Do you think you know your body language? These 6 myths speak differently

Body language is one of the strongest tools that we use to attach, but is also one of the most misunderstood. Over the years, a handful of popular ideas has change into “principles” – although science tells a more refined story.

Let’s set the record straight to some of the most persistent myths of body language.

Myth No. 1: 93% of communication is non -verbal

You probably heard that communication is 93% non -verbal: 55% body language, 38% tone and only 7% of words. This is sometimes called “7%-38%-55%”. However, this is one of the most badly cited statistics in communication.

The “7%-38%-55%rule” comes from the research of Albert Mehrabian in the Sixties, but the context is crucial. Mehrabian studies studied how people interpret emotions when they conflict with verbal and non -verbal suggestions.

For example, if someone says “I am fine”, but it sounds irritable and looks tense, listeners will consider more often in the tons and body language over the words themselves.

So yes, non -verbal communication matters. It can strengthen or deny our words. However, this is not the whole story. In the day by day conversation – no matter whether we give instructions, sharing ideas or resolving a conflict – words still have significant importance.

Context, tone and body language work to create meaning.

Myth #2: closed body language means you are closed

One of the most “basic” body language suggestions is that a closed body language means defense, resistance or lack of interest. This may include turning from a person or crossing the arms and legs.

However, body language does not work like a control list. People cut weapons for all types of reasons. For example, you can cross your arms to feel comfortable, stay warm or just out of habit.

While reading body language suggestions can provide useful information, it is not at all times reliable and mustn’t be used as such. In addition, the importance of gesture depends largely on the situation and individual.

One attitude does not robotically reveal what someone feels.

Myth #3: Avoiding eye contact implies that someone is lying

The myths of eye contact will be particularly misleading. While some liars can avoid eye contact, many actually maintain more eye contact than usual to look trustworthy. In fact, keeping someone’s look for too long will be a red flag, because it is often a tactic used to the mask of dishonesty.

In addition, cultural norms play a huge role in visual contact. In some countries, constant eye contact is considered respectful; In others, it is perceived as aggressive or deprived of respect. In the case of individuals with social anxiety, autism or some of the features of neurodiave, avoiding eye contact is not a sign of fraud – they simply process interaction.

Myth #4: Power stacking changes your hormones

Perhaps you heard that he’ll stand in the “superman” attitude can immediately increase his confidence by increasing testosterone and lowering cortisol. This claim comes from the study of Amy Cuddy from 2010, which became viral. While the idea caught in business worlds and self-help, control research-in these large ranhill conducted by Eva Ranehill in 2015-they couldn’t recreate hormonal effects.

This does not mean that posing power is worthless. If you hit the daring pose before the presentation helps you feel more confident, go. Just know that it’s probably your way of pondering doing work, not your hormones.

Myth #5: Mirroring is a reliable solution to build a connection

Mirrors or subtly matching someone’s gestures or attitudes can absolutely build a relationship and there are tests to verify this. But it’s a delicate dance. Excessive or obvious mirror can reverse. Nobody desires to feel imitated or ridiculed.

Instead of perceiving mirrors as a trick, think about it as a natural side product of a real connection. When we actually synchronize with someone, we frequently reflect him without even realizing it.

Myth #6: Smiling means you’re glad

We often assume that if someone smiles, they feel joyful, friendly or freely. But smiling, like every word, is not at all times about happiness. People smile when they are nervous, attempting to be polite and even masking discomfort.

There is even a term: a (*6*) smile-a smile that does not appear to the eyes. However, a real, emotional smile (“Spiriten” smile) engages the muscles around the eyes and mouth.

Remember that a smile can signal joy, but it could actually also signal stress, kindness or social pressure. Like all body language, its meaning depends on the context. If you really need to know someone, you have to look beyond the surface. You have to take heed to greater than just your eyes.

So what is the truth?

True is this: body language is not a secret code that you can break with the DOS list and prohibitions. It is fluid, highly contextual and deep under the influence of personality, culture and mood. A smile can hide discomfort. Fidget can mean boredom or excitement. The attitude can signal nerves or is simply comfortable.

If you want to know someone, look beyond one gesture. Give yourself to the whole person – in their tone, their words and the situation. Most importantly, keep in mind that even trained professionals can read the signals badly. Authenticity will be imitated, but not ceaselessly. The truth at all times goes through.