Volume 3, No. 5 December 6, 2002
Speaking body language By Beverly Williams Gamblers and con artists have long known that people reveal inner thoughts through body language without even knowing it. Psychologists claim that the impact a person makes on others depends on what is said (7 percent), how it is said (38 percent) and by body language (55 percent). Nonverbal behaviors can support or contradict the intended message. In many situations, body language is the first line of communication. College students preparing for job interviews or internship possibilities, should consider the nonverbal message. Applicants are so preoccupied with trying to rid themselves of nervous butterflies that much communication can occur that may go unnoticed. The moment a person meets a prospective employer, the employer judges the candidate by what he or she feels in the palm of the hand. Aggressive people often have firm handshakes. People with low self-esteem tend to have a limp handshake. Silent signals sent during this first contact impact career opportunities in the future. Is posture telling a potential employer that the prospect is confident and relaxed or does a slouch communicate a lack of enthusiasm and energy? The signals sent nonverbally suggest attitude, understanding, empathy and ethics. The following are some typical interpretations of body language cues: Openness and Warmth: open-lipped smiling, open hands with palms visible, unbuttoning jacket upon being seated. Confidence: leaning forward in a chair, chin up, putting tips of fingers of one hand against the tips of fingers of other hand in "praying" or "steepling" position, hands joined behind back when standing. Nervousness: smoking, whistling, fidgeting, jiggling pocket contents, running tongue along front of teeth, clearing throat, wringing hands, biting on pens or other objects, biting fingernails, tongue clicking, playing with car keys. Untrustworthy/Defensive: frowning, squinting eyes, tightlipped grin, arms crossed in front of chest, pulling away, chin down, touching nose or face, darting eyes, looking down when speaking, clenched hands, pointing with fingers, rubbing back of neck, clasping hands behind head while leaning back in the chair. Be aware of (although not preoccupied with) body language and nonverbal cues. Try to develop a sense of an interviewer’s reception, but do not try to read in more than is actually being communicated. Try to stay connected with the person on the opposite side of the desk — both verbally and nonverbally. Williams is coordinator of deaf services, part of the health and wellness department.
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