nick18_in
Nikhil Gadodia
This is a complex subject and far too deep to go into detail in a newsletter but it is a subject worth touching upon for a basic understanding to help in the interview.
Understanding body language is to understand the person you’re dealing with and the way you project yourself. Research shows that in a presentation before a group of people 55% of the impact is determined by your body language, 38% by the tone of your voice and only 7% by the content of what you’re saying.
Whether this research is correct or not, it certainly shows that we should be very conscious of what our body language can say.
In the interview, a lot of interviewers will not like to give bad feedback. They will often give the impression that they like the candidate and would like to see them again when in fact they have no intention of employing them.
Verbally they are saying “I like you” but their body language might well be saying something else. Folded arms, no eye contact and fidgeting are all signs of internal conflict. When someone speaks to you and can’t look at you, it is natural to question their sincerity and/or honesty in what they are saying. On the other hand, if they look you straight in the eye, have an open stance and smile, you know they are more likely to be sincere.
Attitudes of openness mean a positive reaction. An attitude of defensiveness means a negative reaction.
Some open attitudes or gestures of openness.
Open hand gesture
Uncrossing arms and legs
Moving forward
Unbuttoning jacket
Enthusiastic readiness to cooperate.
Eye contact
Some defensive attitudes or gestures of defensiveness.
Gestures that shield body
Crossed arms with clenched fists
Crossed legs
Hidden hands (in pockets or behind back)
Buttoned jacket
Turning sideways
No eye contact.
In the interview you should look for gestures that might suggest doubt or suspicion. You should also be aware or your own gestures when providing information. For example, when giving your salary details (honestly of course) don’t hesitate or fidget.
These types of gestures are usually rubbing or scratching something like the head, nose, ear or eye. Rubbing the eye might mean “I don’t see it”, scratching the head might mean “I don’t understand it”. Also watch for sideways glances and fidgeting.
When watching for them, you have to be alert as they happen quickly. Don’t make judgement on just one gesture but several. Someone could quite easily get an itchy ear but if they scratch their ear as they are providing some information, it might mean something different.
The same applies for you. Remember, your body doesn’t lie, only your voice does that so don't let any gestures contradict what you’re saying. The other important thing to remember is to keep eye contact.
Don't be nervous about the way your body speaks. Try to be relaxed, controlled and confident. Most of all, be honest and you will be fine.
© Anthony Haley 2006.
Understanding body language is to understand the person you’re dealing with and the way you project yourself. Research shows that in a presentation before a group of people 55% of the impact is determined by your body language, 38% by the tone of your voice and only 7% by the content of what you’re saying.
Whether this research is correct or not, it certainly shows that we should be very conscious of what our body language can say.
In the interview, a lot of interviewers will not like to give bad feedback. They will often give the impression that they like the candidate and would like to see them again when in fact they have no intention of employing them.
Verbally they are saying “I like you” but their body language might well be saying something else. Folded arms, no eye contact and fidgeting are all signs of internal conflict. When someone speaks to you and can’t look at you, it is natural to question their sincerity and/or honesty in what they are saying. On the other hand, if they look you straight in the eye, have an open stance and smile, you know they are more likely to be sincere.
Attitudes of openness mean a positive reaction. An attitude of defensiveness means a negative reaction.
Some open attitudes or gestures of openness.
Open hand gesture
Uncrossing arms and legs
Moving forward
Unbuttoning jacket
Enthusiastic readiness to cooperate.
Eye contact
Some defensive attitudes or gestures of defensiveness.
Gestures that shield body
Crossed arms with clenched fists
Crossed legs
Hidden hands (in pockets or behind back)
Buttoned jacket
Turning sideways
No eye contact.
In the interview you should look for gestures that might suggest doubt or suspicion. You should also be aware or your own gestures when providing information. For example, when giving your salary details (honestly of course) don’t hesitate or fidget.
These types of gestures are usually rubbing or scratching something like the head, nose, ear or eye. Rubbing the eye might mean “I don’t see it”, scratching the head might mean “I don’t understand it”. Also watch for sideways glances and fidgeting.
When watching for them, you have to be alert as they happen quickly. Don’t make judgement on just one gesture but several. Someone could quite easily get an itchy ear but if they scratch their ear as they are providing some information, it might mean something different.
The same applies for you. Remember, your body doesn’t lie, only your voice does that so don't let any gestures contradict what you’re saying. The other important thing to remember is to keep eye contact.
Don't be nervous about the way your body speaks. Try to be relaxed, controlled and confident. Most of all, be honest and you will be fine.
© Anthony Haley 2006.