Body language is one way of communication most people pay little attention to.
Some experts say that up to half of our communication is conveyed through what our bodies are saying. Learning to read body language will help you understand what someone is really saying. At the same time, learning to use body language can will help you to communicate your message more effectively than words alone.
What is Body Language?
Body language is a form of non-verbal communication that utilizes the body. It can be anything from a facial expression to a stance. Many people talk in an animated fashion, using their body to help communicate their thoughts.
Have you ever seen someone talk and their hands are moving all over the place? These people are called “hand talkers” their hands are in constant motion to help them convey information, or keep a story moving along.
Body language can give off a certain attitude
* Due to slumped shoulders and a rounded back with the head hanging down may look like sadness or shyness.
* A firm walk with the chest puffed out, shoulders raised and head held high could be interpreted as confidence or even arrogance.
* When someone has their arms folded across the chest it tends to be understood as standoffish.
It’s truly amazing how much can be perceived from what your body is saying!
Not only can you use body language to judge an individual’s attitude or mood, but you can also better understand relationships between others. These non-verbal cues can indicate the level of bonding people have to one another. Body language can be broken into general categories that we see time and time again.
These Categories Are:
Aggressive.
Being aggressive is threatening by nature.
Attentive.
This type shows that you’re engaged and interested in another.
Bored.
Bored is the opposite of attentive and is therefore indicated by yawns and lack of eye contact.
Closed.
Arms crossed and standing far away are two common signals of closed language.
Deceptive.
Deceptive body language is often used when someone is trying to get away with a lie.
Defensive.
This kind of body language tends to be present when someone is protective of information or their inner thoughts.
Dominant.
Those who like to be in command use dominant body language.
Emotional.
This one is influenced heavily by feelings at any given moment.
Evaluation.
Evaluating body language is used when making a decision or hesitating to make a judgment.
Greeting.
This type is used when first coming into contact with people.
Open.
Open means welcoming another.
On the Ready.
This type lets people know you’re prepared.
Relaxed & Content.
Relaxed is that which is seen when people are restful, happy, and calm.
Passionate.
Romantic body language expresses attraction for another.
Submissive.
This one shows your relenting side.
Many body positions can have different meanings depending on the person, the situation, or their culture.
In the United States, it’s polite to look into another person’s eyes intermittently to show you’re listening to them. While in Japan, it’s considered rude. It’s important to be more aware of what your body is saying when you talk to others!
Keeping these tips in mind will strengthen both your comprehension and communication skills, paving the way for more effective interactions with others.
