Body Language: Your Feet Say a Lot!

Did you know that the brain speaks to the hands more often than any other body part?

This occurs because we habitually gesture with our hands as we communicate with others. Have you ever caught yourself on the telephone talking with someone else and using your hands and other body movements to emphasize a point or conclude a statement? Of course, we all have.

What about the feet though? Have you ever considered how much information is relayed through foot position and movement? A lot!

Unlike the hands, the feet receive the least amount of attention from the brain. The feet however receive a lot of attention from the brain if the body is in “fight or flight” mode when feeling threatened or uncomfortable.

Take for instance a conversation between two people who are very interested in each other. Upon observation, you will probably note that their bodies and feet are pointed towards each other and slightly off set.

When standing, commonly we find our feet spread comfortably shoulder width apart and off set slightly towards a 45 degree angle.

When people are seated, sometimes you’ll observe an individual with one leg crossed over the other knee and the foot pointed towards the other person. A female will slowly bob their foot from the ankle in an up and down motion or rotate slowly in a circular motion when engaged and interested in the other person.

A male will usually touch the ankle area too when sensually interested in the other person. Sometimes you might observe a display of interest by gestures such as a subtle move to pull up a sock or if seated in a figure four position, slowly touching or rubbing their ankle area while engaged with the other person.

Both are examples non-verbal indicators of liking.

Of course there are other non-verbal signs to observe as well which makes up the cluster of gestures and body movements indicating interest. These could include such gestures as a genuine smile, a head tilt, open posture, nodding, touching, open wrist displays and others to name just a few.

But how can you tell when it’s time to move on or when the conversation is over. It’s simple, by observing the feet. If one (or both) of the individuals shift their leg(s) towards an exit or door, they are unconsciously saying something.

This display can mean that they are in disagreement with what was said, are finished with the conversation or physically ready to exit and move on. Body shuffling, micro facial expressions and other gestures can further conclude disinterest in that person or conversation.

Remember that the feet will tell the body where it wants to go at that particular time or moment. Therefore, the next time you are networking or find yourself at a social function, pay close attention to the direction of the feet of the other person or people around you.

This being said however, it’s also important to note to pay attention to our own feet and their position when communicating with others. Especially if our intent is not to let the other person know how you really feel.

Body Language Gestures and Cultural Differences!

Some may say that gestures can communicate as effectively as words. Some might argue, maybe even more than words.

In our personal and business lives, careful consideration must be given to whom we are with and where they are from.

A question that we might ask is; do we expect other cultures to adapt to our customs and protocol, or are we willing make an extra effort to learn more about how they prefer to communicate?

It wouldn't be the first time that someone who wasn't familiar with the communication customs of another country, found themselves in a rather embarrassing situation.

Many years ago, President Richard Nixon arrived in a foreign country and upon his arrival, stood at the top of the stairs leading from his aircraft door, and overlooked the welcoming crowd gathered below him. He smiled and proudly raised both hands high in the air, palms facing outward and gave a gesture of his trademark famous "Peace" sign (as he had done many times before while travelling abroad).

Could you imagine how he felt when the crown immediately began to jeer and hiss at the President as he found himself on the receiving end of a hostile and rude welcome?

The reason was because in the country he was visiting, the two fingered, palms outward "Peace" sign, which was acceptable in North America, was an absolutely offensive gesture to the local people in that African country.

This would have been the equivalent of a dignitary from another country visiting North America and with a smile, "flipped the bird" which in their country might have meant "greetings". As a member of the audience, how might you react?

In North America, a simple "thumbs up" gesture can mean that things are "great" or a hitchhiking sign which indicates "I need a ride". However, in Greece, this gesture signifies "up yours" when accompanied with a rapid upward and slower downward motion.

Or, how about the "OK" sign where the index finger and the thumb connect to make an "O" shape and the three remaining fingers point up and slightly flare out. Although acceptable in Western culture to signal that things are "A-OK", in Russia or Turkey, this gesture can represent a sexual insult, specifically an orifice (that's as far as I'll go with that).

As you can see, it is really important to know your audience and if traveling to other countries, you need to be aware that some of the most commonly acceptable gestures at home can have a completely different meaning to someone from abroad.

In some countries such as France or Italy, it is acceptable to exchange a kiss on one or both cheeks while shaking hands upon greeting one another or before entering into a meeting.

In other countries such as Japan, this type of behavior is considered impolite as the Japanese are considered to be a "non-touch" society relative to other cultures.

The Japanese have a respectful custom to bow to each other with the most senior status person bowing the least and the least status person having to bow first and display the deepest bend from the waist.

Business cards are exchanged and read first in a complex formality. This ritual is to determine the seniority, position or rank of everyone in the room first. Then the bowing gesture commences based on the information read.

In some instances, a small strategic change can ensure you make even a better impression.

For instance, while conducting business in Japan, it is wise to have your business card printed in both your language and the Japanese language as well. Although not mandatory, this courtesy is very well received and respected by Japanese business people.

What can be learned here?

1. Save the embarrassment. (i.e. Careful if you thumb a ride in Greece ☺)
   
   
2. Gain the competitive edge. A little research can go a long way prior to traveling abroad on business. As the saying goes, "In Rome, do like the Romans do". Get to know your audience and their customs.

Remember in business, it's about being prepared and establishing rapport quickly.

Demonstrating a sound knowledge of the cultural differences in nonverbal communication will get you noticed and others will appreciate that you are both respectful and prepared.

Take the time and invest in a little research to become culturally educated.

It might be the very thing that tips the scales in your favor and will give you the competitive edge you're looking for.