Body Language: Show appreciation by leaning slightly forward
Posted by: Claudia Raab in New Body Language on
Dec 24, 2008
Do you want to easily convince your audience and gain instant rapport and respect? Adopt a positive body language! Put both feet on the floor and bend slightly forwards when in a conversation. That'll give the impression that you are interested in what your partner is saying and are open for new perspectives - even if you might not agree.
Assuming this postition will guarantee you lots of positive bonus points and is one part of this week's body language theme "Use non-verbal communication to SOFTEN the hard-line position of others" and stands for F in the theme's acronym (an abbreviation of several words that forms a word itself) SOFTEN:
SOFTEN stands for S = Smile, O = Open Posture, F = Forward Lean, T = Touch, E = Eye Contact, N = Nod and will quickly improve your non-verbal communication skills.
However, remember: Don't sit too far forward or everyone will expect you to run as soon as there's a chance to leave since you can't stand the meeting. Sitting on the edge of your chair will make everyone think you feel uncomfortable, leaning back with feet strechted far away from your body will show your boredom or even resentment towards the speaker, the meeting or the topic.
The best way to check your positive posture is to practise in front of a mirror or get feedback from friends. Once right, your effort will pay off instantly.