Who is a Body Language Expert?

Who is a body language expert? What qualifications do you need to be a body language expert?

When we communicate, we do so both verbally and non-verbally. Verbal communication is what we do using words and sentences. Non-verbal communication is important since it brings out your inner feelings. The tone of the voice, the gestures you make, hand movements, etc. are all nonverbal cues.

Body language is a form of nonverbal communication that not only reveals your feelings, but also adds impact to what you are saying. Some examples of body language include facial expressions, posture, body movement, eye contact, and handshake. A body language expert is one who can evaluate nonverbal cues and make sense of it.

Do you want to know how to become a body language expert? Then read on to know all about body language experts and how to become one.

Who is a body language expert?

A body language expert is an individual who can evaluate the body language or nonverbal cues of another person or persons. The body language explanation helps to understand what the other person means. The body language experts can analyze body movements and interpret the meaning.

Body language experts can work in different careers:

• They can work with lawyers while empaneling a jury to help lawyers assess potential jurors better.
• A body language expert would do well as a detective or in investigating crimes. They can pick up nonverbal cues to help analyze if a witness of suspect is speaking the truth.
• They can work in healthcare, especially in the field of mental health. The experts can understand patients’ emotions and counsel them accordingly.
• They are good as special education instructors and can help special students communicate better.
• A body language expert can also work as a translator or interpreter. They can convey not just the meaning of words spoken but also the intention behind the words.

If the idea of becoming a body language expert sounds interesting, you must know more about this job role. You must know the qualifications needed and the body language expert career path. Equipped yourself with proper information is the first thing to do.

Qualifications of a body language expert

The body language expert qualifications depends on the job. For instance, if you want to be an interpreter you must know the language. You may require to be qualified in psychology, so you can understand more about people’s emotions and thought processes. It is possible that you can be a body language expert without a formal qualification. It all depends on the nature of the job.

The following are the qualification and skills you need to be an expert in body language:

1) Technical skills

For becoming a nonverbal communication expert you must have the requisite technical skills. In this case, you must know the in and out of body language. You must know various body language cues and how to interpret them. It is vital that you have the body language analysis skills needed for the job. It would help you analyze and interpret the nonverbal cues. 

2) Observation skills

A body language experts should be able to understand cues related to positive body language and negative body language. For this, the key is to observe. The expert needs to carefully observe every single gesture, expression, movement, and action of the subject. It calls for very good skills in observing people. 

3) Analytic skills

Once you observe a person, you must be able to analyze what their body language is saying. For this, you need analytical skills. You must not just analyze their gestures, but also understand the context. The situation can make people respond in a certain way. This factor must be kept in mind when you make the analysis. Excellent analytical skills is a must to be a body language expert.

4) Great in communication

Communication is not only talking. It also involves listening and watching. A body language expert must be good in both verbal and non-verbal communication. If they are good in communication, then they can better understand what the other person is trying to convey. The expert must be able to communicate the results of their analysis in oral and written forms.

5) Experience

Theoretical knowledge alone is not enough, practical experience is a must. To be a good body language expert, you must have experience in reading people. Even if you haven’t had experience in a job, non-formal experience can count. You must use your skills in different situations and be able to do the analysis. 

6) Cultural knowledge

Culture plays an important role in communication. The culture of the place and the cultural background of the people involved impact their communication. In some cultures, people prefer to speak from a distance. While in other cultures, they may prefer to reduce the physical space while communicating.

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How to Become a Body Language Expert

If you want to become a body language expert, it is obvious you must have all the skills listed above. Additional qualification like a formal degree in psychology or experience adds value. Here are some tips to help you become an expert in body language:

• The first thing is for you to decide why you want to become a body language expert. Do you want to make it a career or is it a passion or additional skill? If you want to pursue a career you must put in extra effort.
• You need to know all about body language. Training for body language expertise is available and conducted by professionals. Completing such a training will be very helpful.
• You must try and get some experience because practical expertise is a must. You must be able to let people know how and where you have applied your skills. 
• Try to find a mentor. A professional in this field may be willing to mentor in exchange for you doing some work for them. Working with professionals with experience is the best way to learn.
• You can use your skills to analyze celebrities, politicians, or anyone who is communicating. The more your practice, the more you become perfect.