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Professional impact analysis: How are you perceived by other people?

Sep 7, 2023 | Body Language, Charisma, Communication Skills, Personality, Presentation Skills, Voice

Professional impact analysis: How are you perceived by other people?

How do you and your messages affect the audience?
17 hints that someone is a manipulator

Self-perception and impact analysis

 

How do you affect people in conversations, speeches, and presentations, in interviews? We all have our blind spots. It is a good reason because for experts, company representatives, and politicians, the impact analysis is part of the preparation of a speech, presentation, statement, interview, or discussion. To explore the effect before the real event has a lot of advantages. How do you and your message affect your audience?

Overview

 

Do you know how you affect other people?

 

How do you interact with other people when you meet them? For example, how do you communicate in meetings and presentations? We communicate constantly. Yes, you too! And even if you do not intend to. Whether we want it or not; much of what we do or do not do is perceived and interpreted by others. Your messages are not always understood as you want them to be.

 

 

 

Professional impact analysis

 

For experts, many professional company spokespersons, company representatives, and politicians, the impact analysis is part of the preparation of a performance, such as speeches, presentations, statements, interviews, and discussions. So you can explore the effect even before the performance in front of an audience. This will tell you in advance how you and your message will be perceived.

 

 

 

Honest and constructive feedback

 

The more influential your position in a company is, the more you are under observation. Then every moment becomes an appearance in front of an audience. Every detail gets meaning. Whether in the media, at events, and even in seemingly private situations; every word that is said and omitted can be interpreted. Every detail shapes the image that the public has in mind about you and your message.

  • How do you affect others?
  • How are you understood?
  • Which image do you convey?
  • In which aspects can you improve?

 

I will give you a useful picture of how you are perceived in public. This is particularly beneficial for executives and representatives of companies, associations, and political parties.

 

 

 

Impact analysis

 

Just a few thoughtless words in front of the audience, microphone, and camera can have consequences. For this reason, it is worthwhile to prepare carefully for important situations. For many professional company spokespersons, company representatives, and politicians, the impact analysis is part of the preparation.

Even many experienced speakers are not so experienced when it comes to media appearances. It does not belong to everyday life for everyone. To master such situations you need to be sovereign in front of the camera and in studio situations, provocative journalist questions, and vehement attacks of an opponent in a debate or podium discussion.

Better safe than sorry. Afterward, we are often smarter, but then it is a bit too late. Better: An impact analysis provides a speaker with professional feedback before the actual event. Get feedback before the critics get their turn. Why should you take unnecessary risks? Why should you give up a successful performance? Prepare for crucial situations. Rehearse. Get feedback for it. This allows you to experience the impact beforehand and to optimize it if necessary.

 

 

 

Elements of impact analysis

 

  • Voice
  • Body language
  • Stage presence, enthusiasm, and credibility
  • Choice of words and style
  • Emotional response
  • Arguments and strategy
  • Red thread and structure
  • Key messages
  • Professional repartee
  • Risk analysis
  • Foreseeable effects
  • Act in front of a microphone and camera
  • Dealing with provocative questions and attacks

 

 

 

Your impact analysis

 

How are you perceived, and what can you improve to convincingly present yourself and your message?

Based on your impact analysis, you receive recommendations that help you to optimize your appearance. If you wish, you will receive targeted support for your sovereignty, charisma, and self-marketing for speeches and media appearances. I support you from the impact analysis, and optimization up to the dress rehearsal, or even the accompaniment to the performance. You decide!

The impact analysis can be booked individually for 60 minutes or is the beginning of more comprehensive support for the preparation of an event. This is also possible with sessions via telephone or with video support.

You decide how extensive the analysis is. Many factors affect how you are perceived. Here are examples:

 

 

 

1. Direct analysis

 

A brief meeting is enough to get your first feedback on how you affect other people. You will learn from me immediately a lot about your verbal and body language effects, as well as ways to improve.

 

 

 

2. Evaluation of events

 

In addition to the direct analysis, various sources can be consulted; Recordings of interviews, TV appearances, speeches, social media, etc.

 

 

 

3. Qualitative interviews

 

Qualitative interviews with relevant target groups are used to analyze interesting aspects.

Then you will receive your personal and honest impact analysis. The whole truth or perception of your person!

 

 

 

4. Feedback

 

With this feedback and recommendations, you’ll have what you need to know when you choose to balance expectations with you and your demeanor to reach and convince your audience.

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional help?

If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose whether you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. That is why you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees and getting to know me. If you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.

 

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

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Related articles

 

P.S.

 

How well do you actually know yourself? What would you like to know about yourself and how you are perceived by other people?

