Body language
During the course of interaction everybody uses nonverbal means of communication , sometimes knowingly and sometimes unknowingly also .
What is Body language - Body language is a nonverbal means of communication with others . It may be done by our behavior , facial expressions , body postures , gestures , tone of voice , eye contact or sometimes even silence . It’s often done instinctively rather than consciously . We might not be aware of giving and receiving such nonverbal signals during our interactions with others. Sometimes wordless nonverbal cues may speak louder than verbal communications . You may be something but your Body language might be saying something different and most of the time the listeners can guess how honest or dishonest you are . Depending on your Body language the listener can be impressed or distracted , confused or offended and easily undermine what you are trying to say.
Importance of Body Language - Depending on your Body language the listener can be impressed or distracted , confused or offended and easily undermine what you are trying to say. So body language has its own importance. It's better to be careful of our body language also while interacting with others except when you deliberately want to convey something different than what your words mean. It might defend you or offend the listener .
Effects of Body Language - Body Language can leave following effects -
Repetition - Your Body Language may strengthen or weaken your verbal message .
Accenting - Body Language may accent or underline verbal messages e.g. pounding your table after verbal messaging can underline how important your message is .
Contradiction - Sometimes your Body Language might mean the opposite to your verbal message.
Complements - Body Language may add to or complement your verbal message e.g. if after verbal message you pat someone , it means you are complementing.
Substitution - Sometimes Body Language may replace your verbal message e.g. your facial expressions can convey a more clear message .
Types of Body Languages-
1 . Facial Expressions - Our face is too expressive .It can convey boundless emotions without uttering a word . Expressions of happiness, sadness ,fear , surprise , anger , disgust , anxiety are universal .
2 . Tone of Voice - When you speak others are not just listening to you but they are also reading you - your facial expressions and tone and loudness of your voice . Tone of voice can reflect your anger , sarcasm , affection and confidence.
2 . Gestures and Postures - Our body’s postures speak a lot without any verbal message . Is the body stiff or relaxed , immobile , shoulders raised and tense or relaxed .
3 .Negative Postures / gestures - Arms folded in front of the body , tense facial expression , body turned away from you , maintaining little or no eye contact , nail biting , touching face etc are negative body languages while sitting head down , looking at something else . fiddling with pens or phones etc. indicate boredom .
4 . Positive gestures -
A firm handshake ( but not painful or aggressive ) , good eye contact , smile and happier face . Relaxed and open postures ( not standing with hands on hips as this means aggressive or dominating ) - Sitting or standing upright in relaxed way with shoulders back , arms unfolded by your side or in front , keeping head up ,
5 . Eye Contact - There should be eye contact while interacting but without staring . Is the speaker making or avoiding eye contacts? Is the eye contact overtly tense or just okay ?
Silent Gestures - Sometimes a silent wordless message speaks louder than verbal communication e.g.-
6 . Mirroring - While talking to a person you may subtly mirror his/ her body language . But never copy his/ her every gesture which will surely make the other person uncomfortable .
Touch- We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the very different messages given by a weak handshake, a warm bear hug, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on the arm, for example.
7. Handshake and Touch - A nice firm and heavy handshake ( but not painful or aggressive )can reflect your confidence .A warm hug or a gentle pat shows your positiveness .
8 . Licking Lips - Gentle Lip licking during interaction especially with the opposite gender might show your sexual attraction. On the other hand a tense lip ( lips firmly pressed together ) might show you are not honest with your words or you are not trustworthy .
9 . Nodding - Nodding your head during a conversation shows you are most likely agreeable .
10 . Touching hair and Face - Twirling your hair lock and touching your face will seemingly mean you are expecting someone’s attention .
11 . Locking of Eyes - While interacting with someone and he / she is comfortable with your subtle and steady eye contact , it shows your trustworthiness . If he or she is not sure about you a long look and staring will show your aggressive and dominating nature.
12 . Smiling - A smiling face during conversation shows a greater sense of connection with the listener . Smiling accompanied with eye contact , closeness or gentle body contacts may indicate the other person likes you or is in love with you ( if the person is from the opposite gender ).
13 . Stance - Standing with arms uncrossed around your chest signals that you are open and available. But arms crossed round your chest means you are out of reach .
Clasping the hand behind the back may indicate boredom , anxiety or anger . Tapping of fingers repeatedly or fidgeting also is a sign of boredom .
14 . Dilated Pupils - When you are interested in someone your pupils will usually get dilated . It makes you more attractive to others.
15 . Hand movement - Gentle hand gestures / movement during interaction can make the listener comfortable but big jerking hand movements may show you are out of control or excited .
16 . Distance - Keeping some space during interaction is desirable and respected but if you lean away the other person may doubt your motives. Leaning forward may be your positive gesture . During interaction a distance of 6 - 18 inches indicates warm close relationship and comfort with each other .
17 . Micro Expressions - Facial twitch or grimace face or raised eyebrows are negative signals or show your disgust .
18 . Foot Tapping - While in conversation tapping of feet indicates nervousness or nervousness , especially when done repeatedly . It may be assign of boredom and / or frustration also if it is accompanied with other signs of discomfort or sighs .
How to Read Body Language - Your ability to understand and interpret body languages of others can help you pick up and read unspoken reactions and emotions and feelings . It is a useful tip of feedback , so you have to pick up the clues timely . Some negative and positive clues were discussed above .
At the same time one has to be careful while Using Body Language e.g. the person you are talking to may belong to a different country / culture . It might be possible that a positive gesture in your country / culture can be a negative gesture for that person . Should you get mixed signals from someone , it’s better to ask what he / she means.Interpreting body language should be a complement to talking / listening with attention , not a substitute for it .
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