“Don’t judge a book by its cover!” I’m sure you’ve heard that one, although body language and nonverbal communication experts would not agree with this saying. If you think that only your face or gestures send a message, think again! Did you know that the speed and style of your walk can say a lot about you, your personality, your mood, your confidence level, your attitude… In fact, without realizing it, we tend to see how a person walks even before we see their face, the way we walk will influence how others perceive us and it will also influence how we feel about ourselves.
The way you walk can say if you are:
Extrovert or introvert
A team of researchers in the United States found that people who walk at a faster pace with bigger steps obtained higher results in extraversion, awareness and openness to others. They concluded that extroverts tend to walk at a faster pace than introverts.
Self-esteem
The way you walk can also send a message about your level of self-confidence. A person who walks with his hands visible, head facing up, takes wider steps, who is not in a hurry and has a good posture is a person who will appear more confident (Even if he doesn’t feel like it!)
It says if you are lying or not
Next time you’re having doubts if someone is lying, look at their walk! According to a psychological study conducted by Paul Ekman and WV Friesen, a person who is lying will have has less control on his legs and feet when walking. In this research, a group of people were given a video on individuals, they had to detect if the person was lying or saying the truth by watching the bottom part of their body only, and the results were very accurate. Why? Because people who are lying will concentrate more on their facial expressions and they tend to forget everything else! It was the movements in their legs and feet that got them caught!
Elegance
A lot of people confuse looking elegant with walking on a runway, you don’t need to walk like you’re modeling to look graceful and elegant. First, watch you posture (Shoulders aligned with you ears, back straight, no slouching and face looking up) Secondly, walk straight, light steps and be careful with your body balance, you want to move your arms, but not too much. Our shoes can significantly change how we walk, you will not walk the same when using sandals than when you are using stilettos, this is why as women we bare the pain of stilettos, because the bring us other benefits, like a more elegant walk.
Reveals if you have a positive or negative attitude
Longer steps and greater movement of arms not only transmit confidence, but also a positive attitude, this person will look energetic and happy. On the other hand, shorter steps, no movement of arms and looking to the floor will not only transmit a negative attitude, but it will also make you feel less confident.
How you feel
People who walk with closed arms appear vulnerable, when dragging their feet, they appear sad and lethargic. Also, people who display an awkward walk might appear to be very tired or have a low level of confidence.
You are probably thinking, “My walk defines me, so why change it?” you are not the same person right now than when you were 15 and will probably be a little different 20 years from now. Remember knowledge is power, and our nonverbal communication speaks volumes! Even more than our words. As humans, we can evolve, we can learn to change or modify certain behaviors that will not only make us look different in the eyes of others, but it is proven that it will also affect the way we feel about ourselves. Next time you feel intimidated, scared, nervous or sad, pay attention to your walk and make sure you are walking in a way that will transmit confidence and will also empower you!
My theory is, if you look confident you can pull of anything – even if you have no clue what you’re doing. – Jessica Alba
