Verbal communication, the words we use, makes up 35% of how we communicate. Much more significant is our tone; facial expressions, movement, appearance, eye contact and posture, this non-verbal component of communication is 65%. But what influence does our body language have on our own thinking and behaviour?

Social psychologist Amy Cuddy uses this TED talk to present her research to give us more insight to this fascinating subject and tells her own very personal story that led her to take up the research.

Within the talk we learn that:

1. We make judgements about other people based on their body language
2. Many of the postures we have are naturally programmed (people blind from birth display them)
3. Whilst we influence others with our non-verbals - we also influence ourselves and govern how we think and feel about ourselves
4. By being aware of our body language we can change our minds

This talk really caught my attention as a big part of coaching is understanding how our thinking influences our behaviour and in turn our relationships and culture we work in. Cuddy adds another level of awareness to that whole process and the importance of our non-verbal communication to ourselves as well as others.

Have a think about how you are holding yourself and how it then influences your thinking about yourself in that situation. Typical situations are:

• In meetings with your team or with your boss
• In a conflict situation
• Making presentations
• Interviews
• When asking for something
• Talking on the phone

I hope you find the time to look at this. If this makes you aware of something you are doing experiment with a change of posture and see what difference it makes.

Enjoy!

P.S. for those interested in the brain and how it works I recommend Jill Bolte Taylors stroke of insight.