Social Influences

I. The most basic form of social influence derives from human presence.

II. Human instinct is stimulated through the presence of others.

III. Stimulants are caused by discrepancies between performing actions and a watchful audience.

IV.  Terminology
     A. Social loafing
          i. when an individual lowers his efforts in a group
     B. Conformity
          i. the modification of behaviour to match that of a group
     C. Compliance
          i. the reaction of one subject to others without a modification in attitude.

V. Compliance tactics include...
     A. improving an offer
     B. putting a foot in the door

VI. Objects vs. People
     A. objects' characteristics are consistent; peoples' characteristics adjust in different situations
     B. objects don't judge you back; people judge you back
          i. when subjects judging the observer, the observer often becomes aware of maintaining his
             reputation within the social class

Deductive Logic [Part 3]

Deductive Reasoning vs. Inductive Reasoning in a Nutshell
Deductive reasoning: the result of a justified theory and legitimate conclusion
Inductive reasoning: the result of a justified theory and a likely (50% or above) conclusion

Train Your Brain
The frontal lobes of your cerebral cortex allow you to think logically. Exercise them with brain puzzles like Sudokus or logic grid puzzles.

How to Find Faults in a Statement
1. research to find any contradicting information to the statement
2. is the supporting evidence authenticated or from a respected source?
3. how updated is the information?
4. there is often more than one possibility in a situation -- evaluate others.
5. Ask yourself reflective questions to test the strength of the argument

Reflective Questions 
- What information does this statement rely upon?
- What is the main idea in the statement?
- How could you prove this statement to be incorrect?

Warnings
Consider the outcome of your actions.
As always, remember that context is key.
Practice creative thinking.
Reflect upon your work.
Deductive reasoning functions best with the support of additional techniques (creative thoughts, reflection, background psychology knowledge)

Attentiveness

"Really look this time." Readers Digest published in their "101 Ways to Improve Your Memory" that there are nine factors required to achieve perfect attention. Note that perfect attentiveness to detail is compromised by even the lack of one factors.

Please click Read More to view the extensive list. 

Deducing His Age

Guessing someone's age becomes trivial when you factor in hair colour and glasses. "Employee Body Language Revealed" recommends you to use body language instead.

In a Nutshell:

• wrinkles
• slower eye movements (than that of an adolescent)
• e.g. takes a while to meet you directly in the eye
• soft-spoken voice
• doesn't apply pressure to the touch
• e.g. handshake is gentle
• memory capacity is lowered
• modest, distinct attire
• slower gestures 

Deducing His Home Country

Please note these are general observations from the book "Employee Body Language Revealed," and that these rules are not absolute. I do not own any of the images used in this post.

Australia
-maintain eye contact in conversations
-firm handshake
-somewhat reserved; do not show intense emotion publicly

Canada

-firm handshake

-eye contact important

China
-business cards presented with two hands
-never interrupt conversations
-don't shake hands with people of polar opposite social statuses
-nods, bows, handshakes






England
-greet with handshake
-avoid eye contact, staring

"Brilliant Body Language" Excerpt Summary

The Art of Negotiation

Sherlock clearly mastered this, as he manipulates Molly Hooper's infatuation on many occasions.
Here's how you can figure out if someone is going to cave in:

• eyes dart around
• finger or teeth on lip 
• blushing
• breathing rate increases
• fidgeting
• hiding mouth with hands
• pacing
• sweating
• finger on nose

Watch this clip to see how Molly displays some of the signs. She's going to give in to Sherlock at any time now! Credit to http://askmollyhooper.tumblr.com/ for the image.

I do not own any of the media used in this post.

Employee Body Language Revealed: Legs, Feet

Trying to catch unconscious body language? 
Lower your head a bit. It turns out that people don't always pay much attention to what they're doing with their legs or feet.

