The Effect of Body Language on Oneself - Essay Example

Purpose of the study Communication is an integral part of life given that we communicate daily. In all our undertakings, we always communicate and how effectively we do so matters a lot because at the end of the day it will affect the outcome of whatever we wanted to achieve. This study will examine the aspect of non-verbal communication; specifically the body language and if it has any effect on how we view ourselves. Methodology It will explore Amy Cuddy’s research on a similar topic and provide an in depth analysis of my own nonverbal by use of my own insight, the feedback from friends, and analyzing my videotapes. Abstract “Fake it until you make it” is a popular saying that has been commonly used. In fact, you might even have used at one point or another. The bottom line is that we are always encouraged to ensure that we give our all till we get the impression of what we would like people to comprehend. How do we achieve this? Does it really work? Well the answers to all this questions lies in exploring the power dynamics of nonverbal. Introduction Nonverbal communication in the simplest of terms can be defined as the process of sending a message without the use of words. It involves the use of expression of the face, the gestures we make, the postures we take, the tone of our voices and the emotions attached to it, the kind of grooming we do, the clothing we dress in, and so on. It is important to note that the nonverbal cues one employs at times contains a message that is direct while at times the message is hidden, but all in all, these cues end up influencing the outcome of the verbal communication that we are making. It is possible to be saying one thing while our body language could be saying exactly the opposite of what we are saying (Don and John, 17). Nonverbal signals are very vital because they can be used as a very good source of information. They also play a key role in how people connect to and respond to others. But above all, they determine the overall views that others make out of the communication and how one view himself/herself. How body language affects how we see ourselves It is a fact that cannot be disputed that our body language says a lot about ourselves. As human beings, we are interested in what the other persons’ body language says about them because it will basically determine how we are going to interact with them in both the short and the long run. While our nonverbal affect other peoples; how we judge them, and the outcome of the judgment, it is imperative to note that as humans, we are very much influenced by our own nonverbal especially the power dynamics aspect (Amy n.p). That is, the way we express our power and dominance by means of nonverbal expressions. Human beings have this inbuilt tendency to display their accomplishment; that is, pride. We all express pride in one way or another. Through our walking style and the kind of clothes I put on, I express who I am, my feelings, and reveal my status. A well pressed shirt is supposed to give the impression that I am smart, well groomed, clean and organized. Well-polished shoes are supposed to compliment my majestic walking style which shows that I am confident and on the top. All this nonverbal in terms of clothing, grooming and walking style is all supposed to pass the message that I am the best. These nonverbal gestures go a long way in influencing how I feel about myself, they give me a sense of self importance, assurance, and dominance that gives a positive self –image. The study done by Amy Cuddy in collaboration with Dana Carney, with the title “fake it till you make” can be said to be true. Though it has been said that the mind always changes the body, there are times the reverse is true; that is, you can use the body to change the mind. For example, if one wants to feel powerful he does certain things that give him the mental assent that he is powerful. For instance, in my case, the grooming and the dressing code are meant to make me feel in control. In addition, another way to feel powerful is to adopt the powerful pose position. When we want to look powerful , we puff up, we want to look big, we stand tall, lift our heads up, we walk with our shoulder high and our chin straight, we talk with high energy and motivation, and we radiant with vibrancy. What we are basically doing is that we are establishing our dominance, we want to show that we are on the high and that we are in control of things, we are sure of ourselves, and we know what we want. The importance of power dynamics Are all these power dynamics of any assistance? Can the power posing have a really impact on life? The answer to these questions; that is, according to my analysis and support from the research by Amy Cuddy is that…. yes, they do. A point in case where ones’ power dynamics can have an important impact is where they are in for an important decision. In an interview situation, your nonverbal is supposed to show your confidence, and smartness. If you are in position to pull that through in the 30 minutes interview session, then once you get the job, your life is changed forever because of the power dynamics that you employed (Amy n.p). By simply being in a position where you were able to demonstrate your power and dominance, then you are able to change your life. The opposite is also true; if you fail to assert your power dynamics you lose the job, hence will be negatively affected. Conclusion It can therefore be said that just as our mind changes the body, at times we can also use our body to change our minds; the power dynamics aspect. Since this aspect of our nonverbal communication is very important, we ought to take great care of it lest it messes us up. It is also important to remember that people relate to us based on our nonverbal. We should always get this aspect of communication right because it has so much potential to build or to destroy us. Works cited Cuddy, Amy. “Your body language shapes who you are.” TED Conferences, LLC,. 2012, Oct. Web. 24 March 2014. Hellriegel, Don and Slocum John. Organizational Behavior (Edition 13). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, 2010. Print Mullins, Laurie. Management and Organisational Behaviour. Edinburgh: Financial Times Prentice Hall, 2007. Print Read More