There are many types of languages. But, perhaps none communicates more than body language. Awareness of your body language is crucial during an interview.
Body language rules : a savvy guide to understanding who's flirting, who's faking, and who's really interested
Judi James.
Naperville, IL : Sourcebooks, 2009.
Every second, People are sending you signals that unlock a secret world. But most people don't know how to read these amazing messages-or that they're subconsciously sending them too1!
Body language
Gordon R. Wainwright ; revised by Richard Thompson.
Blacklick, Ohio : McGraw-Hill, 2009.
Become a master reader of body language We all use body language. Over 90 percent of all face-to-face communication is non-verbal, and the silent messages of body language often reveal more than the spoken word in conveying true feelings. These messages are particularly significant in influencing first impressions and the self-image we project to others. Now updated for the 21st century with the very latest research, "Teach Yourself Body Language" gives you the knowledge and understanding to be able to use and interpret body language more effectively. It includes practical exercises that will enhance your understanding of non-verbal communication. It also explores the use of body language in personal and professional situations.
The power of body language : how to succeed in every business and social encounter
Tonya Reiman.
New York : Pocket Books, 2009.
The Power of Body Language is your practical, personal playbook for getting what you desire from others-and zoning in on what others are saying to you without words.
Crime signals : how to spot a criminal before you become a victim
David Givens.
New York : St. Martin's Press, 2008.
Crime Signals Helps you Stop Crime Before It Starts. David Givens, one of the nation's foremost experts in nonverbal communication, offers a fascinating and instructive look at crime, and the tell-tale signs that give away all offenders-if you're trained to see them.
Body language 101 : the ultimate guide to knowing when people are lying, how they are feeling, what they are thinking, and more
David Lambert.
New York : Skyhorse Pub., c2008.
Some 260 color photographs illustrate gestures, facial expressions, and body positions and accompanying text explain what thoughts or feelings they reveal. The chapters consider such messages as getting together, being negative, domination and defensiveness, and sincerity and deceit. A final chapter illustrates animal gestures to suggest how human gestures began. No index is provided. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Get people to do what you want : how to use body language and words to attract people you like and avoid the ones you don't
by Gregory Hartley and Maryann Karinch.
Franklin Lakes, N.J. : Career Press, c2008.
In Get People to Do What You Want, you'll find the practical answers to these questions and, in the process, discover how to win people over. You will gain an upper hand in your interaction with others that translates into higher starting salaries, greater productivity, and better relationships in which you are never the victim.
Non-verbal gestures tell an interviewer as much about you as your words do. Your hands and posture allow you to communicate without saying a word. Use them to your advantage.
You want to use your hands to emphasize your words, so place them loosely on your lap. A few hand movements indicates you are at ease. Using too many says you are nervous. The tendency in a stressful situation such as an interview is to fold your arms and hands across the body. This is considered a defensive position, one that says you are not open to communicating. Do not use your hands to cover your mouth or eyes. These gestures suggest you are not being honest.
Your posture needs to say that you are relaxed and interested in the position. The best way is to sit straight in the chair. Slouching suggests you are not prepared or doubt your ability to handle the position. Lean forward a bit and turn to face the person who is speaking.
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Handshake
Your handshake should be firm and confident. Match the interviewer's grip to avoid dominant/submissive impressions. |
Consider the body language being displayed by the interviewer. Tune your movements to those of the interviewer. Take cues from the interviewer’s body language. If the interviewer shakes his head or leans back, this may be a sign of displeasure. By reading this hidden message, you have the opportunity to change this impression.
Before your next interview spend time becoming aware of your body language and increasing your ability to interpret the body language of others.It will be time well spent.
More about Non-verbal communication
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff
