Column Chronicles: Negative body language shapes opinions

Negative body language shapes opinions

Frank Cotolo
May 21, 2015

When we don't know someone, we make quick judgments based on negative body language and those opinions sticks with us, mostly because our brain files the information so that we never tell those people to look both ways when they cross the street.

Research done about body language, then, can be damaging to any person that is not careful when meeting someone new, whether that person is interviewing him or her for a job or treating you in a hospital emergency room. Here are some of the body language movements that turn strangers off.

Leaning back - This makes a person appear lazy.

Leaning forward - This makes a person appear too aggressive.

Leaning to the left - This makes a person appear indecisive.

Leaning to the right - This makes a person come off as a white supremacist.

Breaking eye contact too soon - This will make you suspicious of being untrustworthy, disinterested and give the impression you have a weak bladder.

Breaking wind - If it is a silent but deadly one you may get away with it but if it stinks up the room where only two of you sit, the other person will be convinced you are psychosomatic.

Nodding too much - If you tend to nod your head as another person is talking, he or she will feel you are not listening or have lied about having not having same-sex parents.

Crossing your arms - If you cross your arms while listening, it may indicate you are bossy, if you cross your arms while talking, it may indicate you are submissive. If you cross your arms while burning a cross, you may be shot.

Fidgeting - When you move around a lot it makes people think you are nervous and indecisive as well as it may broadcast you are wearing a bomb vest.

Holding your hands behind your back - This makes you look rigid and stiff and could send a suspicion that you hold cock fights in your backyard.

Staring - Almost 99 percent of all people asked about how they feel when strangers stare at them responded that they felt the person staring wanted to lick their armpits to become sexually aroused.

Failing to smile - If you don't smile, people become uncomfortable and if you smile, they get insulted, thinking you are mocking them. All smiles, in general, appear to be forced, so it is best never to smile when meeting someone unless they are dressed like Pope Francis.

Checking the time - You look extremely neurotic if you look at your wrist to check the time of day and you are not wearing a watch.

Always try to have good posture and stand in a neutral position without drooling, whether you sit or stand. Keep your arms on your sides and don't wiggle your fingers. Pay attention without sudden movements; maintain eye contact (if you have a sty, don't blink) and do not hum.

Frank Cotolo can be found hosting the talk and interview programme Cotolo Chronicles. You can send him an e-mail at this address: frank@148.ca.