Body Language Signs

It is said that solitary confinement is the worst kind of punishment. To say that the human need to communicate, is as great as the need for food and shelter, is a poetic exaggeration rooted in the truth that it is in fact a great human need. For this reason, our ways to communicate are multifarious, and not confined to language. We communicate through art, music, and even through silence. Body language is a powerful communicator, that complements the human word. To listen to the words a person enunciates, but to not read the signs their body is sending, would be to receive only half the message. Most of us are equipped to understand body language signs that other people send out. However, a deep study of these signs can enable a person to tell much more that the average person can, such as if the speaker is lying. The following are some body language signs and what they imply.

Gestures: The meaning of a gesture differs from person to person. A common gesture is the crossing of the arms across the chest, that may mean that the person has put up a barrier or is expressing opposition. As the meaning is situation-based; in a comfortable situation, it could mean that the person is in deep thought. A situation that must not be read into is if the person is cold, and is crossing their arms as a means to keep themselves warm. When two people are conversing, the person who is speaking completes may drop their arms, while the other person may raise an arm, to indicate that they want to say something.

Personal Space: The personal space is a number of concentric circles around a person's body, where the closer areas are reserved for more trusted people. While this may differ among countries and cultures, usually, the space closest to you, is reserved for close friends and family. Next, from 18 inches to four feet, stand your acquaintances and people making informal conversation. The space between four and twelve feet is meant for formal transactions. Personal space is a very important indicator of how comfortable a person is with you. You can assess this on the basis of how much of physical proximity they allow you.

Angles and Posture: Often, a direct face-to-face stance between two people is considered a confrontation (or sometimes intimacy), which is why most casual conversations take place with people sitting or standing at an angle to one another. A person leaning while conversing, is usually showing interest. Open body positions are knees apart, legs stretched out, elbows away from body, hands not touching, legs uncrossed, etc. and indicate comfort and domination. Closed body positions, such as legs crossed at either knees or ankles, hands folded on lap, arms crossed, etc. may signal inferiority.

Facial Signals: The human face utilizes about 90 muscles to send signals. Expressions are the easiest way to gauge a person's reaction. Other minute details, like the tilt of the head also carries a message. Eye contact, when it is maintained, broken or averted, are all crucial indicators. The eyebrows and forehead tell of surprise, fear and anger, among other emotions. The mouth, and the way in which the lips are held: pursed or turned up in a smile, also add to the conversation.

To interpret a person's body language signs, you need to assess his facial expressions, eye contact, gestures and posture, in conjunction with his/her words. However, it is important to remember that body language has multiple meanings. If you really want to understand the extent of body language, watch as desire and doubt chase each other across a mime performer's face, as he tells a story without words.