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To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.

 Socrates

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 27, 2009
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/wie-wirken-sie-wirklich/
K:
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T: RR
#1890

17 tips for facial expressions in speeches and presentations

Aug 25, 2023 | Body Language, Communication Skills, Personality, Presentation Skills

17 tips for facial expressions in speeches and presentations

What public speakers should know about facial expressions
Facial expression

The importance of facial expressions in public speaking

 

When the topic of body language appears in presentation skills training, the question comes up “Where to put my hands while speaking?”

Mimic is discussed rarely, if at all, with the hint of having a smile on your face. This is a pity because facial expressions can support the message. When facial expressions aren’t right, they can cause damage. What does not fit the personality and role of the speaker is unintentionally funny, damages credibility, and distracts.

This article deals with what it is worth paying attention to as a speaker concerning facial expressions.

Overview

Body language, facial expressions, and public speaking

 

In addition to the content of the speech, as a verbal part, the way of presentation and the non-verbal behavior are of particular importance. These include gestures, eye contact, eye direction, body tension, leg posture, volume, intonation, and, often forgotten, pauses. Pauses before a message produce tension and after a message, they let the message work. In modern rhetoric, facial expressions have become less important than in the past. A facial expression that is too pronounced quickly has a theatrical and posed effect on the audience.

 

 

 

So facial expressions are no longer important?

 

Mimic is important because public speakers who want to convince have to be authentic. And that includes lively facial expressions. Instead of orienting the facial expressions to Asian theater masks or the pantomime from the pedestrian zone, Method-Acting delivers better results. If you mean what you say, this also includes the corresponding emotional states. If you experience inwardly with all your senses what you verbalize, then your face provides the appropriate facial expression anyway. At least as long as you haven’t stopped it with nerve poison against wrinkles.

Leave that deadpan expression to poker players and some politicians. A good presenter realizes that appropriate facial expressions are a significant part of effective communication. Facial expressions are often the key determinant of the meaning behind the message. The audience is watching a speaker’s face during a presentation. When you speak, your face tells more clearly than any other part of your body about your attitudes, feelings, and emotions.

17 tips for facial expressions in your speeches and presentations

 

Your impact as a speaker depends heavily on your body language. You probably have control over the words you speak, are you sure you have control over what you say with your body language?

 

 

 

1. Authentic, authentic, authentic

 

Effective body language supports the message and conveys a strong image of the speaker. Anything that does not fit the personality and role of a public speaker and the message will unintentionally appear funny, damage credibility, and distract from the content and message. Those who mean what they say can automatically display the appropriate facial expressions. This is a frequent topic in my presentation training. Few speakers know how they affect the audience. Professional analysis is very revealing here.

 

 

 

2. Smiling is contagious

 

Unfortunately, many people lose their lively facial expressions under the pressure of speaking in front of an audience. Their faces solidify into a mask. Free your face right at the beginning. For example, when you are welcoming the audience, smile!

With a smile or even a laugh, it is easier to build a bridge with other people. This looks open and friendly. A real smile comes from within and is based on the right mental attitude and not on a mask. Such a permanent grin looks different from a real smile, which is called a Duchenne smile. The Duchenne smile is named after Guillaume Duchenne, a French anatomist who studied many expressions of emotion, focusing on the smile of pure enjoyment. He identified the facial movements that make this genuine smile different from artificial types of smiles. A Duchenne smile is a natural smile of enjoyment, made by contracting the zygomatic major muscle and the orbicularis oculi muscle. In my words; the mouth, the eyes, and the wrinkles around the eyes are involved, and the smile, the cheeks lifting.

 

 

 

3. Emotions

 

It is the presenter’s connection to the words that can bring them to life for the audience. Experience inwardly intensively what you want to convey, and the facial expressions will reflect it. Less is more! Please do not grimace.

 

 

 

4. Lead with your gaze

 

The audience will register where you’re looking. In this way, you can direct the attention of the audience with your gaze. Look where the audience should look.

And be careful with misunderstandings. If you keep looking at the door, it will look as if you would like to escape.

 

 

 

5. Eye contact is connecting

 

If they don’t fit, they can undermine any of your words.

Good speakers know how important facial expressions are. Effective presenters engage one person at a time, focusing long enough to complete a natural phrase and watch it sink in for a moment. With a smile, they convey appreciation to the audience.

Keep looking at all faces, and be attentive. Return a smile. Use clues such as a frown as an occasion to repeat or inquire about a statement in other words.

 

 

 

6. Pulling up the corners of your mouth on one side

 

Some facial expressions can irritate. One-sided lifting of the corners of the mouth can be interpreted as a sign of superiority, and the speaker is then accused of arrogance or cynicism.

