Hey there! Have you ever wished you could read people's minds and understand them better? Well, guess what? You can, to some extent! Expert Lynne Franklin has uncovered the secret to decoding body language, and it can make you a fantastic communicator in any situation.
Our brains process information differently, and this affects how we express ourselves through body language. Let's explore the three primary thinking styles:
1. The Lookers - Seeing is Believing
About 75% of people fall into this category. They think in pictures and images. You can spot them by their good posture, well-dressed appearance, and tendency to look up when recalling visuals. Lookers love eye contact, so engage them visually. Use phrases like "I see what you mean" to connect with them effectively.
2. The Listeners - Words Speak Louder
Representing 20% of individuals, listeners think in words and sounds. They may look down and to the left while recalling auditory memories and sometimes mumble to themselves. If you want to build rapport with them, give them some space during conversations, and use auditory language like "Let's talk this over."
3. The Touchers - Feeling the Connection
These individuals, comprising 5% of the population, think in feelings and tactile sensations. You might notice them leaning in during conversations or reaching out to touch your arm. Offer appropriate touch if you feel comfortable, or simply extend your hand for a handshake. Use feeling-based language like "Let's get in touch" to connect with touchers.
The exciting part is, you don't have to be face-to-face to read minds! Listen carefully or read their emails, and you'll notice clues about their thinking style. Lookers use visual language, listeners prefer auditory words, and touchers opt for feeling-based expressions.
Embrace Your Dominant Thinking Style, Adapt Your Language
Now that you know the three primary thinking styles, it's time to figure out which one represents you. Embrace your dominant thinking style, just like having a dominant hand. You may find that you lean towards one style more than others, and that's completely normal. Remember, you can't change how your brain works, but you can learn to accommodate others' styles to build rapport.
If you're a looker, remember to offer eye contact and use visual language when communicating with different thinking styles. Lookers love phrases like "I see what you mean" or "Let's picture working together this way." Providing vivid mental images can help you connect better with them.
For listeners, remember that eye contact may make them uncomfortable, so it's best to give them some space during conversations. Use auditory language like "Let's talk this over" or "I want to hear how you're feeling about this" to engage them effectively.
Touchers thrive on physical connection, so if you feel comfortable, offer appropriate touch during conversations or simply extend your hand for a handshake. Use feeling-based language like "Let's get in touch" or "Reach out and tell me what you think" to resonate with touchers.
Practice Makes Perfect
To become a master communicator, practice is the key! Pay attention to people's body language and adjust your communication style accordingly. Understanding others better will help you form deeper connections and express your ideas more effectively.
Challenge yourself to observe people's body language in various settings - at home, work, or social events. As you become more attuned to different thinking styles, you'll notice a remarkable improvement in your ability to connect with others.
Reading Minds from a Distance
One of the fascinating aspects of decoding body language is that you can do it even without being face-to-face. Listen carefully or read people's emails, and you'll pick up on their dominant thinking style. Lookers use visual language, listeners prefer auditory words, and touchers opt for feeling-based or kinesthetic expressions.
Next time you're in a phone conversation, listen for the words used by the other person. If you're reading an email, pay attention to the language they use. This approach will help you understand their thinking style, even when you're not physically present with them.
Connecting in the Real World
As you gain a deeper understanding of different thinking styles, use this knowledge to connect better with people in your daily life. Whether it's at work, during social gatherings, or when meeting new friends, adjust your communication style to build rapport.
Imagine a scenario where you're working with a corporate controller who is a looker, but you're more of a listener. By offering visual language like "I see what you mean" and providing plenty of eye contact, you'll create a stronger connection and improve your working relationship.
Similarly, suppose you're talking to a toucher, and you extend your hand for a handshake while using feeling-based language like "Let's get in touch." This simple adjustment can foster a sense of trust and comfort, making the conversation more engaging for both of you.
**Embrace Your Authentic Self**
Lastly, remember that embracing your authentic self is essential. While you may adjust your communication style to connect with others, stay true to who you are. Your dominant thinking style is a vital part of your personality, and it's what makes you unique.
So, next time you're in a conversation, at home, work, or anywhere else, keep these body language insights in mind. Use Lynne Franklin's expert insights to charm and influence your way to success. By mastering the art of reading body language, you'll foster deeper connections and convey your ideas with ease. Happy decoding!
