#Body language meaning how to

You may need to make eye contact with the person you're talking to if you want them to feel comfortable with the conversation and accept what you have to say. Holding your hands open and gesturing with your palms up may show that you have nothing to hide. What you do with your hands can make a big difference in whether people trust you or not.

Gesturing With Your Hands Open And Palms Up.

Standing erect with good posture may make you appear confident. Or it can mean that you're upset or so ashamed you don't want to show your face. When you put your head in your hands, it might mean that you're bored, as if you're so weary of life that you just can't hold your head up anymore. When doing this, you may look indecisive or noncommittal. When you tug on your ear, it shows that you're trying to make a decision. When your arms and legs are open and relaxed, you may send a nonverbal message that you’re confident and approachable. The nonverbal communication message that the “figure four” pose represents is that you’re powerful and domineering. With crossed legs in this position, your body makes the shape of the number four. To sit this way, stretch your arms and legs forward and then cross one ankle up over your knee, with your legs crossed high and your pelvic region open. If you cross them at the knee but point your knees away from the other person, it may mean you're uncomfortable with them.Ī common term related to body language is the “figure four” position. If you cross them at the ankle, it may show that you're trying to hide something. The way you cross your legs can tell others a lot about you and how you're feeling at any given moment. Bosses and politicians may use this gesture to show they're in charge. Holding your fingertips together and your palms apart can let people know you have authority and control. It can also mean you're concentrating very hard. When you tilt your head to the side, it may mean you're listening intently and deeply interested in the information you're hearing. If you’re a finger tapper, consider that it’s one of those nonverbal signals that can grate on others’ nerves. When you tap your fingers, you may appear impatient and possibly nervous about waiting. When you display an authentic Duchenne smile, you can let people know you're approachable and friendly. Some people can be skilled at sending a smile through direct eye contact.

You may have heard of the term “smiling eyes”. It's considered a genuine smile as opposed to a fake smile where you just expose your teeth. The Duchenne smile consists of pulling up the corners of your mouth while squeezing your eyes to make crow's feet. There are happy smiles, shy smiles, warm smiles, and ironic smiles. Smiles can mean different things, depending on the exact facial expression. It could also mean the person is tired or simply supporting their shoulders in an armless chair. If you see someone with their arms and legs crossed for a long period of time, you may want to consider that it could be a reaction to cold temperatures. Universally, when a person crosses their arms, they are viewed as insecure, annoyed, or closed off. Sitting or standing with your arms crossed across your chest may be interpreted as defensive body language. You can use them for positive or negative body language. Your arms and legs are perhaps one of the first types of nonverbal communication that people notice when they see you. The following body language examples are common and may be easily discerned once you know their meanings: When reading body language cues, it can be important to know when there are cultural differences at play. For instance, you may interpret body language one way, but the gesture could mean something entirely different to someone else. Moreover, you may need to be careful when assessing someone else's nonverbal communication cues. Consider the poker player who has perfected their body language to the point that the other players can’t see their 'tells'.īody language may come through whether you intend to reveal it or not.

#Body language meaning how to

This might be the case when a person knows how to manipulate their body language for their own gain, for example.

There are circumstances when it may not be foolproof, though. Discuss It With A Therapist How Reliable Is Communication Through Body Language?īody language can be powerful, and it's usually reliable for revealing one’s true feelings, too.