What Is Body Language?
Body language is the unspoken part of communication that reveals true feelings and enhances the impact of verbal messages. It includes nonverbal cues such as:
- Facial Expressions: Relaxed smiles or thoughtful head tilts.
- Posture: Upright stances to convey interest.
- Gestures: Hand movements to illustrate points.
Understanding body language helps you read the complete message someone is communicating, making you more aware of their reactions and enabling you to adjust your own body language to be more positive and approachable.
The Science of Body Language
A commonly cited statistic suggests that only seven percent of a message is conveyed through words, with 93 percent attributed to nonverbal communication. This is derived from Mehrabian’s Communication Model, which emphasizes the importance of body language in expressing emotions and attitudes, though it’s not universally applicable.
How to Read Body Language
Recognizing nonverbal cues allows you to pick up on unspoken emotions. Below are examples of negative and positive body language signals.
Negative Body Language Examples
Signs indicating disengagement or dissatisfaction include:
- Arms crossed in front of the body.
- Tense or minimal facial expressions.
- Body turned away or lack of eye contact.
- Slumped posture or distracted behavior (e.g., fidgeting).
Tip: In negotiations, focus on engaging the person’s interest to help them feel more at ease.
Signs of Boredom
Common indicators include:
- Slumped sitting or head downcast.
- Gazing away or fidgeting.
- Writing or doodling.
Tip: Re-engage by asking questions or inviting input.
Additional Negative Signs
- Nail biting: Insecurity or stress.
- Locked ankles: Anxiety.
- Rapid blinking: Uncertainty.
- Tapping fingers: Impatience.
Positive Body Language Examples
Positive signs indicate trust and engagement:
- First Impressions:
- Open posture and relaxed stance.
- Firm handshake without aggression.
- Good eye contact without staring.
- Avoiding facial touching to convey honesty.
- Genuine smiles.
- Effective Public Speaking:
- Positive posture and head up.
- Open hand gestures to invite communication.
- Practice to maintain balance and poise.
- Interviews and Negotiations:
- Subtly mirror the other person’s body language.
- Relax and maintain calm hands.
- Show interest with thoughtful gestures (e.g., touching chin).
Tip: Consider using a “power pose” before high-stress situations to boost confidence.
Virtual Body Language
Apply body language principles to video calls:
- Set the camera at eye level and maintain proper distance.
- Maintain eye contact by looking into the camera.
- Use facial expressions to convey engagement.
How Do You Use Your Body Language?
Remember that body language can vary across cultures. Reflect on your own nonverbal cues and avoid making assumptions about others. Engage in conversation to clarify any mixed signals.
Key Points
- Body language includes posture, facial expressions, and gestures.
- Understanding others’ body language helps reveal unspoken feelings.
- Use positive body language to reinforce verbal messages, especially in first meetings, public speaking, and negotiations.
