Importance of Mimicry and Body Language

Body language and mimicry are very vital components of non-verbal communication and are very simple to understand. Not only that, but you as an individual can give different first impressions based on those two notions. Better yet, you can actively engage and use these factors to your advantage – EVEN in a long-distance relationship. Neat isn’t it? It is simple - when you are on a video call with your partner next time, try mimicking some of the body positions of your companion. This will increase their agreeableness to you, allowing for a higher level of trust and connection to occur. Do you see them put their chin on their hand? Try to subtly mimic that body position as if they were looking in the mirror. Able to see them crossing their legs on their chair? Cross yours in the same manner within a few minutes. Silly as it sounds, mimicry of body positions increases levels of trust within that communication, and your companion will likely take more of your ideas and be more considerate to you in return. More so, the more people enjoy the interaction, the more synchronized their non-verbal body behaviours will become – even subconsciously! It may be harder to apply these measures when you can only reach your partner through texts or deep letters that need to reach the military grounds, but these are useful tips to keep in mind even when you are conversing with close friends and family.

Body language can also influence your power dynamic in the relationship – meaning the taller you stand and position yourself – the more assertive you seem to your partner and the more likely they are to side with your position. But don’t over do it! Your posture and hand movements tell a lot about you as well, and you can learn a lot about your partner from watching their movements too. When discussing a topic or even in the midst of an argument you may be able to notice their hands are crossed in front of their chest – signifying that they are “closed off” and you can use that information to try and change your tactics within the discussion – such as considering to talk about it later or change the way that you present your information entirely. On the contrary to closed off, when the partners present with their arms ‘open wide’ per say, they’re more eager to actively listen, learn and even compromise! So let your body do the talking while your mouth mumbles the verbal lullabies.