 

 

 

7. Enduring smile

 

A permanent smile seems artificial, complacent, or even debilitating. Speakers don’t do themselves any favors.

Such behavior is reminiscent of bad show presenters or used car salesmen from US films. If you smile without a break, you make your counterpart suspicious. Beware of bad facial expressions, i.e. a superimposed smile.

If there are moments during your speech when you want to make the audience think, then that doesn’t fit. When you put on an artificial smile, nobody takes you seriously.

 

 

 

8. A tense jaw

 

Someone who presses their teeth vigorously against each other may look angry and aggressive, or at least cramped.

 

 

 

9. Smiling and showing teeth

 

What is more common in the USA is more irritating in Germany, for example, than piranha smiles. Superficiality and an unfair sales mentality are easily assumed.

 

 

 

10. Grasping the nose or the mouth

 

Do not touch your nose, mouth, or chin during your speech. This is a classic sign of insecurity and is quickly perceived as negative by your audience. Since Pinocchio this has been considered a sign of lies, and why should you voluntarily sow doubt?

 

 

 

11. Other delicate facial expressions

 

In my articles, Body Language Soothes or harms in delicate situations and 12 tips on how to promote confidence through body language, you will find advice on how body language can help and how it can hurt.

 

 

 

12. Adapt your facial expressions to the size of the group.

 

As your audience grows, your facial expressions should become more pronounced. If the audience in the last row is not able to read your face, your facial expression will be perceived as a neutral expression and thus as your lack of interest.

 

 

 

13. Explore the effect of facial expressions

 

The facial expression usually has a small part in the presentation, which is why its role tends to be underestimated. It plays an important role in convincing the speaker and the message. It is worth exploring the impact.

 

Using all the various muscles that precisely control the mouth, lips, eyes, nose, forehead, and jaw, the human face is estimated to be capable of more than 10,000 different expressions. Explore different ways to use facial expressions. Start with the most common facial expressions and emotions.

There are seven universally recognized emotions shown through facial expressions:

  • anger
  • disgust
  • contempt
  • fear
  • happiness
  • sadness
  • surprise

 

Regardless of culture, these expressions are the same all over the world. They may differ in intensity.

 

 

 

14. Observe your audience

 

Just as your facial expressions provide insight into your emotions, your audience’s facial expressions provide insight into their emotional world.

Read the facial expressions of your audience. If the audience’s expressions are expressionless, for example, there is a possibility that they are intellectually elsewhere because they are bored. Or their facial expressions convey joy and excitement, or they are eagerly receptive or…

By reading your audience’s facial expressions, you are better able to make spontaneous decisions and adjustments to capture attention.

 

 

 

15. Using a lectern or manuscript

 

Wherever your speech manuscript is located, whether as a pile of paper on the lectern or as key point cards in your hand, always avoid looking at the notes all the time. Learn from me how to keep in touch with the audience.

 

 

 

16. Practice, practice, practice

 

As with any presentation skill, facial expression requires practice to develop it to be both authentic and effective. Presenters who care deeply about their message tend to use their entire bodies to support the message.

Practice your presentation and the things you have experienced with me in front of a mirror to concentrate exclusively on your facial expressions during a rehearsal. While practicing in front of the mirror, see if your facial expressions convey the mood you want to create. If your face isn’t showing any emotion, stop, refocus, and do it again. This will help you to explore your expression playfully. The best way to do this is with professional support.

 

 

 

17. Support

 

As a professional speech coach, I will not practice masks with you but will point out potential misunderstandings and promote corresponding situations from within.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard, and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered.

Do you want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least, I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do, and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby, there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience, and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with suggestions for improvement​

 

How persuasive are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you at the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, and numerous mistakes of my own, most of which I only discovered after a delay, I can tell you exactly what works with which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to persuade your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? If so, here is how to get helpful feedback with recommendations for improving your speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional help?

If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose whether you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. That is why you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees and getting to know me. If you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.

 

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

What do you pay attention to in facial expressions during conversations, speeches, and presentations?

Presenters who care deeply about their message tend to use their entire bodies to support the message. - Karsten Noack

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Body language: What can actually be read from the eyes? Not only wishes!

Body language: What can actually be read from the eyes? Not only wishes!

What can be read from the eyes? More than wishes! The eyes have a big part in human facial expressions. There is a reason why the eyes are called the mirror of the soul. They reveal a lot about our feelings and thoughts, no matter if we want it or not. Eyes can smile, radiate joy, permeate, agree, question, doubt or reject. Learn to read body language.

