Watch the Body Language

Community Manager — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:59:00 GMT

By Candie Harris

Lie to Me is a fascinating TV series inspired by the real-life work of Dr. Paul Eckman, a psychologist who uses clues embedded in the human face, body and voice to assist in criminal investigations. As a psychology major, I have always been fascinated with using body language to try and read people.

Most of us likely accept that we can learn a lot about others and ourselves by attuning to body language. Yet, few of us are naturally fluent in this kind of non-verbal communication. It is a skill we must acquire and nurture.

Fortunately, the Web is here to support us. With a quick trip to the search box, you can find practical tips and insights on:

· Body language basics

· Communicating without words

· Translating common gestures into business vernacular

· Generation-Y's inability to read non-verbal cues

But, before declaring ourselves (self-taught) body language experts, we should heed what communication theorist and coach Nick Morgan writes in an article titled The Truth Behind the Smile and Other Myths - When Body Language Lies. While Morgan recognizes the business value of decoding non-verbal cues, he argues that, "in the end, body language conveys important but unreliable clues about the intent of the communicator."

Maybe the best course of action in our business, and personal, interactions is to couple our powers of observation with some genuine dialogue that sheds light what the other person is feeling and experiencing.

Beyond Folders : communications, body language

Watch the Body Language