During the March chapter meeting, David C. Jones conducted impromptu skits with volunteers from the audience, which beautifully demonstrated what our body language tells others. The wiggle of a foot and the wave of a hand were repeated with exaggerated gestures and a slight hint of mischief, which made the evening all the more engaging.
He reminded us that status was constantly around us. Whether it was negotiating our way down Robson Street or watching a presidential candidate debate on TV, the person would show their inner feelings through their actions. If you think of the last time that you walked down a busy street, there are people that you move out of the way for and those that you don’t. Why is that? Well, it’s through non-verbal signals that you get from the other person’s actions. During the last presidential candidate’s debate, Barack Obama tilted his head slightly to express his warmth and signal that he wanted the viewers’ help and cooperation.
In one of the skits, David wiggled his foot while talking to one of my colleagues. After the skit was over, he engaged the group in a discussion about the wiggling foot. What did it signal? It could mean that he had a ‘crush’ on the person he was speaking to or he was about to do something devious or he had to go to the washroom or it could have been something else. We really don’t know. All we know is that the person is anxious for some reason.
My personal ‘aha’ moment came at that point. I realized that I, too, was wiggling my foot during the entire skit. I’ve always been a bit fidgety but now am aware how others could interpret this. I don’t think that I can change my habits over night but at least I am more aware of how this behaviour could affect another person’s impression of me.
All in all, the meeting was great fun and I learned a few lessons about my own actions that will help with future interactions with clients, family and friends.
David mentioned some additional resources that I’m checking into and will, hopefully, report back on them in the coming weeks.
