What Is Mirroring? | Body Language

Full PLaylist:    • How to Read Body Language  
-
-
Watch more How to Read Body Language videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/501696-...



Mirroring. Mirroring, also known as isopraxis or the chameleon affect, essentially, is when we're in tune with somebody or we're on the same wavelength with someone, we tend to mirror their body language. Right? So, if you see a couple on a date and they really like each other, they're body language will be pretty mirrored. So what you'll see is somebody will maybe bring a to their face and then the other person does is right away.

Or somebody plays with their hair and then the other person. Somebody takes sip of their drink, then they take a sip of their drink. They're basically in sync. So one of the reasons why I get a little bit frustrating with this mirroring thing, is some body language consultants or some books recommend that you mimic people's behavior because it builds rapport. That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. And the reason why it's the dumbest thing I've ever heard is because most people are terrible at mimicking other people's behavior. So it works if you can actually do it effectively. But most people can't do it effectively. So what happens is, it comes off as awkward. Don't worry about that. Don't worry about trying to mimic other people's behavior to build rapport. Forget about that. What I just want you to do is look for when people mirror your behavior or when you're in sync as an indication that you have built rapport.

So one of the things, if you start seeing isopraxis, or start seeing a mirroring effect, that'd be a good time to start to go in for a kiss. Or that would be a good time to go in for the sells. So ask somebody, I want you to buy this. Or I think you should invest in this. Just show that you two are on the same wavelength. Go up to couples and sometimes they look like they're identically the same. And there's also isopraxis in terms of, that refers to nonverbal behavior. But also you tend to see people use the same words over and over again. The way they say things the same over and over again. People copy each other.