Video Transcript: Body Language

Video Transcript: Body Language

Hi, I'm Karen Friedman. If you Google the words, body language tips for the workplace, you'll receive nearly 3000 results, you'll get some pretty good information about posture and gestures and movement and all that kind of thing. And there's plenty of tips about how to hold your hands, how to stand, and how to move. But seriously, do you really want to think about every move you make? Or do you want to start choreographing your office meetings? I didn't think so. So let's approach this a little bit differently and talk about how we can use our own natural style more effectively. For starters, speak to your friends. When you're in a meeting room or in front of a group. I'd like you to speak as if you're speaking to a friend. When we speak to our friends, we typically don't think about where to put those hands or when to smile. 

It just happens naturally. Next, there is power of passion. It doesn't matter how dry your subject is, if you don't come across as passionate and interested. No one else will be either. When someone is excited or enthusiastic about a topic, their entire face lights up and their voice just projects naturally. A sparkle in the eyes follows naturally, hand gestures and movement happen, naturally. Not to mention, passion is contagious. Next, eye the crowd. Many years ago, I took my mom and her friend here, former President Bill Clinton speak. When it was over, my mom said, Did you see that? He looked right at me. Her friend said no, he was looking at me. And then a total stranger tapped both of them on the back and said, ladies, ladies, I couldn't help but overhear you and I must tell you, the President was looking at me. Looking someone in the eye creates credibility and connection. It also makes others like my mom and her friend, feel important. If you'd like to learn more about body language and other important communication techniques, click on the picture of my book. On this page. You'll find a lot of valuable information. Until next time, I'm Karen Friedman.