Help your child develop a positive body language
Reams of research suggest that non-verbal communication or body language plays a more crucial role than verbal language in the way we are perceived or the impact that we have on people around us. A positive body language will help your child create a good impression among her teachers, peers, siblings and close ones while making it easier for him to adapt the challenges of social and academic life.
Body language is the unspoken aspect of communication which includes facial expression, gesture, eye contact, standing and sitting posture. All these combine together to complement our spoken language. As a parent, you need to guide your child about this non-verbal aspect of communication to ensure that she is able to express herself effectively. A positive body language will help her be accepted as a credible, confident, dignified, friendly and approachable human being. It shouldn’t be defensive, submissive, authoritative or indifferent. Body language needs to assertive. Here are some aspects of non-verbal communication that you should help your little one develop.
Warm facial expression
This is the most crucial aspect of body language. Almost everyone can fathom the signals displayed on an individual’s face. A smiling face always sends across a positive vibe which is essential for an effective communication. Encourage your child to start a conversation with a natural smile. A fake smile is easily identifiable because it leads to lip movement only whereas an original one involves the eyes too.
Eye contact
It goes without saying that eyes play a crucial role in any interaction. The language of the eyes is considered more authentic than the words we utter. So, make sure that your child makes eye contact with the person she is speaking to. Looking away reflects lack of interest and respect for the other person.
Appropriate standing posture
Encourage your child to stand with an erect spine. The back should be straight while standing as a tall posture exudes confidence. Make sure he doesn’t hunch or slouch while standing. Bad standing posture reflects laziness, lack of interest and low self-esteem.
Facing the listener
While speaking to a person it is best to stand or sit face to face with him or her. Facing sideways symbolises lack of interest. Teach your child to maintain this while she talks to anyone. Also, she should notice the position of the person she is speaking with. If he or she is standing sideways, then your kid should stop the conversation as early as possible.
Correct hand positioning
The position of arms during a conversation speaks volumes about the speaker’s attitude and sincerity level. Have your child follow these dos and don’ts about hand movements and positioning while he talks to someone:
- Do not put your hands inside your pockets. It reflects arrogance
- Do not have your arms crossed and hands clasped. It shows lack of confidence, defensiveness, and nervousness too.
- Place your arms below the waist level and raise them while speaking. While it is okay to let your arms go down at times, this position shouldn’t be maintained throughout the conversation.
- Keep your palms open, facing upwards. This posture is a sign of openness, acceptance, sincerity, approachability and honesty.
Right sitting posture
Encourage your child to sit straight while talking to someone. She should keep her spine straight and make sure that her hands are not on the on the desk. Leaning forward is also a no-no. The feet should be firmly placed on the ground.