Whether you work for yourself, manage a small team or lead a large corporation, we all need to be presenting our ideas to the very best of our abilities if we are to maintain an edge in the modern world of business: marketing or otherwise. It may be an important pitch, a delicate client or HR matter or a regular strategy review with your team: whatever the scenario in which you are to present yourself, it is vital that you do so with confidence, authenticity and a positive attitude.
From how we breathe, sit or stand, gesticulate and smile, our posture, voice and facial expressions speak as loudly as our words. For, no matter how eloquent, erudite and witty those words may be, their delivery and, in turn their reception, are key to a positive outcome in any human interchange. “Body Language” by Elizabeth Kuhnke is a smart, concise guide to the art of using the unspoken word to add extra depth and tone to your message. Just as importantly, it teaches you how to read what your audience (be it one, few or many) is hearing and to use that emotional intelligence to establish a rapport and achieve the best result for all parties.
By the author’s own admission, her book has been written to allow the reader to dip in to chapters on a need to basis and, as such, there is a certain degree of repetition. However the first five chapters are definitely worth reading in one sitting in order to gain a grounding in the art of engaging thought, speech and body to effectively and assertively deliver your message with self-confidence and conviction. It also has wise advice on the importance of listening, whether the words be spoken or not, and how to persuade others to follow your lead.
It is a book about adopting an open and positive approach to any human interaction, in any scenario (business or otherwise), and allowing you and those with whom you are communicating to be the very best that you can all be.