Interaction and Teamwork

Best Practice :: Advanced

Synchronize your gesture and movement with your co-anchor. Research shows the perception of chemistry is driven by the observation of physical synchrony — how one person's movement flows out of the movements of another person.

It is very much like watching people dance. When the movements of one partner flow into the movements of the other, the effect is mesmerizing. When their movements are at odds, the effect is disastrous.

This does not mean that you should copy or mimic your partners in interaction. Instead, observe how they are moving and work consciously to build on that.

To begin to get a feel for it, try this:

1. Practice a shared lead or toss with another anchor, allowing him to speak first.

2. When he finishes and shifts focus to you, deliberately begin with body language and gesture that is similar to, but not an exact copy of, the body language and gesture he used to end his speaking part.

3. Continue until he interrupts you, building on the starting point you gained by watching him.

4. When he interrupts, he works to match you, and the process is repeated.

Interaction and Teamwork: