Understanding Body Language

Body language has always been important in determining what goes unsaid while communicating with others. It is a clear indicator of whether people actually mean what they say, and we are able to gauge the stance of a person by his/her body language. Understanding body language is important in communication with people who are part of different aspects of our lives. Whether it is a personal relationship or a professional relationship, knowing the intricacies of body language is essential. Not only does it help you understand the opposite person, it helps the opposite person understand a little about you. While it may not be a sure shot method of completely being able to understand someone, it definitely has more value than the verbal proclamations made by people.

Studies have shown that understanding men's body language is easier for women, than understanding women's body language by men. This is because women are more receptive to various body language signals, and are able to mark out inconsistencies in verbal communication and body language. On the other hand, men are known for their desire for everything to be explained verbally, than through gestures and body language. There are of course, exceptions to every situation, and this study cannot be generalized.

In any case, the body language signs that are given out are usually similar, whether men or women, and can be understood with the help of the information presented below.

Negative Body Language

There are several negative emotions that cannot be hidden because of the body language that is associated with them. No matter how much you try to hide it, something about your posture, your facial expressions, or a particular gesture may give you away. To understand body language related to these emotions, let's take a look at the table below.

Emotion	Facial Expressions	Posture and Other Signs
Anger and Frustration	Frowning or raised eyebrows Dilated pupils Intimidating stare Rigid jaw Grinding teeth	Rubbing back of neck Clasped hands, behind back Arms folded across chest Clenched fists, as though holding oneself back from reacting
Contempt	Narrowing of eyes Lowered eyebrows Eye rolling, indicating superiority in all matters Crooked smile, or smirk as if mocking the opposite person	Arms folded across chest Increased physical distance from others Hands clasped behind head
Suspicion	Narrowed eyes Lowered eyebrows Rigid jaw	Head tilted backward, or at a slant Arms folded across chest Rubbing behind the ear Nose touching or rubbing Attempt to move away Crossed legs Squirming
Resistance, Guardedness and Discomfort	Frowning Averted gaze Rigid jaw	Leaning away Increased personal space Locked ankles Clenching objects around, such as chair handles Hands clenched into fists Arms folded across chest Rigid body
Nervousness and Lying (Deceit)	Avoidance of eye contact Attempt to mask emotions, delayed expression of emotion False smile that does not reflect in the eyes Lack of blinking	Fidgeting with anything within reach Sweating If seated, may shift uncomfortably in seat If standing, may continuously walk to and fro Tapping fingers on a table or any other surface, incessantly
Fear	Avoidance of eye contact Raised eyebrows Flared nostrils	Sweating Greater physical distance from others Arms folded across chest Slouching shoulders, as if given up Squared shoulders (in defense) If seated, may shift uncomfortably in seat If standing, may continuously walk to and fro
Boredom	Constant, but unfocused gaze at speaker Looking around at surroundings without focus	Head tilted to one side Tapping fingers on a table or any other surface, incessantly Fidgeting with anything within reach

Positive Body Language

Usually, gaging positive body language is not difficult. Whether you are happy, excited or jubilant, you are going to be smiling brightly, and use animated gestures. There are some emotions though, that are not so vividly evident, but are present nonetheless, that can help us understand positive emotions such as interest, confidence, and acceptance.

Emotion	Facial Expressions	Posture and Other Signs
Interest and Involvement	Intent and focused gaze Dilated pupils Smiling	Nodding Open palms Leaning closer Mirroring the opposite person's gestures Arms resting behind head Slight touching
Confidence	Direct eye contact A hint of a smile	Flexible movements Leaning forward Upright posture Hands held behind back Touching fingertips together Firm handshake
Acceptance	Eye contact Encouraging smile	Slight touching Leaning closer Open palms Nodding

Understanding body language is going to take time, and it is only when you pay attention to all these minor nuances of body language, will you be able to understand the opposite person better. However, do remember that sometimes, these gestures are involuntary, or the result of some kind of a health problem. As such, give the opposite person the benefit of doubt before you make a judgment reach a conclusion.