I'm constantly observing my students to see how my message is coming across. Are they comfortable, are they bored, are they challenged? And you know what, I can tell so much more about them just by carefully noting certain details. I can tell if they value intelligence and knowledge. I can tell if they want to get ahead, cruise on autopilot or have no idea why they're sitting in a biology class. And I'm doing this while teaching! The truth is the way you stand, sit and talk can usually give people - and teachers - a pretty (to roughly) accurate picture of what you're going through and how you are as a person.
Here are two reasons why you should be more intentional about your posture during class:
1) The way you sit in class affects how much you learn
I can't stand the bored student. It innervates me! Why is he bored? How??? I mean, you know... I'm not a boring teacher... ok, I admit, sometimes, lectures can be boring especially if it's about chemistry and, honestly, don't let biology teachers teach chemistry. Period. But seriously, if you're sitting in class looking bored you're going to get bored. If you sit up, at attention, pencil in hand scribbling unintelligible notes, coffee/tea/water in the other, studies have shown you will learn better - except when you spill said hot beverage on your lap. Slouch, fold your arms, put your hands on your face so you're either covering it or leaning your head to the side on it and you're going to retain far, far less.
Yes, it's crazy. We move the way we feel. But studies have shown over and over again that the way we move affects the way we feel too! Yeah, really, they've measured things like the levels of endorphins (the happy molecules) and testosterone (the confident, I-am-strong hormone) that change with body posture. If you're upset try smiling and make the most fake laugh you can ever imagine for the next 10 seconds. If you're happy, frown and fold your arms. And then note the change... it's remarkable! Our bodies are wired that way and it makes total sense to harness it's peculiarities in this regard.
And hey, why waste your time? You're spending 40 or so hours a semester going to a single course. Use that time wisely and learn better in class so you can study less at home. Sit as if you're there to learn and have fun doing it and you will indeed learn and have fun while you're at it!
2) The way you sit in class gives a powerful first and lasting impression
I write the following not so you can manipulate teachers. I write the following so you'll learn to better communicate and give better impressions not just to your teachers, but to people all around you. Become a student of body language and this stuff will really benefit you in your personal and business life alike.
Obviously, the student sitting in the learning posture we described above is a great way to cultivate a good first impression. But if you want to go the extra mile, here are some extra tips.
Nod while your teacher is talking. Nodding is a fascinating tool to employ in conversations. There are some cultures that seem to encourage nodding and agreeing to everything you say... they are not agreeing really, but they are simply agreeing on the fact that you are talking. But still, it gives a powerful impression that you are listening when you nod. As a teacher, when students nod it gives me encouragement... they understand!
Avoid closed gestures. It's intimidating to stand up in a room and talk when most are sitting there with closed and negative gestures... you know, folded arms, clasped hands, tight lipped with the death stare, etc. Did I just give you an idea with what to do with the teachers you don't like? I don't know, they're your grades, not mine. :)
The head tilt. Have you ever seen a dog that's curious? They tilt their head sideways and it's quite cute. Well, people do this too. It indicates they are interested at something. Doing this when listening to someone really tells them you're listening. You get lots of points with that, especially if your wife is talking to you.
The chin stroke. Yes, we stroke our chins when we think, goatee or not. It can make you really look smart. It also means you are seriously considering what you are hearing.
Mirror, mirror on the wall... This is an old one. Mirror the gestures of the person your listening to and they'll feel like you get them! Soon you'll be best buddies. There are some gestures that you can mirror even while sitting down. It has a powerful effect that communicates you're on the same page as the person doing the talking.
Are there more? Sure. Lots more. Subscribe (click here for that) and stay tuned for a post that'll tell you where to learn more! And why not share this using those fancy buttons on the left? Thanks! See, you're already learning how to impress people.
Marc Mikhael, Ph.D.
The Apprentice's Compass - Navigate University!
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| Photo by Charlie Foster |
1) The way you sit in class affects how much you learn
I can't stand the bored student. It innervates me! Why is he bored? How??? I mean, you know... I'm not a boring teacher... ok, I admit, sometimes, lectures can be boring especially if it's about chemistry and, honestly, don't let biology teachers teach chemistry. Period. But seriously, if you're sitting in class looking bored you're going to get bored. If you sit up, at attention, pencil in hand scribbling unintelligible notes, coffee/tea/water in the other, studies have shown you will learn better - except when you spill said hot beverage on your lap. Slouch, fold your arms, put your hands on your face so you're either covering it or leaning your head to the side on it and you're going to retain far, far less.
Yes, it's crazy. We move the way we feel. But studies have shown over and over again that the way we move affects the way we feel too! Yeah, really, they've measured things like the levels of endorphins (the happy molecules) and testosterone (the confident, I-am-strong hormone) that change with body posture. If you're upset try smiling and make the most fake laugh you can ever imagine for the next 10 seconds. If you're happy, frown and fold your arms. And then note the change... it's remarkable! Our bodies are wired that way and it makes total sense to harness it's peculiarities in this regard.
And hey, why waste your time? You're spending 40 or so hours a semester going to a single course. Use that time wisely and learn better in class so you can study less at home. Sit as if you're there to learn and have fun doing it and you will indeed learn and have fun while you're at it!
2) The way you sit in class gives a powerful first and lasting impression
I write the following not so you can manipulate teachers. I write the following so you'll learn to better communicate and give better impressions not just to your teachers, but to people all around you. Become a student of body language and this stuff will really benefit you in your personal and business life alike.
Obviously, the student sitting in the learning posture we described above is a great way to cultivate a good first impression. But if you want to go the extra mile, here are some extra tips.
Nod while your teacher is talking. Nodding is a fascinating tool to employ in conversations. There are some cultures that seem to encourage nodding and agreeing to everything you say... they are not agreeing really, but they are simply agreeing on the fact that you are talking. But still, it gives a powerful impression that you are listening when you nod. As a teacher, when students nod it gives me encouragement... they understand!
Avoid closed gestures. It's intimidating to stand up in a room and talk when most are sitting there with closed and negative gestures... you know, folded arms, clasped hands, tight lipped with the death stare, etc. Did I just give you an idea with what to do with the teachers you don't like? I don't know, they're your grades, not mine. :)
The head tilt. Have you ever seen a dog that's curious? They tilt their head sideways and it's quite cute. Well, people do this too. It indicates they are interested at something. Doing this when listening to someone really tells them you're listening. You get lots of points with that, especially if your wife is talking to you.
The chin stroke. Yes, we stroke our chins when we think, goatee or not. It can make you really look smart. It also means you are seriously considering what you are hearing.
Mirror, mirror on the wall... This is an old one. Mirror the gestures of the person your listening to and they'll feel like you get them! Soon you'll be best buddies. There are some gestures that you can mirror even while sitting down. It has a powerful effect that communicates you're on the same page as the person doing the talking.
Are there more? Sure. Lots more. Subscribe (click here for that) and stay tuned for a post that'll tell you where to learn more! And why not share this using those fancy buttons on the left? Thanks! See, you're already learning how to impress people.
Marc Mikhael, Ph.D.
The Apprentice's Compass - Navigate University!
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