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This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 27, 2019
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: October 6, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/rhetorik-mimik-koerpersprache/
K:
H:
T: RR
#124710

Beware of manipulation: Intentional mirroring in conversations

Nov 28, 2021 | Body Language, Decision Making, Manipulation

Beware of manipulation: Intentional mirroring in conversations

How to protect yourself from being manipulated
Manipulation

Intentional mirroring in conversations

 

Intentional mirroring is the deliberate imitation of other people to make them feel good. It serves to promote rapport and can also be used against the interests of the mirrored.

Overview

The language is given to man to hide his thoughts.

Charles Maurice de Talleyrand

Birds of a feather flock together

 

Surprisingly fast, some people are likable, without it being really clear why. In the presence of such people, we simply feel comfortable, so we seek their presence. In a shorter time than normal, we gain confidence. But it can be, that we deceive ourselves badly. Perhaps it is due to appropriate techniques, such as deliberate mirroring.

When people are of the same mind, they show similar posture, and similar gestures and their behavior also resembles each other amazingly.

Intentional mirroring is the deliberate imitation of other people to make them feel comfortable. It is used to promote rapport and can be used in the interests of the mirrored and also against their interests. It is therefore a technique with the intention of manipulation. Some contemporaries use this circumstance for it also, in order to deceive other humans, to manipulate and exploit. They study and copy the peculiarities, such as the language, opinions, and body language, to mirror the behavior. Speech rate, gestures, body position, facial expressions, volume, or breathing are mirrored and in this way they make their victims feel comfortable. They are then easier to influence.

 

 

 

 

NLP

 

In Neurolinguistic Programming, mirroring is called pacing. This technique is basically quite simple, and after it is taught in basic training, conversational partners are mimicked for practice. For it to work, the application must be quite subtle. In the zeal and lack of sensitivity, however, many interlocutors are so obviously mirrored that they feel aped and made fun of. Then it has exactly the opposite effect, generates aggression, and leads to the deterioration or even the termination of communication.

 

 

 

 

However…

 

These techniques can also be used to ensure that sufficient rapport is fostered despite difficult initial conditions, thus enabling positive developments. It is, like with all tools, a double-edged sword. Opportunities and risks are close together. Without moral aptitude, the best technique degenerates into something bad.

 

 

 

It is also a natural phenomenon

 

In body language, this is referred to as “mirroring”; in English, it is called “mirroring”. The unconscious variant is a natural behavior of people. People who are close and familiar with each other do it all by themselves.

Do you want to expand your knowledge and skills?

 

If you want to expand your knowledge and skills, come to my training, and I’ll show you how to identify, ward off and even use advanced manipulation techniques yourself. I recommend 2 to 5 hours for this worthwhile topic.

Be ready for important conversations and negotiations

 

Communication can be easy. But often it is not. Sometimes we say one thing and then realize later, based on the other person's reaction, that they were talking to someone else. With the best will in the world, I didn't say that. - Or did I?

More or less consciously, conversations are about convincing other people of something - be it a special offer, your personality, a perspective, or a necessity. If this doesn't happen quickly enough, and above all, if it isn't precise and vivid, the other person quickly loses interest, and we lose the hoped-for opportunity. - The conversation has failed.

You can let me help you prepare for your meetings and negotiations (to be on the safe side: no legal advice!). Find out how you and your message are perceived (arguments, body language, language, voice, and much more). I will train you effective tools and communication strategies. Develop your psychological skills, learn to stay calm, act confidently, remain authentic, and ultimately convince.

Preparing for important conversations and negotiations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional help?

If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose whether you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. That is why you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees and getting to know me. If you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.

 

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

Have you already become acquainted with this technique of intentional mirroring? Up to what point do you find its use legitimate and where does it become unethical?

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Body language: What can actually be read from the eyes? Not only wishes!

Body language: What can actually be read from the eyes? Not only wishes!

What can be read from the eyes? More than wishes! The eyes have a big part in human facial expressions. There is a reason why the eyes are called the mirror of the soul. They reveal a lot about our feelings and thoughts, no matter if we want it or not. Eyes can smile, radiate joy, permeate, agree, question, doubt or reject. Learn to read body language.

read more
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Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing. Albert Schweitzer

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 20, 2016
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: October 6, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/manipulationstechniken-erkennen/
K:
Ü: Review required
#131484

Body language: What can actually be read from the eyes? Not only wishes!

Aug 25, 2021 | Body Language, Manipulation

Body language: What can actually be read from the eyes? Not only wishes!

Learn to read body language: the eyes
Nicht nur Wünsche lassen sich von den Augen ablesen

Look into my eyes!

