Lesson Learned From Horses:  Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words

When I first began working Pippa, I couldn't understand why she was getting frustrated at times during training.  It had been a while since I had trained green horses, and since she was a very willing horse, I began to look at myself for the answers.  

I started paying close attention to my body language.  After all, that is how horses communicate with each other.  Sure enough, that was where the problem lied.  She was getting mixed signals from me.  My body was saying one thing while verbally and in thought I was saying something else.  No wonder she was confused and frustrated.  She couldn't figure out what I really wanted from her.  Being a very sensitive horse, she picked up on every little signal from my body language.

The same is true when working with consumers and clients.  When you first meet the consumer or client, what is your body language saying?  Is your body expressing the same things as your words and your thoughts?

Does your body language say:

-  I am focused on you?

-  I am projecting confidence?

-  I am very pleasant?

-  I can be trusted?

-  I am defensive?

-  I am happy to be of assistance to you?

We all must become aware of our body language, because this is what the consumer or client (or horse) is subconsciously listening to.