Body Language

 55% communication is provided by non verbal communication.

Body knowledge includes the position and movements of various parts of the body, postures, eye contact, facial expression and gestures. 

Interpreting body language is subjective, beware before coming to the conclusions. Gaze is different in different regions. Posture will mirror the other person. 

There are four zones of proximity: Intimate, social, personal and public. Gestures are also important. 

Observation is reliable only to the extend of attention paid. Pay attention. 

Easy to come to wrong conclusion if you do not focus on the whole body message. Don't jump to conclusions. The longer you observe, the better will be the understanding. 

First Impressions

Our opinions of people are formed quickly, particularly when meeting them for the first time. Initial assessments are based more on what we see, including their body language, than the words they speak. In some cases first impressions are formed without a word being spoken.

Cultural Differences

Some elements of body language are universally understood, however the majority are effected by cultural differences, or are only relevant to one culture. For example the head nod which is often interpreted as agreement, means no in Bulgaria and is used as a polite form of encouragement in Japan.

Yours & Theirs

Remember that while you’re studying another person’s body language and interpreting their non-verbal signals they will be doing the same to you.

Eye Contact

Able to convey a feeling in a single glance, eyes are often referred to as ‘windows to the soul.’ Eye contact can help with the interpretation of the message as different eye positions represent different meanings. These meanings will change if a person is left-handed, as the definitions for looking left will become the definitions for looking right.

Gestures

Forming part of our everyday communication, gestures are easily learnt and controlled making them an unreliable source of information that should only be used in conjunction with other verbal or non-verbal signals to interpret a message.

Thumbs Up

Widely recognised as a positive signal in the West, a thumbs up represents approval, agreement and the suggestion that all’s well.

Thumbs Down

A thumbs down is a negative signal, translated in the West as the physical representation of disapproval and failure. Historically associated with gladiatorial contests in Ancient Rome, thumbs up and down signals were used to signal the losing contestant’s fate.

Index Finger and Thumb Touching at the Tip

Putting the index finger and thumb together to form an ‘O’ shape while extending the other three fingers is often interpreted as symbolising OK. However in Japan it symbolises money, in France its represents zero and in Brazil, Germany and Russia it’s considered an offensive gesture.

Wagging Finger (Side to Side)

Wagging the index finger from side to side is traditionally seen as a warning to stop what you’re doing and do as you’re told.

Palms Up and Open

Open, upward facing palms is a submissive gesture that symbolises honesty and is a physical representation for ‘I don’t know the answer’. Its symbolisation of honesty is believed to have evolved from a time when the gesture was used to show a person had no weapon, however it can be faked to convey innocence. 

Steepling

Formed when each fingertip touches that of the corresponding digit on the other hand, while pointed upwards like the steeple of a church. Although the fingers are always spread they can either be rigidly straight or curved. The gesture represents thoughtfulness and is often used when people are looking for explanations or connections between things.

Crossed Arms

A defensive gesture that suggests reluctance, crossed or folded arms form a barrier between people. Caused by severe animosity, concern, boredom or tiredness the gesture suggests they’re closed off and uninterested in the exchange. However, it’s important to read the gesture in context as people also cross their arms when they’re feeling cold.                          

Nodding Head

In the West a nodding head symbolises agreement and usually occurs when invited to respond or voluntarily while listening. It’s best used in a one-on-one situation as it can be missed in a group setting.

Shaking Head

Generally interpreted as a sign of disagreement, a shaking of the head represents feelings of disbelief, frustration and exasperation. It’s an obvious gesture when used one-on-one but can be lost in a group.  

Facial Expressions

According to Paul Ekman there are 6 universally acknowledged facial expressions.

•  Happiness
• Sadness
• Anger
• Fear
• Disgust
• Surprise

Gaze can show the level of interest in an exchange.

Gestures are easily learnt and controlled which can make them an unreliable source of information.