How to Command Respect through Body Language

**BEB** · 04-09-07, 08:40 AM

Thought this was interesting enough to share. Laughed at myself for some of these.

There are 101 - just the first 19 here since it's such a long article.

http://www.crmlowdown.com/2007/04/leadership_101_.html

How to Command Respect through Body Language

Improve your standing…

Posture can say a lot about a person. Confident people seem to naturally stand tall, while those who slouch look like they're down on themselves. Be sure that you're presenting yourself in a way that commands respect.

What to do:

1. Stand tall, even if you’re the shortest person in the room. Keeping your shoulders pushed back will lend you an air of confidence.

2. Spread your weight evenly on both feet instead of leaning on one. You don’t need to stand at perfect attention, just keep your feet apart so you balance well.

3. Take your hands out of your pockets, or you may be seen like you've got something to hide. Hold them loosely by your side.

4. Stand with your arms crossed behind your back. Your shoulders will get pulled back automatically.

What not to do:

5. Don’t stand with your hands on your hips if you don’t want to come across as confrontational.

6. Don’t shuffle your feet. Pick your feet up and move like you know where you're going.

7. Don’t fidget with your feet. Drawing patterns with one foot on the floor shows you’re not interested in what’s going on. [Or you're a trick pony.]

8. Don't lean against walls or tables. You'll appear tired and lazy.

9. Don’t turn away from the person you’re talking to in the middle of the conversation, otherwise you'll show you’re not interested in continuing it.

Eye contact…

When holding a conversation, the person you're speaking with should focus on your eyes. They indicate your emotions and can show whether you're paying attention or not. Be considerate of what your eyes tell about you: show others respect and you'll get respect in return.

What to do:

10. Look directly at the person you are talking to in order to exude confidence.

What not to do:

11. Don’t shift your attention to other people or things in the room. It shows deceit.

12. Be careful not to glare at the person talking to you. You may think you look intensely interested, but you just look mad. [That's a bad thing?]

13. Don’t blink excessively. People will be distracted and wonder if there's something wrong with you.

14. If you wear glasses, don’t look over the rim. It makes you look condescending.

15. Never wear sunglasses inside, especially during a meeting. Others will wonder if you have something to hide.

16. Don’t look at your watch unless you want to appear as if you're in a rush.

17. Don't rub your eyes with your hands: it signals disbelief at the situation.

18. When you pinch the bridge of your nose with your eyes closed, you'll come across in a negative manner.

19. Keeping your eyes on the door will show that you’re ready to leave the room.

**Hannibal** · 04-09-07, 09:33 AM

4. Stand with your arms crossed behind your back.

I wouldn't suggest that as a LEO.

**Rhino** · 04-09-07, 09:44 AM

There's a book I recently read called Signals by Allan Pease. You can order it through Amazon. It's interesting and talks at length on body language.

For example, regarding eye contact. He talks about where to stare in a person's eye line to either establish dominance in a conversation, make the person for more relaxed, or even communicate your sexual interest. I'm not going to say it will help you or not, but it definitely has given me a lot of good info on "reading" people when I talk to them.

**Hannibal** · 04-09-07, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by Rhino

For example, regarding eye contact. He talks about where to stare in a person's eye line to either establish dominance in a conversation, make the person for more relaxed, or even communicate your sexual interest.

Gee thanks Rhino, I thought people who were staring me down were just staring me down....

Now I am going to be wondering if they are trying to calm me down, bully me, or try to hump my leg.

**Ducky** · 04-09-07, 10:19 AM

If you want to mess with someone's head, watch one of their ears when they're talking to you.

**10-42Adam** · 04-09-07, 10:23 AM

Interesting article. I agree with the statements, but like Hannibal stated I wouldn't cross your arms behind your back as an LEO. You have to be ready for anything at all times.

**jmur5074** · 04-09-07, 03:45 PM

Also, when talking to people, I never just look at them.

I'm always looking around, looking behind them, and side to side.

I don't like not knowing what's happening around me.

**countybear** · 04-09-07, 09:27 PM

Rule last: tap your PR-24 on your open hand repeatedly to attract and keep their attention...

Snap it open in one fluid move to immediately command respect.

**LawnMM** · 04-09-07, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by countybear

Rule last: tap your PR-24 on your open hand repeatedly to attract and keep their attention...

Snap it open in one fluid move to immediately command respect.

Will that work with a lead sap?

**Michelle** · 04-09-07, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by Ducky

If you want to mess with someone's head, watch one of their ears when they're talking to you.

You are right Ducky! I just tried it and it worked.

**Emily** · 04-09-07, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by jmur5074

Also, when talking to people, I never just look at them.

I'm always looking around, looking behind them, and side to side.

I don't like not knowing what's happening around me.

I was just going to say that.

**BabyGirl** · 04-10-07, 12:51 AM

I always watch what's going on around me at all times too. Too many whackos out there. Hell, there were a couple in the library when I went there today. Not safe any where.

**mavriktu** · 04-10-07, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by Ducky

If you want to mess with someone's head, watch one of their ears when they're talking to you.

That is just wrong,which of course means I cant wait to try it out.

**BEB** · 04-10-07, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Ducky

If you want to mess with someone's head, watch one of their ears when they're talking to you.

Unfortunately, when I try that with another body part 51% of the population wants to mess with my head. With a blunt instrument.

Ears...I'll have to try those.

**Lazy Fed** · 04-11-07, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by countybear

Rule last: tap your PR-24 on your open hand repeatedly to attract and keep their attention...

Snap it open in one fluid move to immediately command respect.

MORE STICK LESS HIPPIES!!!!!

**Jenna** · 04-11-07, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Lazy Fed

MORE STICK LESS HIPPIES!!!!!

Um, that's a mime, not a hippie.

How to tell a mime from a hippie:

Mimes:
From Paris
Quiet
Short funny hair
Want you to laugh with them

Hippies:
From San Francisco
loudly singing hippie songs
Long natural hair
Get mad at you for laughing at them