Episode 76: Embodied Communication: Body Language & Presence in Practice with Kai Ying Loh Artwork

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Now more than ever, we need to put human connection first when communicating across all channels and platforms. This podcast explores all things to do with communicating in a work environment now.

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Episode 76: Embodied Communication: Body Language & Presence in Practice with Kai Ying Loh

July 16, 2025 • Lisa Partridge • Season 6 • Episode 76

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Want to be inspired and rethink how your body shapes your communication? This episode is for you!

Kai Ying Loh is an Ontological and NLP coach, co-host of The Curious Co. Podcast, and former national table tennis player. With 8 years in Singapore’s public sector, she’s worked in OD, L&D, and research. She coaches a global clientele and speaks English, Mandarin, German, and Indonesian. She studied linguistics at the National University of Singapore.

Here are just a couple of takeaways from our conversation:

Alignment Between Words and Body Language: One of the most powerful insights from our discussion was the idea of alignment. It's not just about what we say, but how we say it. Our body language, facial expressions, and overall presence should match our words to convey authenticity. When there's a mismatch, it can lead to misunderstandings and a breakdown in trust. Kai shared a personal story about a high-stakes conversation with a former boss, illustrating how centering herself and being aware of her body language transformed the interaction.

Practical Techniques for Effective Communication: We explored several practical techniques to help us stay calm and confident during challenging conversations. One standout tip was to breathe deeply and focus on the sensations in our bodies. This simple act can ground us and bring us back to the present moment, allowing us to respond more effectively. Kai also encouraged listeners to seek feedback from trusted friends about their non-verbal communication habits, which can reveal blind spots we may not be aware of.

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode!

After listening, ask yourself: Have you ever felt a disconnect between your words and your body?

Timestamps:

[00:00:29] Defining Embodied Communication and Somatics
[00:01:02] The Importance of Embodied Communication
[00:02:57] Body Language and Physical Presence
[00:03:23] Unconscious Communication
[00:06:35] Listener's Role in Communication
[00:07:38] Misalignment in Communication
[00:08:14] Noticing Misalignment in Others
[00:10:18] Personal Story: Difficult Conversation with a Boss
[00:12:28] Centering Techniques and Their Impact
[00:17:03] Impact of Positioning in Virtual Communication
[00:19:05] Performance vs. Authenticity
[00:20:00] Techniques for Staying Calm in High-Stakes Conversations
[00:25:26] Practical Tips for Embodied Communication

Resources:

The Curious Co. Podcast

Connect with Kai: