are often complicated by feelings of nervousness, stress, defensive attitude. or even angry. And, although we can try to hide them, these emotions often manifest themselves in our body language.
For example, if someone exhibits one or more of the following behaviors, they are likely to be disconnected, selfless, or unhappy:
- Arms crossed in front of the body.
- Minimal or tense facial expression.
- Body away from you.
- Blinded eyes, keeping little contact.
Knowing these signs can help you adjust what you say and how you say it, so you can feel more comfortable and responsive to the point of view being treated.
Avoid uncompromised audiences
When you need to make a presentation or collaborate with a group, you want the people around you to be 100 percent engaged. Here are some “revealing” signs that people may be bored or uninterested in what you’re saying:
- Sitting down, head down.
- Looking at something else, or space.
- Disturb, rummage in clothes or play with pens and phones.
- Write or scribble.
When you notice someone is disconnected, you are in a better position to do something about it. For example, you can re-involve her by asking you a direct question or inviting her to contribute an idea of your own. Don’t let negative body language play you bad past either in your professional or personal life.
