New Purpose Wellbeing Challenge!

What’s Your Body Language Telling Me?

Most experts agree that a big piece of communication is non-verbal. Make sure you are sending the message you want to send.

The Challenge

Listen to the Radical Candor podcast, What’s Your Body Language Telling Me? Then, evaluate how you are currently using body language.

Sometimes, what we say isn’t really what we are trying to communicate. We may intend one thing, but our body language reveals something completely different. When it comes to interacting with a supervisor, colleague, family member or friend, body language can make or break your message. What is it that you’re saying with your body language?

The Radical Candor podcast had some great things to say on this topic, including some tips to keep in mind when communicating and giving feedback to others:

Tip 1: When giving feedback, watch the person’s reaction… and adjust.

Tip 2: Don’t hide from emotion.

Tip 3: Pay attention to how you’re sitting.

Tip 4: Use body language to be more confident.

We challenge you to try this ¬during your next meeting – whether that be a staff meeting, PTA event or family gathering – take a quick assessment of your non-verbals:

• What is your facial expression sharing with the world? Happiness? Surprise? Confusion? Excitement? Contempt? Eyes are often referred to as, "windows to the soul”… what are your eyes showing? Are you frequently making or breaking eye contact? Are you distracted, uncomfortable or stressed?

• What is your body language saying that you are not? If your arms are crossed, you may be sending the message that you are defensive, self-protective or closed-off. Are you fidgeting with your hands, hair or clothing? Are you fiddling with a pen or shredding paper? If so, you may be sending signals that you are anxious or uncomfortable in the environment.

• What about your mouth expressions and movements? If you are chewing your bottom lip, you may indicate that you are experiencing feelings of worry, fear or insecurity. If your lips are pursed, you might be indicating distaste, disapproval or distrust.

After you do a quick check of your own body language, observe the non-verbal communication of those around you. What message are they sending with their body language?

The next time you interact with someone – your supervisor, a team member or neighbor – put some of these tips from Radical Candor to practice!

Tools Needed

Internet connection and Radical Candor podcast link.

Get Together

Identify areas of nonverbal communication that you would like to work on and practice addressing it the next time you’re with a Sister. For example, if you struggle with keeping eye contact, challenge yourself to hold eye contact for 10 seconds at a time during conversation.

Report Participation

Document your participation in A Clear Vision of Life: The Wellbeing Program and be entered to win a challenge incentive! Click here to let us know you completed this Challenge.