Good post. I am afraid to flip on a camera bc I am afraid of what I might find out haha. It's something that everyone should really do though.

One thing that bothers me is when someone is over-focusing on body language during a talk. For instance, they know it is important so they use their hands in a particular way too much. You have to be careful not to seem like you are trying to hard. Again, using a video camera and checking yourself out is an easy solution.
Posted @ Friday, November 13, 2009 9:06 AM by Sean McVey

For those of us working in Foreign Affairs Public Relations, body language control and understanding is a must. Your points do not translate well to other cultures however, rather they seem very contemporary North American oriented.

Nonetheless, starting with yourself is always a good place to begin, so thank you for your post.
Posted @ Friday, November 13, 2009 10:10 AM by Dean Cheves

Very informative! Now I will pay more attention whilst not becoming self-conscious – that will be a good exercise.

Thanks for the help!
Posted @ Friday, November 13, 2009 12:44 PM by Elaine Spitz

his is a great post. I really like how you also include the practical aspects – crossing your arms because your shirt has a stain! Great!

My focus is learning styles – and a lot of body language has to do with how a person learns – the strong eye contact for example might show a leaning towards being a visual learner. There's a lot to this (not NLP). anyway, enjoyed your post. Got to it through LinkedIn group.
Posted @ Friday, November 13, 2009 4:02 PM by Phyllis

Sean – Yes, the over use of the hands or the mimicking of the other person to try and be their friend. Talking with your hands is natural to get a point across however when it is overused it is forced.

A mirror works well too. The video camera is good but a mirror is good too.

Dean – thank you for pointing out that these are north american traits as we are universal with being online and that is an important point to clarify.

Elaine – we all are self conscious once we start to think about what our body says. Not everyone is going to like us, not everyone is going to appreciate the way we use eye contact. It is about identifying what makes us who we are and not trying to force our body language.

Phyllis – welcome! I am a visual thinker and leaner so that is my attraction to body language. I learn a lot by not what a person says but the way that they say it with expressions.

Wonderful comments for which I greatly appreciate. Thank you all for taking the time!
Posted @ Monday, November 16, 2009 3:26 AM by Suzanne Vara

Great post. I am a very shy person especially when I'm out of my comfort zone and I must admit that I practice bad body language in an attempt to protect myself. It wasnt until recently I actually decided to be more conscious of it and set realistic goals to improve. It hasnt been easy since Ive done it for so many years, but I think several opportunities have been missed as a result.

Thanks again for your thought on the subject. Posted @ Monday, November 23, 2009 3:47 PM by Matsue

Matsue

I think that we all are shy in our own way but taking the time to identify and work on it is a step in the right direction. When I first get to an event in a place that I have not been before I am like wall flower trying to get comfortable with being there and who is in the room.

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
Posted @ Tuesday, November 24, 2009 8:53 PM by Suzanne Vara