 

What can be read from the eyes? More than wishes! The eyes have a big part in human facial expressions. There is a reason why the eyes are called the mirror of the soul. They reveal a lot about our feelings and thoughts, no matter if we want them or not. Eyes can smile, radiate joy, permeate, agree, question, doubt or reject. Learn to read body language.

Overview

When the eyes say one thing, and the tongue another, a practiced man relies on the language of the first.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

What the eyes can tell 

 

The eyes have a big part in human facial expressions. Apart from the people with dark or mirrored sunglasses, visual signals are quite easy to recognize and interpret. There is a reason why the eyes are called the mirror of the soul. They reveal much about our feelings and thoughts, whether we like them or not. Eyes can smile, radiate joy, permeate, agree, question, doubt or reject. A cursing gaze can even hurt other people without supernatural powers.

 

 

 

Why paying attention to eye contact?

 

You only see well with the heart, the essential is invisible to the eyes.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

 

Why is it worthwhile dealing with the topic of eye contact? Because people often have unspoken goals with their eye contact:

  • The search for further information
  • Expression of attention and interest
  • Endeavoring to influence, dominate or deter other people
  • Provide feedback
  • Invitation and control of human interactions
  • Something is to be hidden

 

 

 

Interpretations: Read from the eyes

 

A gaze can hit and even hurt other people. There is the withering look and some even wish that looks could kill. Sometimes the eyes say something other than the conscious mind-controlled words that leave the mouth. That’s another reason why it’s worth watching.

For the following body signals, I have added a selection of possible interpretations. Important in the analysis of body language: always calibrate well and evaluate the clues in clusters. Only then can well-founded working theses be developed.

You can use the elements yourself in your body language. Insofar as the signals are consciously controllable, you can decide for yourself whether they support your intended message or not.

 

 

1. Avoiding eye contact

 

Possible interpretations: Someone is looking for an alternative and escape possibilities.

If a situation is perceived as unpleasant or even dangerous, eye contact is often avoided. This is also because of self-confidence. In the assessment, the previous calibration helps.

 

 

 

2. Longer compressing of the eyelids

 

Possible interpretation: Someone got scared.

If the eyes are closed for longer than is the usual lid reflex, this may be due to too bright a light or a more violent shock. In the latter case, sufferers often want to close their eyes to reality.

 

 

 

3. The direction of view

 

 

a.) A lowered gaze outside of conversations

 

Possible interpretation: disinterest

Outside of a conversation someone in the environment lowers the view or does not respond at all to the attempt to make eye contact, then there is no interest on his part (at least for the moment).

 

 

b.) A lowered gaze during conversations

 

Possible interpretations: malaise, insecurity, lies

If someone lowers their eyes during a conversation, it can be an indication that they are feeling uncomfortable. Eye contact is omitted, to give no evidence of lies. But as often mentioned; these are clues, not clear proofs.

 

 

c.) An oblique gaze

 

Possible interpretation: It means appraising restraint

An oblique gaze often signals to appraise restraint and is often deliberately used.

 

 

d.) Eyes to the ground

 

Possible interpretations: insecurity, ignorance or provocation

If the gaze goes steadily or frequently to the ground, moves restlessly back and forth, seems to be looking for something, the eyes are pulled together, the eyebrows are raised or are demonstratively turned in a different direction – then they are indications for insecurity, ignorance or also for provocation.

 

 

e.) The degree of eye-opening

 

Possible interpretations: interest, concentration, sleep deficit

The degree of eye-opening allows conclusions about how alert someone is. Open eyes indicate interest, contracted eyes indicate concentration.

 

 

 

4. Focusing with the eyes

 

 

a.) The focus on something

 

Possible interpretation: concentration

Concentration instantly stiffens the neck to focus on one point.

 

 

 

5. Staring

 

Possible interpretations: aggression or shock reaction

Stare is very often an attack reaction. It is often perceived as aggressive and threatening due to this target fixation. It can also be a shock reaction in which someone is so frozen that the gaze freezes and can not be averted.

 

 

 

6. Pupils

 

 

a.) The pupil dilation

 

There were times when women dribbled the juice of the nightshade into their eyes to dilate the pupils. The belladonna is therefore also called Artopa Belladonna (beautiful woman) because dilated pupils are considered more attractive and are registered unconsciously. Without such manipulation, one can guess how attracted someone feels about what he is looking at.

 

Possible interpretations: joy, pleasure, sympathy
If great pleasure is felt, then eyes and pupils enlarge. Some poker players wear sunglasses to hide their reactions to a good hand.

 

 

 

7. The blinking of the eyes

 

 

a.) Uneasy blinking

 

Normal is a blink frequency of 10 to 20 times per minute.

