Myths About Body Language - Part 2

March 2, 2010

Interview with Janine Driver, author of the book You Say More Than You Think: Use the New Body Language to Get What You Want!, the 7-day Plan

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Mike Carruthers:
Other people make assumptions about you based on your body language.

Janine Driver:
So the most important perception is that powerful people keep their three power zones open and those three power zones are the path of our body from our neck dimple down to our belly button, down to below the belt area.
 

Janine Driver, author of the book You Say More Than You Think…

So these three zones are kept open when we’re confident and have nothing to hide. When people get nervous (this is scientifically proven) when people get nervous or insecure they’ll often get smaller they shrink the target. So you don’t want to shrink your target when you’re out there for that interview or that first date – you want to take up some space.

You can use your body language to build rapport.

Rapport is very simple. People like people who are like themselves. When someone shakes your hand, you know when they give you those bone crushers you want to instead give them some taps on the upper shoulder “Nice to meet you, how are you?” – You’re saying we’re alike.

Touching can be a very effective way to build rapport, but Janine says there are some rules.

If you are the opposite sex, in a professional setting, make sure as you touch them (touches are important) but make sure your palm of your hand is facing up. I have what’s called the 5 in 15 rule when you are in a job interview or trying to establish repport you should touch someone 5 times in 15 minutes. And it’s not a hard and fast rule because again some people when you touch them that first time you can tell this person needs some distance.

To hear the complete unedited interview, click here