All human beings converse with one another through verbal as well as non-verbal communication. There is no mystery to verbal communication since it is simply written or spoken; however, non-verbal communication is not nearly as obvious. Since it is much easier to show emotion than it is to speak of them, the meaning of our words comes across in our body language gestures. Frequently, we are totally unaware that we are conveying any type of non-verbal meaning whatsoever. Yet, it has an incredible influence in our lives.
Learning body language gestures can be a very effective social skill. Some people can naturally determine others body language and some can’t, but with a little practice it will become relatively easy.
Body Language Gestures by Body Part
1. Pay attention to stance. The more distance between you, the less they care about you and your situation. If a person is standing in a similar position as you are, this can also be a sign that they are interested in you. To check this out, change your body position often, if they change theirs as well, they are mirroring you and are showing concern for you.
2. If you observe a person’s head movements, you will notice a tilted head is either a sign of sympathy or, if smiling, flirtation. A lowered head will most likely indicate that they are hiding something or they may be shy or timid; though in some other cultures it may indicate respect. A cocked head may mean that they are either confused or challenging you. This will depend upon the various body language gestures such as the movements of the eye, eyebrow and mouth.
3. Look into their eyes for body language cues. If they frequently look to the side, it will either indicate that they are nervous, distracted by something or lying. Someone glancing down at the floor most likely indicates that they are shy and meek. While looking into a person’s eyes, check out their pupils. If they are dilated, the person is interested in you and what you are talking about. Keep in mind that in some cultures, it is believed to be a sign of disrespect when you look someone directly in the eyes.
4. People who cross their arms are sometimes simply closing themselves off from any social interaction. Some cross their arms out of habit when they are cold or don’t know what to do with their arms, but others are demonstrating that they are uncomfortable in their current situation. If they have crossed arms while their feet are more than shoulder width apart, this is representative of an authority figure. In addition, if a person puts their arms behind their head or neck, they are either a laid back person or they are agreeing with what is being said.
5. Placing your hands on your hips signifies impatience. If the hands are clenched, it demonstrates a feeling of nervousness, anger or hostility. There are many other common body language gestures that indicate a variety of feelings. Pushing the hair back is one that means they are grooming, which is very common if they like you. If they constantly push up their glasses, this could indicate they are in disagreement with what is being said. When you see someone narrow their eyes while lowering their eyebrows, it means they are making a desperate attempt to understand what is happening; this is oftentimes a skeptical look.
6. Body language gestures are often demonstrated through a person’s feet. For instance, a sudden quick movement of the foot is a sign of impatience, nervousness or intimidation. Sitting with your ankles crossed is a sign of relaxation and comfort. In addition, whatever holds a person’s interest is usually the direction that many will turn their feet.
You should keep in mind that everyone has their own unique body language gestures. Therefore, you shouldn’t form an opinion based exclusively on them, although many do. No matter what activities you engage in, people are seeing your non-verbal communications. This begins from the moment you walk out your front door. You are conveying a message regardless of what you are doing, whether it is walking, sitting or standing. For this reason, it is important to develop effective body language gestures as well as to strengthen our communicative signals.