Possible interpretations: insecurity, surprise, stress, lies

An uneasy wink prevents longer eye contact and thus has little trustworthiness. More adrenaline is released during lying, resulting in increased eyelid beat. This stress reaction can have other triggers.

 

 

b.) Very rare blinking

 

Possible interpretation: boredom

An unusually low blink frequency of the listener in certain phases of conversations and presentations indicates that they have lost their attention. However, very few speakers register this.

 

 

 

8. Eyebrows

 

Only the interplay of eyebrows and eyes allows interpretations within clusters (a combination of possible hints).

 

 

a.) Eyes and eyebrows are pinched.

 

Often it is smiled on one side, so only one corner of the mouth is pulled up or only one side pulls inwards.

Possible interpretations: skepticism and contempt
The gaze is so focused and concentrated; someone is gazing skeptically.

 

 

b.) Eyebrows go down and eyes narrow

 

The eyebrows are pulled down and the eyes narrow, while the upper eyelids often raise and contract. The otherwise curved lower eyelid straightens while, below the eyelid are small wrinkles.

Possible interpretation: anger
The more pronounced the facial expressions, the greater the annoyance.

 

 

c.) The simultaneous lifting and contracting of the eyebrows.

 

Possible interpretations: grief and anger
Simultaneous lifting and contracting of eyebrows are common in people who are mourning and annoyed.

 

 

d.) Temporary raising of the eyebrows, where the eyes continue to open

 

While the eyebrows are pulled up, wrinkles in the forehead area usually form. Possible interpretations: an expression of joyous surprise and increased attention. If the surprise is greater, the chin also lowers. Sometimes so far that the mouth opens.

 

 

e.) Eyebrows raised in combination with a slight lift of the head

 

Possible interpretation: disapproval

 

 

 

9. Spontaneously developed wrinkles around the eyes with a laughing mouth

 

Possible interpretation: Real laugh

A true smile (Duchenne smile) involves many muscles. It is accompanied by the lowering of the eyebrows and the activation of the muscles around the eye (Orbicularis oculi). In contrast, the simulated smile does not activate the muscles around the eyes. Often a false smile breaks off abruptly or gradually disappears from the face.

 

 

 

10. Eye movements

 

With generalizations, that is often such a thing. Unfortunately, the concept of eye access, from NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), is often misunderstood. Often, things are too simplistic: when a person says the truth, he looks to the left. If he lies, his eyes move to the right. But that’s not how it works in practice. In reality, it is a bit more complex. Few users calibrate neatly enough and do not have the flexibility to use such hints.

Who mastered the concept, receives many additional hints up to insights into the personal thinking strategies of interlocutors.

 

Augenzugangshinweise

 

Recommendations for your eye contact

 

Eyes speak volumes. A look can say more than a thousand words. It is therefore advisable to give interlocutors an open view for a few seconds, accompanied by a contagious friendly smile.

A friendly open look makes listeners feel positive. Those who do not pay any attention to other people are considered arrogant and unsympathetic. Those who want to convince people of themselves and their offers benefit from good eye contact. But beware of too-long eye contact. This can easily be interpreted as staring, crossing the border, and being rude. Who fixes someone too long and too intensely, is quickly regarded as threatening and aggressive.

In principle, it is easy. You communicate with your eyes what’s going on in you. If you are excited about something, your eyes will sparkle and that is contagious!

Be ready for important conversations and negotiations

 

Communication can be easy. But often it is not. Sometimes we say one thing and then realize later, based on the other person's reaction, that they were talking to someone else. With the best will in the world, I didn't say that. - Or did I?

More or less consciously, conversations are about convincing other people of something - be it a special offer, your personality, a perspective, or a necessity. If this doesn't happen quickly enough, and above all, if it isn't precise and vivid, the other person quickly loses interest, and we lose the hoped-for opportunity. - The conversation has failed.

You can let me help you prepare for your meetings and negotiations (to be on the safe side: no legal advice!). Find out how you and your message are perceived (arguments, body language, language, voice, and much more). I will train you effective tools and communication strategies. Develop your psychological skills, learn to stay calm, act confidently, remain authentic, and ultimately convince.

Preparing for important conversations and negotiations

P.S.

 

What do you watch out for when you talk?

Related articles

 

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What can be read from the eyes? More than wishes! The eyes have a big part in human facial expressions. There is a reason why the eyes are called the mirror of the soul. They reveal a lot about our feelings and thoughts, no matter if we want it or not. Eyes can smile, radiate joy, permeate, agree, question, doubt or reject. Learn to read body language.

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Eyes are windows to the soul.

