Everyone needs to feel seen and heard.

It’s a basic need and when people are marginalized and treated unfairly, they act out in frustration. This is perfectly demonstrated in the following clip.

Let’s Watch a Capuchin Monkey video.

(Because who doesn’t want to watch a monkey video?!)

Cucumbers vs. Grapes.

The Capuchin monkey experiment symbolizes so much. And I want everyone who wants a grape to get a grape. My guess is that you do too.

People need to feel seen and heard and I’m on a mission to help by building powerful people skills. My “why” is to help people be better communicators so there is less misunderstanding and struggle and more intention and purpose.

Make sense?

Noise of TechnologyThe world is a busy place and feeling valued can be challenging. The noise of technology makes it more difficult for people to connect on a deeper level and many of us haven’t been taught how to make real and authentic relationships both at home and at work (or school for that matter).

Let’s change this!

Understanding your own nonverbals (your personal brand) gives huge insight into how you are perceived in the world, and learning the foundations of body language gives you a lot more awareness of yourself and others. Understanding and harnessing these skills creates a Superpower! They allow you to be more purposeful and intentional in the way you communicate. Yes, please.

People skills (aka “soft skills”) are often undervalued but are the glue that holds us all together. They represent humanity and civility. Good leaders and good citizens know how to build trust and connection by harnessing their nonverbals to show respect and dignity.

And how do we do that using body language? I’m glad you asked.

Time for some nonverbal know how!

Here’s a body language tip that is perfect for showing nonverbal respect. When you are listening and speaking with someone, face your top, torso, and toes towards the person. One trick is to try aligning your belly button with theirs. This is called fronting (or “naval intelligence”, ha!) and really shows engagement. Try this today when you are speaking with someone… a colleague, child, significant other, client, etc. Fully face them and make sure your top, torso, and toes are fully aligned.
Fronting

Facing OthersPeople often think that they do this already but often our feet are slightly askew and not fully facing the person. Fronting can also be done while in a seated position by just turning your chair or by physically moving in your seat to face the person.

Give it a go!

Try practicing this technique to see if you can “feel” the difference. This nonverbal cue not only makes you a better listener,  it also makes the other person feel seen and heard and that is a true gift.
Yours in the adventure,
Kristin Bock

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