We all know that emotions impact behavior, right? Well, according to recent research, behavior also directly impacts emotion. Even something as simple as how we move our heads.
In an example from Richard Wiseman’s book, 50 Seconds – Change Your Life in Under a Minute, he cited one study where participants were asked to focus on products moving across a large computer screen and then choose which product most appealed to them.
Some of the items moved horizontally (resulting in a side-to-side head motion in the observer) and other items moved vertically (causing participants to nod while watching).
Participants, overall, preferred vertically moving products without realizing that their “yes” and “no” head movements had played a key role in their decisions.
Something as simple as an affirmative nod impacts choices people make. Body language can impact behavior.
I remember one leader who said all the right words, but he said them leaning back in a chair as if he couldn’t get far enough away from those listening. He folded his arms in a way that created a barrier between us. And whenever somebody presented to him he shook his head slightly in a horizontal fashion throughout the entire presentation.
We wanted to believe his words, but couldn’t get past his body language. Now I know that, somehow, we sensed that his emotions were behind every negative signal. We were right.
If you want to feel happier and have a more positive impact on others, pay attention to your own body language with these three simple moves:
- Find reasons to smile more.
- Nod affirmatively more often.
- Uncross your arms and lean forward in your chair slightly when listening to others.
Your behaviors might just believe you.