Last Class of the 1st Semester!

Today, after spending some time enhancing our group websites even more, we watched this YouTube video of a TED speaker talking about the  intriguing facts of body language. I didn't know body language can change not only how others perceive us, but also how we see ourselves, so that was definitely surprising! If we could REALLY improve our lifestyle just by being conscious of our posture and body language (which includes facial expression), I think I could really use this information. Now, as the TED speaker mentioned, studies actually have proven this to be true. Scientists who study body language have done human experiments in which some people were ordered to stand strong and confident, and some were told to do the exact opposite, which includes behaviors such as slouching and closing off arms. Then, they had to perform / work under a lot of pressure, which in this case was to doing a job interview with real professionals. Results showed that people who stood stronger before performing, did so much better than those who were sitting and slouching beforehand. So, this suggests that body language is so much more than just how others view us. Others can see you as weak or powerful, depending on your facial or body expressions. This connects to what we did in class for the last few months in this English class. How you send the message is the most important part, so body language was definitely something we had to keep in mind while presenting our final project. Body language sure does contribute to how well the audience is paying attention, how much interest they have in your presentation, and much more. The point is to get your message across, so you must do so in a way that makes the listeners feel as if you, the presenter, is confident in their ideas. But like the TED speaker said, that is not the only effect body language has on humans. We can change how we view ourselves, too! It does make sense, because when I sit straighter and and taller, it does make me feel in control of my surroundings, as well asu self. "Fake it til you make it", is definitely a helpful quote. By pretending as if you're confident by potrying it through your posture /expressions, you are also making yourself believe it. How incredible! I really would like to use this information effectively in my next project, and get my point across strong.