Body Language: The Key to Your Subconscious | Ann Washburn | TEDxIdahoFalls

Summary

The speaker in the video script discusses the concept of subconscious programming, likening it to computer software updates. She explains that our subconscious can process vast amounts of information and is influenced by programs we've chosen since childhood, which can lead to undesirable outcomes in adulthood. To upgrade these programs, she suggests recognizing cognitive dissonance and aligning our body language with our desired self-image. Through personal anecdotes and demonstrations, she illustrates how changing body language, such as adopting a confident posture and embracing compliments, can lead to improved self-perception and better interactions with others, ultimately transforming one's life.

Takeaways

• 🤖 Our subconscious operates like computer software, processing information and running on programs established since childhood.
• 🔄 There's a metaphorical 'upgrade button' for subconscious programming, which can help improve life outcomes by changing these ingrained programs.
• 🤔 Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort felt when holding two conflicting beliefs, and it can be a catalyst for changing subconscious programming.
• 🗣️ Communication involves not just words but also tone and body language, with the latter often revealing subconscious messages.
• 🧠 The brain prefers to conserve energy, so it tends to stick with existing subconscious programs rather than adopt new ones.
• 💪 Adopting open and strong body language can send a message of confidence and power, influencing how others perceive and interact with us.
• 📉 Weak or closed body language, such as folded arms or a slouched posture, can communicate insecurity and submission.
• 🧍‍♂️ Changing body language, like standing with equal weight on both legs, can project a strong foundation and deter negative treatment from others.
• 🙅‍♀️ Many people unknowingly use 'push-away' body language, which can repel opportunities and positive interactions.
• 🙆‍♀️ Learning to graciously accept compliments, rather than deflecting them, can reprogram subconscious beliefs about self-worth.
• 👦 Teaching teenagers to adjust their body language, such as standing with a balanced stance, can improve their social experiences and peer relations.

Q & A

What is the main idea of the speaker's presentation?

The speaker discusses the concept of subconscious programming and how it affects our lives, emphasizing the importance of upgrading these internal programs through changes in body language and communication.

Why do we need to upgrade our subconscious programming?

We need to upgrade our subconscious programming because it processes vast amounts of information and influences our behavior and results in life. Running outdated or faulty programs can lead to negative outcomes.

What is cognitive dissonance and how does it relate to subconscious programming?

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological term that describes the discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or ideas. It relates to subconscious programming as it can be a signal that there is a conflict within our internal programs, indicating a need for an upgrade.

How does body language affect our subconscious programming?

Body language is a significant part of our subconscious programming. It can either reinforce or contradict the messages we send to others and ourselves. By changing our body language to be more open and confident, we can influence our subconscious to adopt new, more empowering programs.

What is the significance of the arm-folding exercise in the presentation?

The arm-folding exercise serves to demonstrate cognitive dissonance in action. It shows how changing a simple behavior can create discomfort, which is a sign that the subconscious is processing a new pattern of behavior that could lead to an upgrade in programming.

How does the speaker's past experience with feeling weak and argumentative with people relate to her message?

The speaker's personal experience is used as an example of how outdated subconscious programming can lead to negative interactions and feelings of being stuck. It illustrates the need for and the process of upgrading one's subconscious programming through awareness and behavioral changes.

What is the connection between body language and the messages we send to others?

Our body language sends non-verbal messages that can reinforce or contradict the words we speak. If our body language does not match our words, people are more likely to believe what they see rather than what they hear, as the subconscious is more attuned to non-verbal cues.

Why is it important to be aware of the messages we send with our body language?

Being aware of the messages we send with our body language is crucial because it can significantly impact how others perceive and interact with us. Aligning our body language with our intended message can lead to more positive and successful interactions.

How did the speaker change her body language to project strength and openness?

The speaker changed her body language by placing her hands at her sides instead of folding her arms, even when it felt uncomfortable. This conscious effort to adopt a more open and strong posture eventually led her subconscious to accept the new programming.

What does the study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology suggest about posture and self-perception?

The study suggests that people who maintain good posture rate themselves higher in self-evaluation compared to those with poor posture. This indicates that our physical posture can have a direct impact on our internal sense of self and confidence.

How can changing our response to compliments affect our subconscious programming?

Changing our response to compliments, such as accepting them graciously and internally, can reprogram our subconscious to be more receptive to positive feedback and opportunities, leading to an improved self-image and potentially better outcomes in life.

What advice did the speaker give to her teenage son to help him fit in at school?

The speaker advised her son to stand with his weight balanced on both legs instead of favoring one, as this would project a message of strength and stability. This simple change in body language helped him to improve his social interactions and feel more confident.