Body Language Explained

Body language has lately become one of the most important life skills for us. It's normal tendency to use various parts of our body, even when we are verbally communicating with someone. Studies reveal that body language and tone of our voice play a prominent role in our communication. In fact, both of these make up 93 percent of our communication, leaving only 7 percent value to what we speak. Further, breakup reveals that body language alone accounts for 55 percent of human communication skills. Before we move on to body language explained, in order to understand what role each of the body part plays in communication, let's have a brief look at body language and what it means.

Body Language: Overview

The term 'body language' refers to all the signals given by a person either by voluntary or involuntary body movement. It includes all gestures, postures and expressions through which an individual displays his physical and mental state in order to communicate non verbally with others. For instance, an eye to eye contact, whilst talking, displays the confidence in a person, whereas looking down or avoiding eye contact displays his timidness. At times, body language is also referred to as nonverbal communication, which is technically incorrect. Nonverbal communications include the body movement as well as the tone of the person, whereas body language only stresses on the movement of various parts of the body.

Body Language Explained

Owing to the fact that body language gestures reflect a wide range of emotions knowing how to read body language can turn out to be helpful in several ways. Discussed below are some body language tips which will help you to understand people around you better by observing their actions and gestures.

Facial Expressions Interpretation
One of the most important aspect of body language, facial expressions speak in volumes for an individual. It's impossible to talk to someone in person, without displaying your emotions through your facial expressions. Although some people have mastered it, it's difficult to fake emotions, especially if the person with whom you are communicating can observe and interpret your body language. If you are sharp enough you can easily catch any individual who is faking emotions. You can't have a smiling face when you are talking with someone you don't like at all. The smile will be a fake one and fake smiles can be easily inferred.

Body Language Signs: Eye Contact
One of the most important part of human anatomy which can help in interpreting body language to a significant extent is eyes. Looking straight into someone eyes when communicating with the persons reflects your interest in that person, whereas looking away from them indicates your disinterest. People who are not comfortable and people with guilt always tend to avoid eye contact.

Body Language Signs: Hands and Legs Movement
When we talk about body language explained we can't omit hands and legs, undoubtedly two of the most used body parts in human anatomy. Various actions people carry out by their hands and legs can give a descriptive character sketch of those people.

• Open palms reflect sincerity.
• Biting nails reflects nervousness.
• Rubbing of hands reflects anticipation.
• Walking to and fro reflects urgency or impatience.
• Keeping your hands and legs folded reflects disagreement or lack of attention.

These are just few of the various actions we tend to do with our hands and legs, which indirectly reflect our state of mind.

Posture: An Eminent Body Language Tool
Our body posture is yet another important body language tool. Shrugged shoulders and slouching indicates fear or boredom, whereas broad shoulders and upright position indicates confidence. Hands on hips reflect authoritarian stance, while hands behind the head with legs spread wide gives a hint of relaxation. Leaning forward when you are taking to someone in person stresses on your interest towards the person (or what the person is talking). When standing, transferring your weight from one foot to another frequently speculates your indecisiveness and lack of trust.

There are several instances wherein body language explained can be of great help. In fact, your observational skills can make reading body language a lot simple for you. Portraying some body language gestures, such as an eye to eye contact or leaning in front when talking to someone in person, can send across the message that you are keen on conversing with him. On the other hand, if people with whom you talk are looking around or have their hands folded when talking to you, it displays their disinterest and boredom. Interpreting body language signs can help you in displaying a positive attitude, and at the same time judging other persons negative attitude. This shows why body language interpretation is gaining so much popularity today.