Social cues relay the potential behavior of others. It’s the first big impression. It’s how able-bodied people communicate without using words. Whether at a job interview or asking for a raise, ideal social cues can signal an energized, empathetic, and confident aura. Fine tuning non-verbal communication can present confidence and commitment in our speech which can fund a bigger house or new car.
Influence and Approval Among Peers and Bosses
What cues should we fine-tune before a work lunch or funding presentation? Let’s start at the most obvious first, head and neck placement. The head and neck should be over the center of your chest. With assignments or work on phones, tablets, and computers, the head and neck can easily shift forward or to the side. A slouched person can temporarily “straighten up”, but it’s not permanent. Slouching can cause a permanent head tilt, granny hump, and/or Anterior Head Syndrome which can signal a lack of confidence, youthfulness, and credibility.
Love Your Grandmother But Don’t Look Like Her
Adjusting monitors or tasking at eye level will slow further head and neck shift. Also, sleeping on your back with a thick pillow can push the head and neck forward. Actual correction of Anterior Head Syndrome or head tilt can be done at a structural chiropractic office. These offices utilize gentle adjustments, structural rehab, and complimentary recommendations to correct AHS among other shifts of the spine. Patients can receive a progress exam to measure the extent of correction as well.
I Don’t Know What to Do With My Arms and Hands
Avoid crossing arms with closed fists. Crossed arms signal isolation and coldness to others. Additionally, it’ll cause shoulders to round forward accentuating Anterior Head Syndrome. Instead place arms and hands by your side or behind your back. What about my hands? Palms facing each other or up when speaking keeps arms and hands loose, projecting credibility and authority.
Smile You're on Camera
Never tell someone to smile. A frown or furrowed brow signals anger. A soft smile or neutral lips, helps relax your face. Try smiling and furrowing your brow. It’s unnatural due to the attachments and striations of facial muscles. One of the benefits of a soft smile is facial muscle building which makes the face look more youthful and energized. After all, surgeons perform face lifts, not face droops.
Where Do Social Cues Come From?
Social cues are learned as babies. Babies learn from their parents who smile or laugh at them during early interactions. Brain cells called mirror neurons respond equally to actions of others we see. It’s like the “monkey see”, “monkey do” neuron. Other physical behaviors can be linked to mirror neurons that develop and respond to social cues. Perception of others' behavior is innate. It’s a gut feeling before an actual judgment is processed. Fixing social cues is extremely important in many aspects of life. Ultimately, ideal social cues can result in more money for your bank account.
Dr. Garrett is the founder of Core Chiropractic in Birmingham, AL. While most health care is focused on temporary relief, the staff at Core Chiropractic focus on creating solutions to a wide spectrum of health conditions. Connect with Dr. Garrett at (205) 206-9341 or via online form.