Do you know what your body is communicating loudly?

Nearly anyone you speak with will agree that communication is a critical skill for success. However, it is easy to assume communication begins when you start speaking, particularly when meeting in person (or these days over a video call). However, long before a word is said, your attire, body, facial expressions and gestures have begun communicating. And not necessarily what you want to.

Yesterday, as I caught a snippet of a video interview of the former US vice-president Mike Pence who was on the road pitching his upcoming book. Watch the video below, which I have snipped with sound off. You’ll be struck by all that he’s communicating non-verbally.

Notice the following

• how his hands are intertwined and held in a ‘fig-leaf’ position – what do you think this communicates? It could range from mere discomfort to “I’m not feeling safe!”
• how he taps his right foot continuously – demonstrating nervousness
• his severe facial expression and pursed lips reinforce the above sentiments

The interview you saw above was shot at Pence’s home in Indiana in a 1:1 sit down interview format. Not unlike the video below of Levi Strauss & Co. CEO Chip Bergh being interviewed about the stance Levi’s has taken around guns in their stores. A topic that can easily draw fire.

See how his body language is in contract to Pence’s!

Typically when we are speaking one-on-one with a friend, colleague or even in an interview, as above, we would be at our most comfortable. Yet even on such occasions our bodies are communicating loudly. Of course when you are in a stressful situation such as testifying in front of the US Congress, then the non-verbal communication can be an even worse giveaway, as you can see in the video snippet below.

Whether you are being interviewed, making a presentation, or telling a story if your body language is not in sync with your words, it creates a dissonance in the mind of the listener. This invariably results first in confusion and eventually in them distrusting you, even if they are not able to put their finger on the reasons.

Are you aware what your body is communicating loudly, even when you aren’t speaking?