Do you pay attention to your body language or that of others? Amy Cuddy discusses issues pertaining to body language in a very interesting TED talk. People at times can be very awkward sociably. Non-verbal language incorporates body language. Social scientists have long studied how body language can convey messages that we may not realize. Often people can make sweeping judgments based on body language. These can have a wide range of adverse affects. Body language can make or break a job interview, can make a person seem prude or uptight, and with educators it can help make or break the experience of a child in the classroom. Cuddy states that within 1 second, judgments of political campaign candidates faces, predict 70% of senate and gubbernational outcomes! (Cuddy). So it seems that the whole concept of not judging a “book” by its cover is something that many people are just not “wired” to do. In some fields, professionals are trained to have certain body language. For example, a judge is trained to have extremely limited expressions for various reasons. Teachers should be extremely mindful of their body language. As an educator who is just getting their feet wet, I understand how terrifying it can be to get up in front of a class of 40 students and try to teach. I remember being a nervous wreck my first few times out but I have always lived by the mentality of “faking it till you make it”. Amy Cuddy is also a strong advocate of this idea. If you “fake” something for long enough, you will eventually become it! It’s all about configuring your brain to cope in certain situations until you master them. This also means configuring your body language. The old saying practice makes perfect is very true. We just need to be aware of where we are and where we want to see ourselves as educators. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Teacher of the year? #TOTY
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May 2015
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