“Our bodies have a language of their own, and their words aren’t always kind,” cautions Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0. It’s time to start thinking about that, Bradberry teaches corporate employees, because you could be sabotaging your own career by sending out the wrong signals.
True, the people who come to the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites in the heart of downtown Indianapolis to attend one of our Mind Tripping shows aren’t typically thinking about their careers at all. In fact, they come because they are look for fun things to do in Indianapolis.
But, as Bradberry described, old habits die hard, and attendees’ body language is there for any alert observer to see and interpret. After performing thousands of times with audiences of every sort, it’s no wonder Christian and Katalina have honed their body language “reading skills” into a fine art.
Do any of these describe the body language of someone you know (or would others notice this body language in YOU?)
- Slouching – that’s a sign of disrespect, communicating you don’t really want to be where you are.
- Watching the clock – that’s a sure sign of disrespect and impatience, sending the message that person has better things to do than talk to you!
- Turning away from others and not leaning into the conversation – that portrays being unengaged and uninterested in what’s happening.
- Avoiding eye contact – that makes you look as if you lack confidence, or, worse, have something to hide.
- Clenched fists and crossed arms or legs – that signals you’re not open to other people’s points.
Every so often, as audience members enter the special room at the Hilton where the Mind Tripping shows are held, we notice some of them slouching, checking a watch or cell phone, crossing their arms, and avoiding eye contact. A few minutes into the show, and all those “symptoms” have disappeared, and we see those very individuals pepping up and getting into the fun.
As we on the team help Christian and Katalina plan their offerings for Indianapolis entertainment, we’re always aware that body language is an integral part of human existence. But what we’re learned is that laughter can be powerful enough to overcome all those negative body language habits. In fact, according to the nonprofit helpguide.org, “Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress.”
It’s absolutely mind-tripping, how well laughter works!
– by Opti of the Mind Tripping blog team