Body language refers to various forms of nonverbal
communication, where a person may reveal clues
as to some unspoken intention or feeling through
their physical behavior. These behaviors include
facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye
movement, touch and the use of space. Body
language exists in both animals and humans.
Facial expressions example
An expression of confusion is often determined by
the nose and forehead scrunched up, sometimes
with one eyebrow raised higher than the other.
Lips are typically pursed together as well, although
the expression of confusion tends to be most
accentuated around the eyes and nose.The origins
of the confused face can be paralleled with our
closest living relatives, chimpanzees. Confusion
represents a lack of understanding, and the
expression itself is created by one increasing their
efforts to understand something. When a
chimpanzee, especially a younger one, experiences
a new sensations for the first time a look of
surprise or confusion appears that is very similar
to the human one. We both share the desire to
understand the world around us, although on a
different level.
Body postures
examples
Arms crossed over the chest. This example of body
language can indicate that a person is being
defensive. It can also demonstrate that the individual
with crossed arms disagrees with the opinions or
actions of other individuals with whom they are
communicating.
Nail biting. Nail biting is a type of habit than can
demonstrate stress, nervousness, or insecurity.
Oftentimes people bite their nails without even
realizing it.
Hand placed on the cheek. This example of body
language can indicate that a person is lost in thought,
or is considering something. Sometimes when the
hand is on the cheek, it is accompanied by a furrowed
brow, which further demonstrates deep
concentration.
Tapping or drumming the fingers. Finger-tapping
demonstrates that a person is growing impatient or
tired of waiting.
Head tilted to one side. A tilted head demonstrates
that a person is listening keenly, or is interested in
what is being communicated.
Touching the nose. When someone touches or rubs
their nose, it can signify a number of things: it can be
a signal of disbelief or rejection, or it can also
demonstrate that an individual is being untruthful
about what they are saying.
Rubbing the hands together briskly. This can show
that a persons hands are cold. It is also a way of
communicating that an individual is excited for
something, or is waiting in anticipation.
Handshakes
While Orientals saluted each other with a polite bow,
Westerners shook their hands and displayed their palms
to appear honest and demonstrate no weapons were being
concealed, i.e, that there were no hidden intentions. In
ancient Rome however, they didnt shake hands but rather
grabbed each others forearms as it was common for them
to carry daggers concealed around their wrist area.
Different Types Of Hand Shakes
Hand Hug: The handhug is popular with politicians,
and is when they choose to wrap your hand with their
left hand creating this warm cocoon protecting your
hand. When done to the right person, they are
perceived as
beingwarm, friendly, trustworthy and honest, and
sometimes this handshake is reciprocated creating a
pile of 4 hands. However, this type of handshake is
only done genuinely with people who share close
bonds, as similar to hugs, this handshake is seen as
an invasion of intimacy when done by people who
have just met.
Queens Fingertips: This is quite common in malefemale encounters. As women need more personal
space than men, they will stretch out their hand from
a distance allowing the other person to barely grasp
the two or three fingers without a good grip of the
hand. It is also used by individuals who
feel superior to the other person, The Queen,
therefore stretching out their hands with their palms
downwards (a sign of authority/superiority) and only
allowing a hold of the fingers.
Gestures
Gestures are movements made with body parts (e.g. hands, arms,
fingers, head, legs) and they may be voluntary or involuntary. Arm
gestures can be interpreted in several ways. In a discussion, when one
stands or sits with folded arms, this is normally not a welcoming
gesture. It could mean that he/she has a closed mind and is most likely
unwilling to listen to the speakers viewpoint. Another type of arm
gesture also includes an arm crossed over the other, demonstrating
insecurity and a lack of confidence.
Hand gestures often signify the state of well-being of the person making
them. Relaxed hands indicate confidence and self-assurance, while
clenched hands may be interpreted as signs of stress or anger. If a
person is wringing his/her hands, this demonstrates nervousness and
anxiety.
Finger gestures are also commonly used to exemplify ones speech as
well as denote the state of well-being of the person making them. In
certain cultures, pointing using ones index finger is deemed acceptable.
However, pointing at a person may be viewed as aggressive in other
cultures - for example, people who share Hindu beliefs consider finger
pointing offensive. Instead, they point with their thumbs.[9] Likewise,
the thumbs up gesture could show OK or good in countries like the
US, France and Germany. But this same gesture is insulting in other
countries like Iran, Bangladesh and Thailand, where it is the equivalent
of showing the middle finger in the US.
