Body Language in Communication

Communication is not limited to words.

Body language, or physiology, has a direct impact on our emotional state and how others perceive us.

According to Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), there is a direct link between our posture, gestures and our emotional state.

For example, the physiology of a person who lacks confidence is a hunched posture, shoulders forward and eyes down.

If we adopt this posture, we are likely to feel depressed or lack confidence.

Conversely, an upright, shoulders-back posture can make us feel more confident.

This bidirectional link is fundamental to understanding how we can use body language to influence our emotions and those of others.

The influence of physiology on emotional state

The connection between physiology and emotional state is so strong that, by adopting the posture of a depressed person, we can become depressed ourselves.

In the same way, it is not possible to smile and feel depressed at the same time.

This shows that by influencing our physiology, we can influence our emotional state.

This technique can be used to improve our mood, for example, when we wake up in the morning feeling down.

Forcing ourselves to adopt an upright posture and smile can make us feel better.

Internal representation and internal dialogue

In addition to physiology, internal representation also influences our emotions.

Internal representation includes the images and dialogue we hold in our mind.

If we constantly visualize negative images or have a critical internal dialogue, our emotional state is likely to be negatively affected.

Conversely, if we visualize our accomplishments and maintain a supportive internal dialogue, our confidence and mood will improve.

Internal dialogue, or that "little voice" in our head, plays a crucial role in how we feel about ourselves and others.

The Importance of Body Language in Interactions

Body language is how we project our internal representation to the world.

If our body language is congruent with what we say, the message will be more credible and convincing.

For example, if a speaker presents himself with an upright posture and open gestures, the audience will perceive him as confident and charismatic, which will increase their confidence.

Conversely, if his posture is stooped and his gestures nervous,