Body Language - The Basics

Did you know that the non verbal signals that you give off when trying to attract the opposite sex are even more important than the words you say to them? Its true, non verbal communication has a major impact on how we are perceived by our prospective dates. Projecting good body language and being able to read someone else's signals is vital to our success in flirting and in general socialising.

Body language can tell you a great deal about what another person really thinks about you without them even having to say a word. There are some basics that we should all ensure we bear in mind if we want to make a good impression when we approach another person.

Great Posture

Be open and relaxed at all times. If you are standing, stand tall with your shoulders back as this projects confidence. Don't fold your arms as this shows you are closed and defensive.

Good Eye Contact

If someone catches you looking at them, they generally get the idea that you are interested in them. It has been proved that if you maintain eye contact during conversation for almost 75% of the time, that is the best way to create a rapport. If someone cannot keep eye contact for any length of time we instinctively feel they have something to hide or are lying.

Personal Space

The area of space immediately around you is known as your personal space. Generally you have to be on good terms with someone for them to enter into your personal space. Usually, when talking to friends of work colleagues we keep about a metre or so of space between us. Any closer than that and you are generally expected to be on more intimate terms.

In order to become more intimate with someone you have to get into their personal space, but in a nice way, so that you make them feel closer you. This can be done by gradually leaning in towards the other person whilst all the time reading their body language to see how they react. If the other person is comfortable they will maintain the closeness if not they will pull away. Testing personal space can also be done by reaching out and trying a gentle touch of the hand or forearm. If this is accepted and does not cause the other person to move away then your are moving in the right direction.

Smiling

Smiling is extremely important as it expresses friendliness and happiness. Everyone likes to see other people smile and it will generally make those around you feel comfortable and relaxed.

I have only discussed the basics of body language here but if you start by paying attention to these few things you may well see an improved level of success in your social interactions with others.