Nonverbal communication can speak just as loudly – if not more so – than verbal communication. If you perform great types of body language, they can enhance your message, improve people’s positive thinking of you, and impress those around you. If your body language is bad, though, you’re more likely to wind up pushing others away.
Some types of bad body language are so common that you might not even realize that you’re performing them and, therefore, hurting other people’s impressions of you.
Here are 18 uses of body language to stop immediately.
1. Not Smiling
In social interactions, smiling is a great way to show off your confidence and openness. It is something we may often forget to do, especially in more formal situations, but smiling can have positive effects on many social relations. When you smile, others will:
Be more receptive towards you
Feel more open around
React with more positive thinking to you
Offer a smile back
However, do note that you should not give out fake smiles, as most people can very easily tell when someone is being insincere, even if they only pick up on it subconsciously.
2. Rubbing The Neck
Rubbing your neck seems like a natural and innocent gesture. In fact, you might be rubbing your neck just to relieve stress or tension in the area. Unfortunately, doing it around others might send the wrong message. Others might interpret this move as:
Anxiety in a social situation
Discomfort with the people you are interacting with
Dislike of a situation or the people around you
3. Eye Rolls
It’s often said that the eyes are the window to the soul. That’s probably why the way you use them can convey so much information.
The act of rolling your eyes is a common and obvious sign of disrespect. It may be harmless in your mind, especially as an act of non-verbal communication around people you are close to, but it is just plain rude around many other people. Rolling your eyes expresses:
Boredom
Annoyance
Disagreement
Sarcasm
4. Looking Around Too Much
When you’re in a conversation, you should remain present within it. Looking around the room constantly and paying insufficient attention to the person you’re talking to is just plain bad manners, and it gives the impression that:
You are looking for someone else to talk to
The conversation topic is not interesting or engaging enough
You don’t respect their time or company
5. Bad Posture
When you stand around with bad posture, you’re conveying a huge list of different negative pieces of information to those around you. Here’s how:
With slumped shoulders and a caved-in chest, your body language indicates that you have surrendered and are not willing to take on challenges.
When you slouch, you are telling others that you are insecure and have low self-esteem.
General bad posture shows others that you lack the energy and enthusiasm to carry the conversation.
Learn the exercises that help correct poor posture.
6. Playing With Hair
During any conversation, you should avoid playing with your hair. It’s distracting to the people you talk to. As such, you should refrain from running fingers across your hair and scalp, fidgeting with your hair, or even twirling it in a playful way. If you don’t stop, it can both damage your hair and send the wrong message, and it’s a habit that’s tough to break.
7. Invading Personal Space
No one likes it when someone else enters their personal bubble. Unless it’s somewhat you have a very close relationship with, it’s generally not a good idea to invade the personal space of any person. This is especially true with strangers or in business relationships.
As a general idea, you shouldn’t get closer to another person by 1 and a half feet, and remember that someone’s personal space isn’t yours to invite yourself into. Be aware of where and how you stand, as you can still get into a person’s bubble unknowingly.
8. Fidgeting
When talking or listening to someone, the act of fidgeting may be perceived as disrespectful to them. Actions such as twirling your hair, tapping your fingers or feet, touching jewelry, or constantly checking the time are considered as fidgeting. Others may think that:
You are bored
You don’t think the person is worth talking to
You would rather be somewhere else
You are impatient for the conversation to be over
9. Using Repetitive Gestures
A lot of people aren’t too sure what to do with their hands in conversation. Where should they rest? How much movement is too much movement? The latter question is more crucial than the former.
Many people who don’t fully talk with their hands fall victim to using repetitive gestures. Repetition speaks of anxiety and can make your point even less clear, as your gestures are supposed to match your speech. Use gestures sparingly and only when it is natural or helps emphasize a point. Each gesture should be strong, clear, and end cleanly.
10. Biting Fingernails
Biting your fingernails is a big no-no in social interaction. It’s a bit of a gross habit, to begin with, and it’s quite unsightly to do in front of other people. People often bite their nails when they are nervous, too, so others may consider you anxious when you use that gesture. Plus, it damages your nails and leaves a terrible impression on others.
11. Never Showing Acknowledgment
People often discount the importance of showing acknowledgment during social interactions. You need to show the people you are interacting with that you are listening to them. It helps them feel like they’re being listened to and it’s a basic sign of respect. You can show acknowledgment by:
Giving a certain amount of eye contact
Smiling at them
Nodding when you agree
Making the appropriate facial expressions
12. Crossing Legs or Arms
It’s natural for a lot of people to cross their arms and legs when they sit. However, if you’re speaking to someone, this might make you look defensive. It could send a message that you`re not open to interacting with another person or hearing what they have to say, or that you feel uncomfortable in their presence. If you keep your arms and legs uncrossed and your hands visible, you will appear more trustworthy.
The act of crossing your arms and legs when sitting comes naturally for most people, but during social interactions, that action may give off the wrong impression. It looks like you’re uncomfortable and like you aren’t open to interaction.
