Body Language For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Chapter 20

Ten Ways to Improve Your Silent Communication

In This Chapter

Deciding how you want to be perceived

Being willing to adapt

If you’ve ever stood in awe of someone who’s comfortable asking for what he wants, dresses in a way that you admire, and leaves people feeling good about themselves, now’s your chance to discover the secrets. Actually, they’re not such big secrets. It’s more a matter of attitude. If you’re aware of your current behaviour and are willing to do what you have to do to get the results you want, you’re well on your way to achieving them.

Taking an Interest

The best communicators take an interest in other people. They can empathise with you, and just by looking at you, know how you’re feeling. Think about those people whose company you thoroughly enjoy. I’m willing to bet – and I’m not a betting woman – that the ones whose company you seek out are the ones who make you feel good about yourself.

If you think that you’re a good communicator but for some odd reason no one’s seeking out your company, perhaps the problem is that you’re so busy focusing on yourself and your interests that you’re failing to notice other people, what they’re saying, and how they’re behaving.

I once described another person as ‘boring’. ...