Avoid Body Language Blunders

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Self-Awareness Strategies

(#15 of 18)

Avoid Body Language Blunders

Our body often "speaks" our emotions before our mind does. Even when we think we're composed, subtle cues -- posture, facial expressions, gestures -- can expose stress, frustration, boredom, or being defensive.

Key Points:

•Body language reflects internal emotions

•Blunders happen unconsciously

•Self-awareness is the fix

•Align body and intention

Common body language mistakes to watch for:

•Crossing arms (defensiveness)

•Avoiding eye contact (discomfort or disengagement)

•Tight facial expressions (stress or frustration)

•Turning your body away (lack of interest)

•Excessive nodding or forced smiling (insincerity)

Practical Takeaways:

•Periodically "scan" your body during conversations.

•Ask for feedback from trusted people about your nonverbal cues.

•Practice open, relaxed posture and natural eye contact.

•Notice patterns - when do your body language blunders show up most?

Bottom Line:

This strategy is about catching emotional signals early before they undermine communication.

Next Week:

Self-Awareness Strategies

(#16 of 18)

Ask Yourself Good Questions

Content Reference:

Travis Bradberry, "The New Emotional Intelligence"