Have you ever noticed when someone’s behavior shows is completely inconsistent with what he says? Or, have you ever felt hard to control your bodies in certain situations because all you can think of is how nervous you are?

Then, today, let’s discuss the “potential implications” of the reactions that your body produces in different situations, which might also reveal some “non-verbal” signals that can play a key role in our daily communications.

A lot of people ask this question: "Why is body language so important?"

Studies have shown that in the process of communication, non-verbal expression has 65% to 93% more influence than actual text. This means that "how to say" is more important than "what to say". Of course, this does not mean that you don't need to do prepare anything for your interviews, nor does it mean that you can take any short cuts. On the contrary, this means that you have more things to pay attention to and prepare for than usual preparations.

We interviewed Emilie Suter, a senior student of EHL. She believes that the importance of body language is reflected in the ability to help people in the process of communication. It helps people have a better understanding of the overall situation, and thus adjust the content of the conversation and voice intonation. “Body language” is the best interpretation of the behavioral psychology of the individuals and groups."

Body language = overall impression

If you think that body language is just a bonus point for an interview and it can only help you get a job opportunity, then you are wrong. In the real workplace, body language is way more important than you think! Without proper body language, you may find yourself trapped in a circle where you can't integrate with the external environment, not to mention the difficulties in the absence of body language in the workplace. Therefore, in addition to paying attention to your body language, you should always pay attention to how people around you use body language to express their opinions - this allows you to accurately determine your next move.

Fidgeting may mean that there is a lack of interaction between the two sides of the conversation. Turning to other directions rather than talking to each other, or crossing your hands to your chest can mean that the other party does not agree with your opinion, or that the content of the conversation gives them a tendency to close their minds. Loich Batumba, vice president of the student council of EHL, says that he clearly remembers similar experiences: “At the time of my first interview, my interviewer and I barely communicated eye-to-eye, so I could clearly feel that there is a lack of interest between our conversations”.

Body language can be controlled by our brain, but it is not an easy task, especially in a stressful environment. How to establish a good personal impression is a topic that people have repeatedly discussed. However, this is precisely because it is too difficult to do. Interestingly, what we see often became the most important criterion for us to judge others. This has also increased the importance of physical actions for us.

Body language = practice makes perfect

“People can often make extensive inferences from actions, and the results of these inferences directly affect lives: for example, who will be employed and who will be promoted, etc....” Academician Amy Cuddy said in her TED Talk. She also said that “our body language will also affect our perception of ourselves. When you try to make more authoritative actions, your brain will inadvertently receive signals and actually create an idea that you are more authoritative, so that you have more confidence in yourself”.

Therefore, before interviews or important meetings, try not to lean on any place, or have a posture such as hunched back. Instead, you should try to keep your body relaxed. You can even stand with a relatively authoritative posture - of course, you may need to do these things in the bathroom or places where no one could see you. Another senior EHL student, Sofiya Chin, also agrees with this statement: "Positive non-verbal expressions not only make you look more authoritative, but also make you look more in control."

Ms. Cuddy also said “Our bodies affect our minds just as our minds control our bodies. And it is our actions that affect the end results of what we do.” That is, if you are scared to speak and talking is part of your job, you can only bite the bullet. Every time you give a speech, you have to practice it repeatedly until you are well prepared. There will always be one day when you discover that you never feel shy anymore - body language is the same thing.

Body language plays a crucial role in your job interviews, careers, and everyday life. Paying attention to body language could make strong impacts on your behavior, which could help you achieve better results.

So, every time you are nervous or feel that you can't do it, stretch your body, smile, and tell yourself "Fake it till you become it!"

This article was first published on the Hospitality Insights Blog.