Talk About Talk: Body Language with Cynthia Barlow

3 Key Learnings

1. We know a lot about body language – to the point that we are programming robots to leverage body language. Scientists focusing on HRI (Human Robot Interaction) are programming robots to both encode and decode body language.
2. Generally speaking, “attractive” body language means two things:
   1. Be confident and expansive. Take up lots of space. Try the “power pose” (hands onyour hips, push your chest out like Wonder Woman, take a deep breath). Sit or stand up straight and breathe deeply. Oxygenate your brain and your whole body. Take big steps. Raise your hand up high when asking a question.
   2. Be open. Be physically vulnerable. No crossing your arms. Show your hands. Keep your hands on the table, and no hands in your pockets.
3. Focusing on body language requires effort, but it’s well worth it! Self-awareness is a fundamental pillar of emotional intelligence and effective communication. Other people are constantly interpreting our body language signals. Our body language also affects what our own brains are thinking. If you want to look and feel confident, then act confident.

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