To be a good communicator, though, it’s important to know that you should not only be an eloquent speaker — that’s a given — but you should also know how to interpret and use nonverbal techniques effectively.

Aaron Brehove, a fraud investigator at one of the big-four accounting firms and well-known body language expert, discussed his new book, ‘Knack Body Language,’ on Tuesday at a bookstore in Washington, D.C.

Brehove said understanding body language is important beyond politics. People in business, sales, advertising entertainment, crime detection and even national security need to learn how to read other people. “It’s helpful for anybody that wants to understand how to put vocabulary to certain body language gestures.”

Among high-profile politicians, Brehove pointed to former President Bill Clinton’s great ability to quickly establish a rapport with his eyes, hands and the moment, to interact with people.

“When he shakes hands with you, he’ll actually hold eyes a little big longer, stays with you a little bit longer,” which is a great way to make people feel valued.

Clinton also “stands off a little bit to your side so he’s not intimidating you, not coming on your area but you’re on his,” said Brehove. “Bill Clinton is terrific at connecting with people.”

Brehove also said that body language is a great indicator in gauging the truthfulness of politicians.

“A lot of politicians have training in nonverbal communications, how to present themselves,” he said. But when there are any changes from how they typically act — for example, a politician who’s usually extremely well-rounded, but doesn’t seem conversational — it’s a great time to ask questions.

Another telltale sign is if their body language comes after their words, it’s usually not genuine, Brehove said

“If you have intent to do something, you act, think and then say it,” said Brehove. “So if someone is saying something that they really care about you and then they put their hand on their heart, it wasn’t a very genuine display. We saw that when Tiger (Woods) was giving his speech. He gave his body language a beat after he said (the words in his apology for infidelity).”

So your body language could make or break your impression. Don’t you want to build more confidence and increase the chance of likeability? Here are Brehove’s body language must-knows to become a better communicator.

Look confident

Based on his experience as a fraud investigator, the author said people who exude confidence and relaxation will touch their faces, play with their hair, or fidget with their hand or bodies much less than people lacking in confidence.

And people appear more self-assured, accomplished and knowledgeable when they stand tall with squared shoulders.

One good way to look confident is using gestures to illustrate your speech that will open up your torso.

Beware micro-expressions

Micro-expressions are formed by action units, which are muscle movements of the face. You unconsciously flash split-second facial expressions that can give away your feelings, the author says.

Citing psychologist Paul Ekman’s research, Brehove points out the seven emotions that show up the same way in every human face that are impossible to hide: anger, disgust, happiness, sadness, surprise, fear and contempt.

“When communicating with others, watch for micro-expressions in order to gauge your audience’s response,” Brehove recommends.

Cross hands

Brehove says crossing arms often signifies intense thought or opinion, but it can often be read as boredom.

So this mixed-meaning posture should be used considering the situation and whom you are talking to.

“As this may be the most widely discussed body language gesture by the general public, it can be the kiss of death for a salesperson.”

Mirroring

In some cases opposites attract, but finding common ground is a quick and almost sure-fire way to establish rapport.

Note the tone and rhythm of your subject and attempt to mimic them, Brehove says. It also can be verbal or nonverbal—observe another’s hand gestures, facial expression, posture or mannerisms and “mirror” them.

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Trisha Jacobson
Ann Arbor Dermatology Clinic P.C.
734-996-8757
Email Information

Updated at 3:15 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON – The Army improperly tested new bullet-blocking plates for body armor and cannot be certain that 5 million pieces of the critical battlefield equipment meet the standards to protect U.S. troops, the Defense Department’s inspector general found.

The Pentagon report focused on seven Army contracts for the plates, known as ballistic inserts, awarded between 2004 and 2006 and totaling $2.5 billion. The inspector general’s audit, carried out over a two-year period ending in March, found the tests were incomplete, conducted with the wrong size plates or relied on ballistic test rounds that were inconsistent. Due to the demands of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, tests under certain temperatures and altitudes were scrapped altogether.

Special Section: Afghanistan
GAO finds flaws in Army body armor tests

“Consequently, the Army cannot be sure that ballistic inserts meet … requirements,” the report said. “As a result, the Army lacks assurance that 5.1 million ballistic inserts acquired through the seven contracts provide appropriate protection.”

The inspector general said it did not conduct its own tests so it couldn’t say whether the plates were defective.

In response, the Army said Tuesday that it had initiated improvements to the testing system before and during the inspector general’s audit. The service also said “all inspector general recommendations to improve the testing processes have been implemented. … The Army continues to work with the test community for test improvements to provide the best body armor possible to the soldier.”

The Aug. 1 report was the fourth in a series by the inspector general in response to a request from Rep. Louise Slaughter. Since January 2006, the New York Democrat has pressed the military about the effectiveness of body armor after The New York Times reported that 80 percent of Marines serving in Iraq who had been shot in the upper body had died because of inadequate body armor.

The body armor used by most U.S. troops comprises a ballistic vest with two large, hard ceramic plates that protect the upper body from bullets and shrapnel. The equipment has been crucial for American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan for nearly a decade. During testing, the plates are attached to a clay block that substitutes for a soldier’s body. A projectile is shot at the plates at a certain velocity to determine whether it can provide protection.

The 51-page IG report said the Army program manager for soldier equipment could provide only “limited assurance” that the plates met requirements. The inspector general found that for all seven contracts the program manager did not have a consistent way of measuring and recording velocity of the test rounds. Two designs were approved without valid tests.

The Army said it had created a database for test information, standardized the protocol for ballistic testing and continues to scan body armor plates before deployment and during a soldier’s tour of duty to ensure there are no internal cracks.

“The Army conducts rigorous and extensive testing of body armor to ensure that it meets U.S. Army standards and is safe for use in combat,” the service said in comments included in the report.

In an interview, Slaughter said she planned to write to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Army Secretary John McHugh, calling their attention to the inspector general’s report. Both Panetta and McHugh are former House colleagues of Slaughter, a 13-term congresswoman.

“This needs to be told,” she said, remembering the dead and wounded from the nation’s wars. “At the least, we should have some confidence that this part is taken care of, that in the future more diligence is taken.”

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A woman’s hairstyle can make a statement, but is it the right statement for the office environment? Whether a woman is happy with her existing position or want to join ranks with the big wigs, the hairstyle she wears to work should reflect an office-oriented attitude. Learn which types of hairstyles are ideal for the office and how you to make a better professional impression with just a few style alterations.

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Skincare-News.com is the online source for consumers seeking intelligent beauty and skin care news, advice, tips and articles. Founded in 2005, Skincare-News.com features articles, news items and frequently asked questions on skincare and beauty-related issues. Skincare-News.com is located in Sacramento, California, but receives visitors from all around the world. For more information, visit http://www.skincare-news.com.

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SOURCE Pelleve