To begin with, you can appear more trustworthy to others when your hands are visible. But crossing arms and legs, in general, creates a closed posture that makes you seem defensive, and it’s commonly read as an anxious motion – so if you’re trying to convey a message of positive thinking, it’s not going to work that way!
13. Furrowed Brow
During social interaction, it is important to maintain a neutral expression. The act of furrowing your brows and scrunching up your face may give others the wrong impression. Effects of furrowing your brows at someone include:
Unintentionally intimidating them, or coming across as hostile
Discouraging them from opening up to you
Causing them to be more defensive during the interaction
14. Acting Distracted
Giving someone your attention when they are talking is a common courtesy. It shows that you are engaged in the conversation. As such, it’s not a surprise that people find it rude when you look distracted while they are talking.
Even if you are paying attention, if your body language conveys otherwise, it will still offend the other party. So make sure you look at the other person you are speaking to and engage in active listening practices.
15. Shuffling
The way you walk affects people’s perceptions of you. People that walk with a straight back and a puffed chest, for example, have a more confident stance. In fact, there’s an unusual positive side to this behavior. Confident walkers have a lower chance of being mugged, so there are even more reasons to stop this body language.
On the other hand, walking with a slouch and shuffling along clearly speaks of nervousness and fear, and it indicates a lack of confidence that can make you a target for criminals.
16. Eyes Glued To Your Phone
If you are at a social gathering, it is respectful to put your phone away and engage with the group. After all, you’re surrounded by people – why would you need to check social media when real-life social activities are right in front of you?
Refrain from openly checking your phone and only do so if it is a prior obligation or emergency. With fewer distractions, it is easier to be present in conversations with others.
17. Bad Eye Contact
Eye contact is the foundational building block of almost all forms of social interaction. Good eye contact conveys confidence while a lack of it can make you seem untrustworthy, and over-the-top eye contact can come across as aggressive.
You want to find the balance between intimidating staredowns and unconfident avoidance. If eye contact is not comfortable for you, try to communicate that to the person you’re speaking to, especially if it’s someone you may work with or be around for a while.
18. An Odd Handshake
More often than not, the first impression someone will have of you is from your handshake. The intensity of your grip changes someone’s perception of you. A weak grip may send signals that you are new to a group or profession and are, therefore, unsure of yourself, while a very strong grip may send signals that you are aggressive or boorish.
Once again, just like with eye contact, you’ll want to find the balance between these two extremes. Your handshakes should be firm, not linger for more than two or three up-and-down motions, and not be a contest of strength.
Final Thoughts On Some Uses Of Body Language To Stop Immediately
Body language is a very powerful communication tool, and it can be difficult to learn to interpret and use correctly. It’s about more than just how you hold yourself and what your expression looks like – it can change entire messages and speak louder than words.
By learning about the forms of body language you commonly use, you’ll be able to easily avoid making social faux pas by accident through negative body language. Make sure to avoid these 18 kinds of body language and replace them with better alternatives!
Exactly What Is a Language Service Provider? (And Why Do I Need One?)
We’re truly living in a global era, and your business probably interacts with suppliers or customers from other countries regularly.
On occasion, there may be a language barrier that might cause you some issues. However, in business, you cannot afford essential information to get lost in translation.
There have been plenty of times when major businesses have missed the mark with their global communications. For this reason, you could use translation services.
But what exactly is a language service provider? And why does your business need one?
In this article, we’ll discuss how you can do business on a global scale without
What is a Language Service Provider?
Language service providers are not new. They’ve been around for a long time.
In the past, they were mainly found in Europe. Since Europe has so many countries with their own different languages so close to each other, there has always been a need for businesses to use a language translator.
However, in more recent years, the need for companies to hire a language service provider has grown. The growth of the internet and our ability to trade with ease across continents have made the world a smaller place.
A language service provider provides a range of support to business, including:
Translation
Interpretation
Content creation
Multilingual narration
Telephone interpretation
Website translation
Localization
These services are provided to help businesses to reach a broader customer base and to avoid costly errors in communication.
What Types of Language Service Providers Are There?
There are several different types of language service providers. If you choose a translation service, you’ll need to know that the company you’re using can meet your needs.
A single language service provider will provide translation and interpretation services in just one language.
Many of the employees of this type of provider will be native speakers of the language. They will have an in-depth understanding of colloquialisms, regional dialects, styles, terms, and usage associated with their language.
Due to their focus on one specific language, this type of translation service may be able to provide a more nuanced translation using metaphors, humor, and idioms.
A multi-language service provider will be able to offer a variety of languages. This is useful for companies needing to reach several overseas markets.
Finally, there are service providers that will be able to handle nearly every language that exists. These are sometimes referred to as massive multiple-language service providers
What are the Benefits of Using Translation Services?
Using a translation service will mean that you get an accurate translation or interpretation. There may be online tools that you can use to try and translate anything that you want to say into a target language, but these are not accurate.