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 1, 2011
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#183

Speaking with your hands in your pockets during conversations, speeches and presentations?

Mar 30, 2020 | Body Language, Communication Skills, Presentation Skills

Speaking with your hands in your pockets during conversations, speeches and presentations?

Just put your hands in your pants?
Nicht nur Wünsche lassen sich von den Augen ablesen

Just put your hands in your pockets during a presentation?

 

Where to put your hands in conversations and during presentations? Just put your hands in your trouser pockets and the problem is solved. Many inexperienced speakers think this is quite a good idea at the beginning. I (and most of the audience) don’t think it’s so good. Why? This question will be answered.

Overview

 

Having the hands in your pocket during a presentation

 

Since I can remember, almost in every introductory workshop of presentation skills someone asks a question about the hands and where they belong in conversations, speeches, and presentations.

A very popular question is whether the hands belong in the trouser pockets or not. Many workshop participants consider this to be quite a good idea. I think about it differently.

 

 

 

Why this isn’t a good idea?

 

Here are five reasons not to put your hands in the pockets of your trousers while speaking.

 

 

 

1. It leads to irritation

 

The unexplainable frequent digging around in the depths of the trouser pockets inspires the viewer’s imagination and thus distracts from the originally intended message.

The audience cannot know what you are doing there. They have no idea that you are just asking your lucky charm for help because of your stage fright.

 

 

 

2. It increases mistrust

 

Open palms promote trust, hidden hands mistrust.

 

 

 

3. It reduces gestures

 

Having your hands in your pockets prevents convincing body language. How can appropriate gestures support the message when the hands are gone? Good gestures require both hands.

 

 

 

4. It sends the wrong signal

 

Keeping your hands in your pockets is also a gesture that indicates that you are afraid, unsure, or not interested in the presentation. Is that what you want to convey to the audience?

 

 

 

5. It demonstrates a lack of respect

 

It is perhaps intended to look casual. Some of your audience members might find it rude towards them. It may upset them.

 

 

 

Where else can I put my hands?

 

Where else can I put my hands? Coherent gestures underline credibility, illustrate and strengthen arguments. This is precisely why the hands belong in the audience’s field of vision. I recommend individual starting positions for the hands. These can then be internalized in everyday situations, and this promotes natural gestures. What is suitable for one person is far from being suitable for another.

 

 

 

Be careful

 

General recipes often do more harm than good. An example of such a mishap is the Merkel rhombus. It has become a trademark. Some call it a running gag, but that does not make it a recommendation — on the contrary.

 

 

 

More?

 

Do you want more suggestions for where to put your hands and how to develop strong gestures? You’ll get them from me in many of my articles. Have fun with it!

Be ready for important conversations and negotiations

 

Communication can be easy. But often it is not. Sometimes we say one thing and then realize later, based on the other person's reaction, that they were talking to someone else. With the best will in the world, I didn't say that. - Or did I?

More or less consciously, conversations are about convincing other people of something - be it a special offer, your personality, a perspective, or a necessity. If this doesn't happen quickly enough, and above all, if it isn't precise and vivid, the other person quickly loses interest, and we lose the hoped-for opportunity. - The conversation has failed.

You can let me help you prepare for your meetings and negotiations (to be on the safe side: no legal advice!). Find out how you and your message are perceived (arguments, body language, language, voice, and much more). I will train you effective tools and communication strategies. Develop your psychological skills, learn to stay calm, act confidently, remain authentic, and ultimately convince.

Preparing for important conversations and negotiations

P.S.

 

What do you do with your hands during a conversation, speech or presentation?

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What can be read from the eyes? More than wishes! The eyes have a big part in human facial expressions. There is a reason why the eyes are called the mirror of the soul. They reveal a lot about our feelings and thoughts, no matter if we want it or not. Eyes can smile, radiate joy, permeate, agree, question, doubt or reject. Learn to read body language.

read more
Read more
blank

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 30, 2020
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: April 15, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#787

Body language expert explains Trump’s awkward day at the NATO Summit

May 27, 2017 | Body Language, Media Competence

Body Language Expert Explains Trump's Awkward Day At The NATO Summit

Donald Trump, Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, Duško Marković and some handshakes
Body Language Expert Explains Trump's Awkward Day At The NATO Summit

Trump’s body language at the NATO Summit

 

It may be mere speculation that Donald Trump is compensating for something. Yes, certain behavior may give that impression. Let me analyze Donald Trump’s body language when he met Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, Duško Marković and other leaders at the NATO Summit in Brussels.

 

 

 

Overview

 

 

 

 

Donald Trump’s alpha male body language tics

 

It may be mere speculation that Donald Trump is compensating for something. Yes, certain behavior may give that impression.

