Much is written about body language and many
books on the subject have been published. If you decide this is
a subject that interests you, then you can go off and study it
in much more depth than I intend to present the subject here.
This chapter is a quick guide to tell you what to expect in the
interview scenario, and how to interpret certain body language.
Once you know this, you will be able to amend your techniques,
questions and presentations in interviews accordingly. My first
tip, however, is not to get too carried away with body
language. You will give off good vibes if you are acting
naturally, so watch out for what is contained in this chapter,
but most of all be true to yourself, and act as naturally as
possible. Difficult, I know, in the interview situation!
As an interesting side note, this non-verbal
communication is pretty much the same the world over. It is all
to do with the sixth senses. There are some variations from
country to country depending on things such as custom or
religion, but basically this non-verbal communication, or body
language, has evolved with the human race.
The ability to understand this type of
communication is another area that can give an extra advantage
over the competition. Even more powerful is the ability to
control your own body language in order to give the required
impression. Needless to say, an interview is only one of
many scenarios in which you could benefit!
One thing is for sure, there has been much
research conducted on methods of communication. Most research
seems to agree that overall communication is a mixture of
verbal, vocal (resonance of voice) and body language. There is,
however, a major disagreement as to the importance of the
different parts of the communication spectrum. Estimates vary
from 50% upwards of communication being dependent on body
language.
Now, you're probably thinking that percentage is
a tad on the high side, but again, think about this from your
own experience. How often has someone lied to you, and you've
seen right through it. Why? The person's body language was
not consistent with their verbal message. In short, their
body gave them away! What does this mean to you in an interview
scenario? Well, simply put, it pays to get good at this. You
see, the mind speaks from the conscious part of the brain, but
the body acts from the subconscious, and the subconscious
cannot lie!
I will split this subject into two sections.
Firstly, I will look at your body language and how to use body
language to best effects, and secondly what to look for in the
interviewers' body language.
Next Page -
Body Language
- Yours!
