Body Language Signaling
Let’s take a general look at your body language signals and divide them into useful and non useful “types.” This is to help you identify different sets of gestures and understand
when you’re using positive or negative nonverbal communications. Remember, the worst thing is to allow your signals to run along unchallenged.
Physiological Signals
These are all those body signals that you’re almost powerless to control, like blushing, blotchy nerve rashes, sweating, and shaking or trembling. Although these symptoms have a certain amount of comic value, they’re no laughing matter when you’re suffering from them.
They are all caused by the power of your mind controlling your body. Although they’re all quite natural, they’re only supposed to occur in the face of physical danger. They’re caused by adrenalin and that rush of energy you get as an animal when you’re threatened by a bigger animal.
It’s your fight-or-flight mechanism kicking in, but it’s your fight-or-flight response being rather overzealous, especially if it’s triggered by a first date or a meeting with the boss.
Helpful tips
The best way to deal with anxiety symptoms like these is to go to the source of the problem. Stress management techniques will help, but the optimum cure is to work on your inner confidence and your perceptions of external stimuli. Very few scenarios that produce sweating or shaking are life-threatening, they just feel as if they are.
Remember that your body is only trying to be helpful; it’s the messages from your brain to your body that are causing the problem. I like to call this my “inner diva,” a classic case of the drama queen who overreacts to any situation in a bid to get maximum attention.
Here are some excellent techniques to shut the diva down.
I Use mental affirmations. One that I teach in stress courses is: “It’s not a lion.” It links to the thought that although your situation might be important, it’s not a matter of life and death; you’re not being pursued by a man-eating lion. Make up your own affirmation and repeat it in your head as a mantra to create calm.
I Breathing exercises will help
If your hands get sweaty, carry some freshen-up wipes to cool them before you go into a meeting.
Never douse your hands or face with cold water in a bid to cool down.
Try cosmetics for blushing or a nervous rash
There are also several products available to remove sweat sheen from the face
## Types of Signals
Performed Signals
Leakage Signals
Micro-Gestures
Compliant Signals
Status and Power Signals
Social power signals etc....
