The fact is the body doesn’t lie (unless you’re really, really good).
If body language accounts for some 85% of our nonverbal communication (as many claim) and if we believe what we see/read (as in “I’m reading your expressions”) over what we hear, then we HAVE to pay attention to what our bodies are saying while we’re addressing the public — or anyone.
We HAVE to make our bodies match “the words that are coming out of my mouth,” to quote a funny Rush Hour line by Chris Tucker’s character.
We look for sincerity, genuineness, consistency and believability for starters. And when facial expressions do not align with the words, guess what people typically believe? What they see. What your body is communicating.
Actors are masters at body-word alignment. Most executives I’ve trained are not (great people but they have other strengths), which is another reason why we impress the value of speaking the truth to each client facing the media, investors, employees, etc. Then the body falls in line with words spoken. Problem solved.
The truth. Once again, the best option.
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