Many language service providers use native speakers who will be able to create natural-sounding translations. This will allow you to gain the trust and confidence of your audience.
Your translations will be checked for accuracy by a professional linguist who has a high degree of competency and confidence in that language.
Interpretation support can help businesses that work with foreign counterparts. Having simultaneous interpretation will mean that both parties get the benefit. Telephone interpretation lets you communicate with foreign language associates.
If your business is about to launch to a new country, or even to an international audience, you’ll need to translate your website and all of your online content into a variety of different target languages.
Language service providers can help with digital translation and copywriting. This will mean that all of your web content will be accurately translated for you as you enter the global market.
The advantage of using a language service provider to assist in all matters relating to translation and interpretation is that you will have consistency. You’ll also have the convenience of having all of your services managed by one company.
What Type of Organization Can Make Use of a Language Service Provider?
Language services can be useful to organizations in all sectors.
In areas where there is a high level of immigration, having the right signage and printed materials in the commonly spoken languages of the migrants can be helpful for local organizations.
Many retailers buy their products from overseas suppliers. There are some that will deal directly with manufacturers in other countries. In both of these cases, a professional translation service will help.
Not only will it ensure accuracy in the ordering process, but it will also all for communication about the quality of the products.
For companies that reach a global customer base, the ability to sell in their customer’s native tongue will be a huge advantage.
If your business has offices throughout the world, you’re going to need to connect all of these parts of the business. To allow different branches to operate without a strong connection with the international headquarters will lead to inconsistencies in brand and procedure.
Having a company manage all of your language services will help you to stay connected and consistent. Not only will the use of language services create standardization, but it will also increase your productivity.
How to Choose a Language Service Provider
When choosing a language service provider, firstly decide on the scope of the work. Answer the following questions.
Who do you need to communicate with?
What language(s) do you need support with?
How will you communicate?
Is the project short term, long term, or indefinite?
Once you have an answer to all of these questions, you will be able to start looking for a service provider who can help you.
Don’t Let Your Message Get Lost in Translation
Using a language service provider can be of huge benefit to businesses of all sizes. If you’re working with people in other countries, or have customers overseas, it is essential.
Not only this, but if your domestic business is operating in an area with a diverse ethnic mix, these translation tools will help you to communicate with your clients.
For more interesting articles on a range of subjects, be sure and explore the rest of the site.
The BERT Update and Google Natural Language Processing
Say hello to BERT! We’re talking about Google BERT, that is — the Google update that just rolled out in October 2019.
Google themselves told us that 1 in 10 searches will be affected by the update! It might not seem like much, but 10% certainly isn’t a statistic to sneeze at. Website owners and SEO strategists can’t afford to ignore BERT. It’s the latest Google natural language processing update.
Maybe you’re wondering: what is natural language processing? How will BERT affect my site’s SEO?
We’ve got the details you need to know right here. Keep reading to get to know a bit more about BERT!
What Is the Google BERT Update?
BERT stands for “Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers.” That’s fancy talk for describing how this algorithm hones in on NLP (natural language processing). This Google update is all about getting a deeper understanding of how language works in context.
It means that the Google search engine is learning how to pay attention to things like the order in which words are typed into the search bar or the prepositions and smaller connecting words that are used in search queries.
For example, take a search query like “us visa for asian travelers.” Without an understanding of word order, you might end up with results informing U.S. citizens about visa requirements in Asian countries. With the BERT update, the search engine is getting better at understanding the language that is being used here — and in turn delivering results that are more directly targeted to the searcher’s intent.
How Will the Google Natural Language Processing Update Affect My SEO and Content Strategy?
With any SEO strategy, it’s always best to ask yourself “how can I write to a human audience?” — NOT “how can I write to a search engine algorithm?” The BERT update is proof that the search engine algorithms are centered on serving humans, and your content should be too!
An understanding of natural language processing basics can help you to understand how the machine learning algorithms work. However, your content strategy should continue to focus on providing valuable informations to the real people who are searching for the information that you have to offer them.
One change that you might need to make to your SEO strategy is to begin focusing on more specific content. The importance of long-form content has been long been touted by SEO specialists. However, long, wordy blog posts won’t do much for your SEO strategy if they aren’t delivering high-quality, highly specific content to your readers.
BERT is now able to hone in on the more specific inquiries of searchers. Your site should also be honing in on the specific questions that your potential readers will be seeking answers on.
The Bottom Line on BERT
Whether it’s the Google natural language processing update or the next update coming down the line from Google, there will always be changes and upgrades to search engine algorithms. If you allow yourself to get tangled up in always chasing the latest algorithm, you’ll find yourself fighting a losing battle.
Instead, focus on creating content for the people who are searching the web for the information that you have to offer them. By putting your readers first, you’ll continue providing high-quality content, no matter what happens with the latest algorithm.
Explore our site for more informative articles like this one!
