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Body language as integral part of human communication

The Silent Power of Body Language: What You Say Without Speaking

Did you know that over 50% of what we communicate doesn’t come from words? In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, body language remains a critical – yet often overlooked – tool for professional success. Whether you’re acing an interview, delivering a pitch, or mingling at a networking event, your body speaks louder than you might think. So, how does it work, and how can you harness it to elevate your career?

The Science Behind the Silence

Psychologist Albert Mehrabian famously found that 55% of communication is conveyed through body language, 38% through tone of voice, and just 7% through the actual words we use. That means your posture, gestures, and facial expressions carry more weight than your carefully crafted sentences. A firm handshake signals confidence, while crossed arms might unintentionally push people away.

It’s an unconscious dance we all perform. Mastering its secrets may give you the lead in a conversation or negotiations.

Body Language for Professionals

Eye Contact.

Eye contact is your fastest route to connection and shows engagement. But there’s a balance: too little feels evasive, too much can intimidate.

A simple diagram explains how to 'read' eyes.

Posture:

Stand or sit, a clear and easy to understand diagram with explanation of sitting positions based on neuroscience.

Gestures: Subtle but Impactful.

We all use our hands to amplify a message supporting our thoughts.

Discover from big distance how gestures between two (or more) people reflect their mutual understanding. Do they know each other or are the strangers? Reading gestures is fascinating!

The Pitfall: Mixed Signals

The biggest body language trap is when words and actions don’t align. Imagine saying, “I’m excited about this opportunity,” while your arms are folded with your gaze down. What’s the real message? Congruence is matching the verbal and nonverbal – the cornerstone of credibility.

Don't even try to cheat on that! A trained eye immediately sees that the intention does not match your words!

Body Language in a Virtual World

Also on video calls, body language matters. How do you look in camera? Did you lean back looking detached? A pro tip: always be yourself, keep your upper body visible and let your body free to do the 'talking'.

The Challenge.

Body language isn’t a footnote – it’s superpower if you know what to observe! Our Practitioner training give you all you need.

Body language plays a crucial role in communication and rapport-building. Understanding and utilizing nonverbal cues can enhance our ability to connect with others, convey confidence, and build trust. By reading and responding to body language effectively, we can become more skilled communicators.

"If we really want to understand the other person, understanding their body language is essential"

ELN offers a scientifically based knowledge about body language, used in many different fields such as healthcare, police, education, coaching, etc. The study is founded on neurosciences, communication sciences, kinesiology and psychology.

Expertise Center for Body Language Netherlands (ELN) was founded in 2016 after commotion about the scientific nature of the study of synergology in the U.S.and Canada.

Extensive research into facial micro-expressions by Paul Ekman taught us that a micro movement usually lasts a fraction (1/10) of a second and occurs when the individu is trying to contain or maintain emotional response. Since the nerve impulse has already been released and cannot be reversed, it escapes as a micro-expression.

Body language however is more extensive. Reactions of the body and hands are at least as interesting to observe and analyze when we are talking. Even without speaking our body communicate: "We cannot stop communicating" Paul Watzlawick (psychologist, 1921-2007).

a lecture at the faculty of psychology

University of Amsterdam

Analyzing body language.

Movements can be measured, defined and verified based on existing research.

In forensic analysis, a movement, gesture, eyes and hands, any non-verbal item is a numerical calculation based on correct observation technique. There is no margin of error, as long as the observation is done correctly. There is no guesswork about the conclusions.

An expert in this field analyses videos, any available photo and creates a report in an exact time-line. The work is done purposeful and precisely.

In order to make things tangible, one minute of analysis may take an hour work.

Calibration is a necessity in forensic analysis. An example:

“When you say you are a victim of, par example, a crime, we will ask you first questions about ordinary things, verifiable information. These 'control questions' are used as parameters to check movements, reaction-time and facial expression.

After that, you will then be asked to tell what happened to you and of what were you victim of.

Ultimately, we observe and compare all movements and reactions. If there is a lie or contradiction, it will come to surface"

Improving communication skills

Courses offered:

- Practitioner - Body language as integral part of communication.

Online course: 30 hours + self-study.

- Master - Course of 2-days every month or each 6 weeks. Duration: approx. 20 - 30 months - `Study of 3 levels - online support.

Available in small groups (min. 4 participants).

- ELN also provides (online) workshops, masterclasses and lectures