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THE POWER OF READING PEOPLE
• Expression: Your own body language can be consciously ad-
justed to convey openness, attentiveness, and understand-
ing, thereby fostering a more trusting and engaging dialogue
with the other person.
Your Body Speaks
On the one hand, never forget that it’s not enough for you to watch
other people’s body language. You must be aware of your own and
how that changes what you communicate.
When offering praise, feedback, or encouragement, your nonverbal
cues are as significant as your words. Ideally, your tone and gestures
should align with your message, enhancing your authenticity and
trustworthiness.
Key Point: Align Your Verbal and Body Language
The more your verbal message and body language are in sync,
the more effectively you can sway the person you’re speaking
to, earn their trust, and meet your objectives.
It’s essential to align your nonverbal cues with your spoken words,
especially when providing feedback or direction. If your true inten-
tion is to collaborate with an employee on a solution, but internally
you’re feeling frustrated, your body language might give away your
irritation despite your words.
Your nonverbal communication, such as posture, gestures, facial
expressions, tone of voice, and the rhythm of your speech, often
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