The most important thing to understand about body language is that we humans don’t care about it.  Now, of course, that’s phrased to surprise you — what, a blogger on body language says we don’t care about it?  What gives?

We don’t care about body language per se.  What we care about is the intent behind the body language.  And about that we care very, very much.  Perhaps the most important and interesting question we humans ask ourselves when we gather in any size group from 2 to 2,000 is what do these other humans intend toward me?  Friend or foe?  More powerful or less powerful?  A hug or a punch to the face?  What’s their intent?

In that context, then, watch the TEDx talk below.  In it, David JP Phillips talks about research he has done to understand better how you can tweak body language to deliver more effective talks.  And he demonstrates what he’s learned brilliantly and with an engaging sense of fun.

And once you’ve watched it, think about the following questions.  The research shows that audiences rate speakers highly if they excel on two scales — credibility and trust.  So ask yourself, do I find Phillips credible?  And do I trust him?  And finally, what is the effect on those two criteria of his drawing attention again and again to his body language and demonstrating the points he’s making with that body language?  Does it increase or decrease my rating?

Please let me know what you think in the comments section.