关于肢体语言的英语演讲

Eye contact is the most obvious way you communicate. When you are looking at ot her person, you show interest. When you fail to make eye contact, you give the impression that the other person is of no importance. Maintain the eye contact about 60% of the time in order to look interested, but not aggressive.

Facial expression is another form of nonverbal communication. A smile sends a p ositive message and is appropriate in all but a life-and-death situation. Smili ng adda warmth and an aura of confidence. Others will be acceptive if you remem ber to check your expression.

Your mouth gives clues, too, and not just when you are speaking. Mouth movement, such as pursing your lips or twisting them to one side, can indicate that you are thinking about what you are hearing or that you are holding something back. The position of head speaks to people. Keep your head straight, which is not th e same as keeping your head on straight, will make you appear self-assured and authoritative. People will take you seriously. Tilt your head to one side if yo u want to come across as friendly and open.

How receptive you are is suggested by where you place your arms. Arms crossed o r folded over your chest say that you have shut other people out and have no in terest in them or what they are saying. This position can also say, "I don't ag ree with you." You might just be cold, but unless you shiver at the same time, the person in front of you might get the wrong message.

The angle of your body gives an indication to others about what's going through your head. Leaning in says, " Tell me more." Leaning away singals you've heard

enough. Adding a nod of your head is another way to affirm that you are listen ing.

Posture is just as important as your grandmother always said it was. Sit or sta nd erect if you want to be seen as alert and enthusiastic. When you slump in yo ur chair or lean on the wall, you look tired. No one wants to do business with someone who has no energy.

Control your hands by paying attention to where they are. In the business world, particularly when you deal with people from other cultures, your hands need to be seen. That would mean that you should keep them out of your pockets and you should resist the urge to put them under the table or behind your back. Having your hands anywhere above the neck, fidgeting with you hair or rubbing your fa ce, is professional.

Legs talk, too. A lot of movement indicateds nervousness. How and where you cro ss them tell others how you feel. The preferred positions for the polished prof essional are feet flat on the floor or legs crossed at the ankles. The least pr ofessional and most offensive position is resting one lag or ankle on top of yo ur another knee. Some people call this the "Figure Four." It can make you look arrogant.

The distance you keep away from others is crucial if you want to establish good rapport. Standing too close or " in someone's face" will mark you as pushy. Po sitioning yourself far away will you seem standoffish. Neither is what you want, so find the happy medium. Most importantly, do what makeds the other person fe el comfortable. If the person with whom you are speaking keeps backing away fro m you, stop. Either that person needs space or you need a breath mint.