How to Read Body Language
Noticing the signals that folks channelise with their visual communication may be a terribly helpful social ability. some of us will browse it naturally and a few people are notoriously oblivious. fortunately, with a trifle additional attentiveness, you'll learn to browse body language, and with enough observe it will become habit.
1. Pay attention to how close someone is to you.
The closer they're, the warmer they're thinking of you. The farther away that somebody is, the less they really care of the case or person. If you progress slightly nearer to them, do they move slightly further away? which means they do not need your interaction to be any further personal than it already is. If they do not move further away, then they're receptive. And if they respond by group action nearer to you, they in all probability like you or are terribly comfortable around/by you.
- Overly tilted heads are either a potential sign of sympathy, or if a person smiles while tilting their head, they are being playful and maybe even flirting. (Note that people with vision problems such as amblyopia will also have a tilted head.)
- Lowered heads indicate a reason to hide something. Take note if someone lowers their head. If it is when he is complimented, he may be shy, ashamed, timid, keeping distance from the other person, in disbelief, or thinking to himself or herself. If it is after an explanation, then he may be unsure if what he said was correct, or could be reflecting.
- It should be noted that some cultures see this as a sign of respect.
- Cocked heads mean that they are confused or challenging you, depending on eye, eyebrow, and mouth gestures. Think of how a dog slightly cocks its head when you make a funny noise.
- On the other hand when coupled with a smile, a tilted head will mean they genuinely like you and are engaged in playful conversation.
3. Look into their eyes.
- People who look to the sides a lot are nervous, lying, or distracted. However, if a person looks away from the speaker, it very well could be a comfort display or indicate submissiveness. Looking askance generally means the person is distrustful or unconvinced.
- If someone looks down at the floor a lot, they are probably shy or timid. People also tend to look down, when they are upset, or trying to hide something emotional. People are often thinking and feeling unpleasant emotions when they are in the process of staring at the ground.
- Some cultures believe that looking at someone in the eyes is a sign of disrespect, or is only done with intimate friends or family, so this could explain why someone is avoiding eye contact with you.
- Dilated pupils mean that the person is interested. Keep in mind, however, that many drugs cause pupils to dilate, including alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, LSD and others. Don't mistake having a few drinks for attraction. Also, some people have permanently dilated pupils (a condition known as mydriasis).
- If their eyes seem far away, that usually indicates that a person is in deep thought or not listening. (Note: Unfocused eyes may also be a sign of binocular vision problem.)
4. See if they're mirroring you.
Mirroring is another common gesture. If somebody mirrors, or mimics your look, this is often a very real sign that they're inquisitive about you and making an attempt to ascertain rapport with you. attempt changing your body position here and there. If you discover that they alter theirs equally, they're mirroring.
5. Check their arms.
- People with crossed arms are closing themselves to social influence. Though some people just cross their arms as a habit, it may indicate that the person is (slightly) reserved, uncomfortable with their appearance (IE: self conscious and trying to cover it), or just trying to hide something on their shirt. If their arms are crossed while their feet are shoulder width or wider apart, this is a position of toughness or authority.
- If they are rubbing their hands together or somehow touching them selves in a way to comfort themselves it means they are trying to comfort themselves and are most likely thinking "it will be over soon"
- If someone rests their arms behind their neck or head, they are open to what is being discussed or just laid back in general.
- If their hands are on their hips, they might be waiting, impatient or just tired.
- If their hands are closed or clenched, they may be irritated, angry, or nervous.
6. Be aware of nervous gestures:
- If someone brushes their hair back with their fingers, this may be preening, a common gesture if the person likes you, or their thoughts about something conflict with yours. They might not voice this. If you see raised eyebrows during this time, you can be pretty sure that they disagree with you.
- If the person wears glasses, and is constantly pushing them up onto their nose again, with a slight frown, that may also indicate they disagree with what you are saying. Look to make sure they push up their glasses with an intent, not casually adjusting them. Look for pushing on the rim with two fingers, or an extra motion of wiggling the side of their glasses. The frown or raised eyebrows should tip you off. (Note: A frown may also indicate eyestrain, and constant re-adjusting of glasses could be the result of an improper fit. The distinguishing feature is whether they are looking directly at you while doing it.)