I guess most people agree that Trump wants to be seen as an alpha male. We needn’t have to look further than to his body language to confirm that. It seems to be so important to him — that his desperate desire appears more often as insecurity than as a sign of strength. Someone with strong self-confidence wouldn’t do it like that. Even though it is good to remember former US presidents; most of them showed some kind of bit strange alpha male behavior — even Barack Obama. That’s how US-Presidents do it! But all that is harmless in comparison to Donald Trump’s strange behavior and all the handshake gates. His special handshake style came under media scrutiny after meetings with the Japanese and Canadian leaders.

 

 

 

Welcome

 

As far as Macron’s concerned, Merkel is the most important person in the line-up, and she is a female. When he swerves towards her, you can see Trump’s concentrated mimic as if he is thinking “Stop, wait for a second — I’m the most important person here.” Usually, in any line-up, you’d go first to the person who demands the most respect. In Macron’s eyes that seems to be Merkel and Trump is not pleased.

Right after Macron swerves, Trump and the French leader shared a painful-looking handshake that just went on and on.

What Trump is doing in that situation is showing Macron who’s the boss. It’s another aggressive move by Trump; he’s pulling Macron towards his face, and he’s saying, “You will do what I want, whether you like it or not.” We can see Macron trying to get away from the awkward situation by putting his arms on Trump to stop him from pulling him inwards.

 

 

 

The 2nd handshake

 

Macron appeared to be ready for Trump when they met for lunch at the US embassy in Brussels ahead of a NATO summit. As if the first handshake wasn’t awkward enough, the pair locked hands for so long that their knuckles started turning white during another exchange.

When Trump met Emmanuel Macron, those alpha males presented us with some funny moments. Trump — used to power plays to underline his masculinity and status with every public appearance — was the underdog this time. We have seen a power play during the handshakes. Testosterone and an iron grip later, Trump tried to escape a situation he usually initiates. We can see it in the video; the knuckles of both are getting white, a mini arm wrestling, all muscles tight; we see their jaws clenching and faces tightening. Then Trump finally seemed ready to pull away. And the winner — if we allow us to see it as a competition — is Emmanuel Macron.

 

 

 

Body check

 

Mr. Trump pushed — or should I say slapped — aside the prime minister of Montenegro, Mr. Duško Marković, to get in the front row. He seemed to be angry about the situation. It is such an aggressive, bullying gesture by Trump. I think it displays his very high sense of entitlement. Right after Trump managed to push Markovic away, he showed an unnatural mimic and bossy behavior, he pushes his head back and just his chin out. That is a very arrogant pose to be in because it means you’re looking down at people. Something that is neither appropriate nor a signal of natural confidence.

In any situation where Trump feels mildly threatened, he goes into that pose. It seems to be a learned behavior. After standing in that arrogant position, he then displays a very vulnerable pose by going into the fig leaf. You only really get into the fig leaf pose — where you cover a very vulnerable part of the body — when you start to feel vulnerable. Maybe the woman he was talking to said something negative about him. Look at his face; he looks like a kid being told off.

Support for your media presence

 

>You want to make the most of the opportunity. Do you want to face the questions and give convincing answers? Then I can help you prepare for your media appearance.

You decide on the extent of the support. My recommendation: Give yourself and your audience at least one rehearsal with professional feedback. Then you will know for yourself how you and your answers affect your target group, what you should and shouldn't do, where there is potential. Why wait until after you've performed to get such feedback? It's too late to correct. Then it is too late to correct. Cross-fire interviews in particular are very intense, and you only have the opportunity to look at the results afterward.

What does this professional support cost? The fees are listed here. You know best how much it will cost compared to the expected benefit. Take advantage of it. By the way, this can also be done with sessions via telephone or video support.

By the way, many people suffer from severe stage fright when they appear in the media and suffer through the performance. That's a shame, because with the right help, it's not necessary. Just in case ...​

 

Preparation for your media appearance

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

How do you interpret the body language at that event?

Articles

Professional impact analysis: How are you perceived by other people?

How do you actually affect people in conversations, speeches and presentations, in interviews? Professional feedback helps. What insights does an impact analysis offer you?

Read More
Body language: What can actually be read from the eyes? Not only wishes!

Body language: What can actually be read from the eyes? Not only wishes!

What can be read from the eyes? More than wishes! The eyes have a big part in human facial expressions. There is a reason why the eyes are called the mirror of the soul. They reveal a lot about our feelings and thoughts, no matter if we want it or not. Eyes can smile, radiate joy, permeate, agree, question, doubt or reject. Learn to read body language.

read more
Read more

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: May 27, 2017
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#123

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