As a Private Investigator, there are many important traits that determine your success. 

Do you meet clients in the field? Do you need to interview witnesses? What difference does displaying (and be able to read) non-verbal communication make?

At the Professional Investigators College of Australasia (PICA) we know that as a professional, every tool in your toolbox will assist. Consider upskilling your body language skills.

Body language is a form of nonverbal communication that uses physical behaviours, such as facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch, and the use of space, to communicate. It is often used in conjunction with verbal communication to convey a message or feeling. But what is importance is often undervalued.

There are many different types of body language and each one can have different meanings. For example, a smile can indicate happiness, while a frown can indicate sadness. A person’s posture can also communicate their feelings. For example, a person who is standing up straight and making eye contact may be feeling confident, while a person who is slouching and avoiding eye contact may be feeling insecure.

Body language can be a powerful tool for communication. It can help us to understand the feelings and intentions of others, and it can also help us to communicate our own feelings and intentions. If you want to become a better communicator, it’s also important learning to read and interpret body language. 

Here are some of the most common types of body language:

  • Facial expressions: Facial expressions are one of the most important forms of body language. They can convey a wide range of emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and surprise.
  • Body posture: Body posture can also communicate a lot about how a person is feeling. For example, a person who is standing up straight and making eye contact may be feeling confident, while a person who is slouching and avoiding eye contact may be feeling insecure.
  • Gestures: Gestures are another important form of body language. They can be used to emphasise points, to ask questions, or to express emotions.
  • Eye contact: Eye contact is a powerful form of body language. It can be used to show interest, to establish dominance, or to express emotions.
  • Touch: Touch is a very personal form of body language. It can be used to express affection, to show dominance, or to comfort someone.
  • The use of space: The way we use space can also communicate a lot about us. For example, a person who stands close to you may be feeling friendly, while a person who stands far away may be feeling uncomfortable.

Body language is a complex and nuanced form of communication. It is important to remember that body language can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the context. There are also cultural aspects that need consideration. However, by learning to read and interpret body language, you can become a better communicator and understand the people around you better. 

Being able to recognise and display good body language can help in many different aspects of your professional career; from interviewing witness es, complainants and people of interest, to de-escalation and conflict resolution. It’s importance in the essential skill of rapport (read our blog on this here) is also vital. 

At PICA, many of our bespoke corporate training courses have a focus on communication, including non-verbal (or “body language”). 

Get in touch with us to find out how we can help build your capability!  Contact us here: https://pica.edu.au/contact-us/