- Lowered eyebrows and squinted eyes illustrate an attempt at understanding what is being said or going on. It's usually skeptical. This is presuming they are not trying to observe something that's far away. (Note: A squint is another possible sign of vision issues.
- If they are staring into space then they are most likely thinking deeply about the past or they could be thinking of you.
7. Watch their feet:
- A fast tapping, shifting of weight, laughing, or movement of the foot will most often mean that the person is impatient, excited, nervous, scared, or intimidated.
- The meaning of feet tapping can usually be discerned depending on the context; if you are currently talking and they are tapping their feet, that is an indication of a desire to leave (though usually this behavior manifests when the person is anxious to get somewhere specific, such as a meeting, rather than because of what you're doing specifically). Slow shuffling on the other hand, indicates boredom with the current situation. If during flirtation your legs/feet touch, tapping can generally be interpreted as nervous excitement. This is because if they were uncomfortable, they would discreetly move away from the contact, a much more subtle escape than indirectly trying to tell you to move away.
- Note though that some people with ADHD will constantly jiggle their legs. It doesn't mean anything, it's entirely subconscious and, while eccentric, it is difficult to stop. Some people also do it out of habit.
- If the person is sitting, feet crossed at the ankles means they're generally at ease.
- If while standing, a person seems to always keep their feet very close together, it probably means they are trying to be "proper" in some way. Sometimes feet together means that they are feeling more submissive or passive.
- If they purposely touch their feet to yours, they are flirting!
- Some people may point their feet to the direction of where they want to go or sometimes their interest. So if it's pointing at you, he/she may be interested in you.
25 Body Language to Avoid
1. Crossing Your Arms – a sign of defensive resistance.
Some people may also interpret it as a sign of egotism.
Always try to keep your arms open and at your sides.
2. Narrowing Your Eyes – If you would like to convey somebody the impression that you just don’t like them (or their ideas), slender your eyes whereas watching them. It right away places a beetle-browed expression on your face.
A slight narrowing of the eyes is an
instinctual, universal expression of anger across various species in the
animal kingdom (think about the angry expressions of tigers, dogs,
etc.).
Some people make the mistake of narrowing
their eyes during a conversation as a reflex of thinking. Don’t send
people the wrong message… don’t narrow your eyes.
3. Holding Objects in Front of Your Body – a cup, notebook, hand bag, etc.
Holding objects ahead of your body indicates timorousness and resistance, such you’re concealment behind the objects in an attempt to separate yourself from others.
Instead of carrying objects in front of you, carry them at your side whenever possible.
4. Standing Too Close – This simply makes individuals feel uncomfortable.
Most people take into account the four sq. feet of house straightaway encompassing their body to be personal space.
Cross this invisible boundary with smart friends and intimate mates solely.
5. Faking a Smile – another sign of deception usually seen on the face of a fraud.
A genuine smile wrinkles the corners of the eyes and changes the expression of the whole face.
Fake smiles solely involve the mouth and lips.
It’s straightforward to tell apart between the 2.
Don’t force yourself to smile… unless it’s for the camera.
6. Checking the Time or Inspecting Your Fingernails – a strong sign of dissatisfaction.
Never look at the time once you’re speaking with somebody.
Likewise, fully avoid the act of inspecting your fingernails.
7. Stroking Your Chin While Looking at Someone – “I’m judging you!” Individuals oftentimes stroke their chin throughout the decision-making method.
If you verify somebody whereas you’re stroke your chin, they'll assume that you’re creating a judgmental call regarding them.
8. Looking Down While in the Presence of Others –usually indicates neutrality. Generally it’s even taken as an informal sign of vanity.
Always look straight ahead and build eye contact after you see somebody you recognize.
9. Leaning Away From Someone You Like – a sign of being bored and impartial .
Some folks might also interpret it to mean: “I don’t like you.”
People generally lean towards people they like and aloof from folks they dislike.
This is very true once they are sitting around a table.
If you lean aloof from somebody you wish, you’re sending them the wrong message.
10. Picking Lint Off of Your Clothes – If you decide lint off of your garments throughout a speech, particularly in conjunction with wanting downward, the majority can assume that you simply disapprove of their concepts and/or feel uneasy concerning giving them an honest opinion. Leave the lint alone!
