The Eye Roll Discount

Beware the dreaded 'eye roll.' You know, when you cast your eyes up and away in silent response to a comment or statement. It is actually a pathology, but more common than we think in everyday communications.

Look at this clip from The Apprentice for a classic case of multiple eye rolls, and the disastrous results on a relationship. Note particularly how it is subtle, and oh so powerful. Like most of our body language habits.

Although many have commented on the destructive eye roll in personal relationships, I think this is one of the most common and destructive uses of negative body language in meeting history! It is probably one of the most effective and yet cruelest ways to say "You're full of it," and not think you're saying anything. Yet it is so common you probably have done it, unconsciously, a few times already today.

Once again this is an example of the power of video to let us know what it is, and then how we are really coming across to others by using video on ourselves. If a picture is worth a thousand words, video is worth a hundred thousand. See yourself on camera so you don't let your unconscious eye roll sabotage you.

2 thoughts on “The Eye Roll Discount
  1. We do tend to think that body language is only visible via video or a possible still photo, but even our voices give us away.
    Here is an interesting experiment to try. Create a script of a couple of paragraphs and have a trusted colleague read them to you on the telephone. In random order, have them read the copy once with an intentional smile on their face, once with their eyes rolled (this requires some clever script placement) and once with an intentional frown.
    Yes — you WILL be able to tell the difference on the other end of the line and you will be able to match the performance with the attitude.
    Our voices reveal far more energy and attitude than we realize.
    Bill Roseen
    http://www.bigrockcoaching.com

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