A nationwide study by Goodfella’s pizza has revealed that 50 percent of Brits have no clue how to read non-verbal signals, with 1 in 3 admitting that misreading others body language has caused them much embarrassment.
Tapping your pen on the desk is considered rude
According to the research, the top five ‘body language blunders’ Brits regularly commit are:
- Waving back at someone who wasn’t waving at you
- Looking at your phone whilst someone is talking to you
- Accidentally yawning in someone’s face whilst they’re talking
- Rolling your eyes at someone when they are speaking to you
- Tapping your pen repeatedly on your desk
18 percent form an opinion of a person’s character before they’ve even spoken, with 1 in 3 (36 percent) deciding if they like a person within 2 minutes of their first interaction. It’s not only in new relationships that body language matters, with 70 percent saying that they have argued with their partner because they couldn’t work out what was wrong or why they were angry in the first place.
Body Language Expert India Ford comments; “These common ‘blunders’ may seem like minor mistakes to make whilst interacting with friends or colleagues, but the signals being given off can send a very negative impression. The research shows that for 56 percent of Brits, trying to talk to someone who’s looking at their phone was a top pet peeve, yet it’s also the second highest blunder we all commit. Often the signals we give out are noticed by everyone but ourselves.
Relationships also rely on openness and communication, but often when we cannot verbally communicate our feelings, we retreat and state that we’re fine, when our crossed arms, furrowed brows or physical distance can often send a very different message. This is a leading cause of arguments in relationships and therefore it is beneficial to check your body language when entering into a difficult discussion with either a partner or colleague and notice what your non-verbal signals may be saying about you.”
The research was commissioned by Goodfella’s Pizza to celebrate its new Made with Respect™ TV ad, which features a strong Italian-American matriarch who commands total respect through powerful gestures and without having to say a word.
India Ford’s Top Tips for Brits’ ‘Body Language Blunders’:
Hidden habits
Looking at your phone while someone is speaking to you is highly disrespectful and will immediately make the other person feel devalued and unworthy. To eradicate these bad habits, ask a friend who you like, and importantly trust, to give you truthful feedback on the things you may be doing subconsciously, which could be harming not only your image, but also having a negative emotional impact on other people. This will give you a truthful reflection and allow you to check yourself next time you reach for your phone or start openly yawning at someone
First impressions
Some people habitually fold their arms when meeting people; but the ‘barrier’ you have formed with your arms will be sending the following nonverbal message ‘I’m feeling insecure and anxious’ or ‘I’m not open to interaction with you, please keep away’. Unless there’s a good reason to fold your arms (because it’s cold for example) keep those limbs uncrossed and send a message of confidence and warmth
Invite people in by showing an open posture, especially during tricky conversations or interactions
Tagged in Body Language