11 terrible non-verbal habits to give up

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

You do not notice this for yourself, but your interlocutors see everything and draw conclusions.

1. Fidget

As Tonya Reiman, body language expert and author of "", says, fidgeting betrays your anxiety and insecurity. It is unlikely that these are the qualities that you want to demonstrate to the interlocutor.

2. Pulling your hair

Constantly touching your hair is not only distracting, but also damaging your hair over time. Better to spin a stress ball in your hands.

3. Cross your arms

Many take this position and hunch down simply because they do not know where to put their hands. The interlocutor may get the impression that you are trying to close down, and this causes distrust. Try to always keep your palms in view during a conversation. When the interlocutor does not see your hands, it seems to him that you are hiding something.

4. Be zealous with gestures

To gesticulate or not? This is a difficult question. Some during a conversation remain completely immobile, while others, on the contrary, twirl and wave their arms.

Behavior consultant Vanessa Van Edwards notes that gestures are an effective way to grab listeners' attention. The key is to avoid gestures that can be confusing. Don't point a finger, don't conduct an imaginary orchestra, and avoid staged gestures altogether.

5. Shuffle your feet

People often judge others by their first impression, and even how you walk can greatly influence the way people think about you. Try to walk confidently and never shuffle your feet.

6. Forgetting to smile

A smile demonstrates confidence, openness, and warmth. It also makes the other person smile in return. A person who does not smile during a conversation may be considered gloomy or withdrawn.

7. Be absent-minded

Nothing is more annoying than a person who clearly does not listen to the interlocutor.

Yes, some people are absent-minded by nature. And you can really have a lot to do. However, try to keep the urge to constantly check your phone or watch your watch under control. Otherwise, you will be considered ill-mannered or insensitive.

8. Slouch

Stand up straight. Slouching makes you look insecure and hurts your back.

9. Do not maintain eye contact

This is another habit in which moderation is important. Looking too closely will make the other person uncomfortable, but the lack of eye contact can be considered a sign of dislike or self-doubt.

10. Sit motionless

Of course, you do not need to twirl and fidget during a conversation, but you should not go to the other extreme either. Complete immobility will signal that you are not interested in the speaker's opinion.

Instead, try to mimic the other person's pose. Do not copy it completely, it may offend, but try to adopt some of the gestures and facial expressions.

11. Do not make sure that your verbal and non-verbal signals match

Scientists from the University of the Sacred Heart in Connecticut devoted a separate study by Amy Van Buren to the relationship of verbal and non-verbal communication. … Although it was conducted only among married couples, the results are quite universal. When verbal and non-verbal messages do not match, the non-verbal signals carry the main emotional message. Therefore, always make sure that your verbal and non-verbal signals match.