Samples Of Body Language And Their Meaning
Body language is a form of communication wherein one would use the areas or parts of the
body to convey a message. It involves gestures, facial expressions, and other body
movements. It is an essential part of communication since words alone is not enough to show
one’s meaning, ideas, or emotions.
There are many gestures that our complex body could make, and each one have different
interpretations. However, there are times when a gesture does not necessarily reflect or
show what you intend to say or feel inside.
Interpretation of Handshakes
Handshakes have many meanings and is used in different situations. It is used when greeting
others, meeting new people, or closing a deal or agreement. You can use handshakes to make
good impressions. You can show that you are confident by giving firm handshakes, with your
hand pointing downwards and your arm extended. On the other hand, a weak handshake with the
hand pointing upwards would indicate that you are shy, uncomfortable or nervous.
The Eyes and Their Secrets
The eyes, small as they are, have big meanings and indications behind them. Eye contact is
one of the strongest eye language that one can use to say that they are interested, sincere,
and attentive. Lack of eye contact and inability to prolong it may mean that the person is
lying, hiding something, or is becoming bored or uninterested.
The eyes can also perform vertical and lateral scans or movements. Vertical scan is wherein
the person may be checking out the whole appearance of another, from head to toe. This is
typical in meeting other people to gain the first impression. The latter, lateral or
horizontal scan, may mean looking from one eye to the other or checking out the
surroundings.
Looking form one eye to another may mean discomfort and can be straining; thus if you want
to make an impression that you are holding eye contact, you may opt looking at the bridge of
the nose of the other person. When doing this type of lateral scan then to the forehead, it
indicates that you are talking to someone with superiority. When looking from one eye to
another then to the nose, you are talking to someone in the same level of status.
You’re eyes can also express different feelings or state of mind. The act of winking is a
signal of agreement or flirtation. Glancing means a moment of desire for the specific
object. When one squints at what you are saying, it means that he is analyzing if you are
telling the truth. When one wants to get away from the world even for a moment and think
deeply, he would tend to close his eyes. And if the eyes would widen, it is a signal of
shock, surprise, or disbelief.
Arms Crossed Across The Chest
Crossing the arms would mean differently depending on who is talking. If you are the one
talking and the other person crosses his arms, it means he does not believe you or was
insulted by something you said and uses it as a barrier of defense. Meanwhile, if he is
talking with his arms crossed, it may mean that he is hiding something from you or simply
feels cold.
Other Gestures And Movements in Body Language
Nervousness, anxiety, and lack of confidence can be shown when you put your hands in your
pocket, slouch, fidget, drum your fingers on the table, rock or shuffle your feet, and the
like. Thus if you want to give a good impression, try to avoid these gestures; although most
of the times they are subconscious actions.
Understanding and knowing how to read body language of other people can give you the ability
of interpreting another person’s thoughts, and you will be able know how to react
appropriately.
