Communication- Body language
Stance & Posture
Open & expansive body posture. Intentional movement (reduce fidgeting)
Take up space:
- Standing
- Feet hip distance apart or wider
- Length across chest (shoulders drawing down and back)
- Stand firmly in your feet, soft knees (think “volleyball stance”)
- Sitting:
- Keep elbows out away from the side body
- Separate the hands (don’t let them touch)
- Sit up tall - sit on butt bones
Keep the body open & unguarded
- Keep the hands resting down at your sides when standing
- When sitting, keep hands separated (don’t let them touch)
Intentional Movement
- Reduce fidgeting
- Move the body purposefully (to support your message or connect w/ conversation partner)
[[habits]] Practice your new “neutral” stance this week anytime you are waiting (Lyft, elevator, bus, train, coffee, groceries, etc.). The more you practice it, the more comfortable and habitual it becomes
Changing Habit:
- Check in to see what the body is doing 300x a day
- Particularly to see where the hands are and if you are taking up space
- Regularly shift to a more open & expansive posture