Crossed Legs 
in men: uncertainty, closed-mindedness
in women: [varies]

Leg Language DECODED
seated
legs extended and crossed at ankle: comfortable, relaxed
legs crossed over the knee: closed-mindedness (sometimes)
one leg's ankle rested over the knee of the other leg: dominating/aggressive, confidence
one leg's ankle rested over the knee of the other leg (with a hand holding the ankle): stubborn, decisive
legs crossed, one foot rested behind the other leg. legs are angled in one direction: insecurity, shyness


standing
legs crossed: insecurity, decisiveness, submission

Feet First 
fidgeting: impatience, anticipation, anxiety, boredom
ankles twisted together: insecurity, negative attitude

Employee Body Language Revealed: Hands

Employee Body Language Revealed

Chapter Four Summary (Part 2)

Hands Put Together

Clasped Hands

impatience

attempts to remain dignified and calm 

courtesy to show you're listening 

Clenched Hands 

placed high: very frustrated/annoyed

placed midway: slightly annoyed

placed low: feeling threatened 

Steepled Hands

placed high: confident

placed midway, hands lowered: listening, interested

Shaking Hands

Employee Body Language Revealed: Arms

Employee Body Language Revealed

Chapter Four Summary (Part 1)

Crossing Your Arms 

Listeners who cross their arms retain 38% less information than those whose arms aren't.

GENERAL MEANING

person is closed to what speaker is saying

person is uncomfortable: unconfident, nervous

SPECIFIC MEANINGS

listener's arms suddenly cross while speaker is talking: listener doesn't agree with one of the speaker's ideas

see "Arm Movements'

Arm Movements

• Gripping Arms While They're Crossed:
• person is anxious
• Clenching Fists While Arms Are Crossed:
• authoritative stance
• defense mechanism 
• possibly aggressive stance 
• Thumbs Pointing Up While Arms Are Crossed
• hesitation while maintaining a sense of confidence
• Arms Behind Back
• while talking
• subject is withholding something
• with head tilted, smiling
• flirting
• with a hand grasping elbow
• subject is guilty and trying to apologize
• person is insecure 
• person is confident, showing authority

Employee Body Language Revealed: Eyes, Head

Sorry it's been awhile, everyone. I've been out collecting resources for the site and been preoccupied by previous commitments. But I said the next post would be on the 21st, and it is. Enjoy!

Employee Body Language Revealed

Chapter Three Summary

Eyes to the ceiling: person is trying to remember something
Eyes downcast, to the left: person is thinking
Eyes downcast, to the right: person is displaying emotion
Eyes downcast (straight): embarassment, sympathy
Eyes sideways (left or right): person is uncertain, threatening
Eyes constantly on the move: person is uncomfortable or inclined otherwise

Head tilting: submission
Head ducking: submission, lack of comfort

When someone lies, their pupils don't dilate.

When someone's eyes are focused on work while his eyebrows are "elevated in the forehead," he may not actually be concentrating (pg 61).

Cited Works
Stalter, Harmony. Employee Body Language Revealed. Florida: Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc. 2011.

Perception

Perception: An process of defining the environment via organization and interpretation of individualistic impressions.

Significance:

1. Perception of reality is the foundation of human behaviour
2. The world gains significance through the way in which it is perceived.

Factors Influencing Perception

1. The Perciever
1. Observer
1. Attitudes, motives, interests, experience, expectations
2. The Target
1. Person of interest
1. Novelty, motion, sounds, size, background, proximity
3. The Situation
1. Time, work setting, social setting

Perceptual Error

"The Secret Language of Business" Ch 7-13 Summary

I apologize for the odd formatting of these notes. I cannot use the bullets/numbering for the stylistic requirements of this particular entry.

The Secret Language of Business: How to Read Anyone in 3 Seconds or Less (by Kevin Hogan) in a Nutshell [cont'd]


Body Language

I. Body language can be an influential tool or an extension of spontaneity. 


II. Body language affects first impressions 
     A. People take note of clothing, facial expressions, and other factors previously discussed. 


III. You can gain rapport through reflecting the attitude of others, listening to them, and through reciprocating their behaviour. 


IV. Trust is an extension of rapport.


V. Personal perception and interpretation affect behavioural observation. 

"The Secret Language of Business" Ch 1-6 Summary

I apologize for the odd formatting of these notes. I cannot use the bullets/numbering for the stylistic requirements of this particular entry.


The Secret Language of Business: How to Read Anyone in 3 Seconds or Less (by Kevin Hogan) in a Nutshell

This novel centralizes around body language (verbal and nonverbal communication).

Nonverbal communication:
-as implied by the name, it is the exchange of information without words.
-my example: laughing

Verbal communications:
-as you've probably assumed, it is the exchange of information with words.
-my example: "You're hysterical."