11. Touching Your Face During a Conversation – Face touching, particularly on the nose, is often understood as a sign of deception.
Also, covering up the mouth could be a common gesture people create once they’re lying.
Always keep your hands faraway from your face once you’re speaking.
12. Messing With the Collar of Your Shirt – It screams: “I feel horribly uncomfortable and/or nervous!” Once again, keep track of your hands. Don’t fidget.
13. Slouching Your Shoulders – indicates low self-esteem. People associate perked-up shoulders with strong self-confidence. Always pull your shoulders back. Not only will you look more confident, you’ll feel more confident as well.
14. Repeatedly Shifting Body Weight from Foot to Foot – This is another gesture that usually indicates mental and physical discomfort.
People may also see this and assume that you’re ready to abandon the
conversation, especially if you’re not directly facing them.
Don’t shift your feet around more than once every 2 to 3 minutes.
15. Foot and Finger Tapping – usually indicates stress, impatience or dissatisfaction. Monitor your habits and observe keeping your limbs at rest.
16. Using Your Hands to Fidget with Small Objects – a pen,
paper ball, etc. This is another sign of anxiety. It can also be
interpreted as a lack of preparedness. It’s always best to keep your
hands comfortably at rest when you’re in the presence of others.
18. Propping Up Your Head with Your Hands – “I’m getting bored!” Never prop up your head with your elbows and hands during a conversation.
19. Standing with Your Hands Crossed Over Your Genitals – This casual posture virtually guarantees that you’ll lose slightly respect before you even have the possibility to talk one word.
People feeling nervous or unsure of themselves can unconsciously take a guarded stance.
Quite oft they adopt a posture that guards one among their most vulnerable areas, their genitals.
This stance pushes your shoulders forward and makes your entire body look smaller and weaker.
Again, try and keep your hands at your sides and your shoulders back.
20. Sitting on the Edge of Your Chair – a clear indication of being mentally and physically uncomfortable.
It’s an apprehensive stance that will make others around you feel uncomfortable as well.
Keep your rear end firmly planted on the surface of the seat.
When you lean forward, use your back without moving your bottom.
21. Increasing Your Rate of Blinking – a clear sign of
anxiety. Some people start blinking their eyes really fast (in
conjunction with an increased heart rate) when they get nervous.
Since most people try to make eye contact, it becomes immediately obvious to others.
Be cognizant of your blinking habits when you’re nervous, especially if someone is looking at you from a close proximity.
22. Scratching at the Backside of Your Head and Neck – a typical sign of doubt and uncertainty. It can also be interpreted as an indication of lying.
Try to keep your hands away from your head when you’re communicating with others.
23. Displaying a Sluggish Posture – When you’re in an environment bustling with people your posture becomes an immediate telltale sign of your confidence and composure.
Your stance literally makes a stand for you, delivering a clear message about how you should be treated.
It can make a huge difference in the way strangers respond to you.
Place your feet a comfortable distance apart, keep your shoulders
pulled back, head up and greet people with direct eye contact and a firm
handshake.
24. Resting Hands Behind the Head or on the Hips – usually interpreted as a sign of superiority or bigheadedness.
Only use these gestures when you’re in the presence of close friends.
25. Not Directly Facing the Person You’re Speaking To – This indicates a certain level of discomfort or a lack of interest.
When we’re happily engaged in a conversation we face the person we’re
speaking to with our feet and torso facing directly forward.
Face directly forward during a conversation to give off the
impression that you’re truly interested in what the other person is
saying.
Our body language exhibits way more info regarding however we tend to feel than it's attainable to articulate verbally.
All of the physical gestures we tend to build are subconsciously taken by others.
This can work for or against us looking on the type of visual communication we tend to use.
Some gestures project a awfully positive message, whereas others do nothing however set a negative tone.
Most people are entirely oblivious to their own visual communication, that the discipline of dominant these gestures may be quite difficult.
Most of them are reflexive in nature, automatically matching up to what our minds are thinking at any given moment.
Nevertheless, with the proper info and slightly observe, we are able to train ourselves to beat most of our negative body language habits.