The term body language is something that has been a part of my vocabulary since I was very young. My mom always told me to make sure that I convey good body language to my coaches and my teachers in order to show them that I was invested in what I was doing and cared to be successful. To my surprise, however, so many people actually do not know what this term means, and therefore neither do they know about what I feel is the importance of body language! I hope that the following can explain a little bit about body language and why I feel it is crucial to success and life!

Body Language: What, Where, When, Why and How.

What: Body Language is defined by Google as "the process of communication nonverbally through conscious or unconscious gestures and movements." In simple terms, it is almost like a language spoken with our body instead of words; the expression we have on our face and the way we hold ourselves in social and professional settings. People first use body language as infants! When they are squirming around or pouty they are using their actions to communicate that they are hungry or something is wrong. When your friend asks to go to a dining hall that you dislike and you give her that annoyed look, that’s body language! As one can probably presume, body language is a huge part of our daily lives.

Where/when: Good body language is beneficial anywhere from in your house, outside socializing, in athletics, in academics, and arguably most importantly, in professional situations. It can be used in situations such as getting feedback from a teacher, constructive criticism from a coach, when working with colleagues, getting advice from parents and friends dealing with customers in a store. Good body language is important for you as the customer too. You never know how the person helping you may in the future somehow play a role in your life.

Why: Why is Good Body Language important?That's a great question! And there are so many answers! Good body language shows whoever you are with that you are present and you care about the current situation. Showing good body language helps show a better image of yourself and helps you not only become a better student/athlete/employee etc. but ultimately a better person.

Good body language from children in homes shows their parents or caretakers that they respect them and their rules and that they appreciate everything they do.

Good body language when socializing with peers shows your friends that you care about them and that you are a good friend.

Good body language in academics helps to show the teacher or professor that you want to do well and are willing to put in whatever the work is in order to excel. It also shows them that you appreciate their help and are willing to work with them to become a better student.

This similarly applies to body language in athletics. Showing your coaches that you care about the sport and that you want to be at practice every day is so important as these people are only here to help you.

Finally, good body language is extremely crucial in the professional world. Showing a future or current boss that you want to work for that job and that you care about being successful for yourself and for their company is something that they definitely will enjoy to see. Using a positive attitude and properly conveying to all these people that you do care and that you respect and appreciate all that they do is so important in becoming successful.

How: There are so many ways to show good body language! One easy way to start is by standing up tall and trying to keep a positive expression on your face. Some example of very poor body language that we should all try our best to refrain from include rolling your eyes, slouching, seeming tired and bored, crossing your arms in front of you while talking to someone, poor eye contact, and walking away while someone is speaking to you.

If you are looking to keep up good body language, my recommendation is to try and keep that positive and engaged expression on for as long as you can! This will really show the people around you how much you care!