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Body Language is a significant aspect of modern communications and relationships. Therefore, it is very relevant to management or leadership and to all aspects of work and business where communications can be seen and physically observed among people. Body language is also very relevant to relationships outside of work, for example in dating and in families and parenting. In terms of observable body language, non-verbal (non-spoken) signals are being exchanged whether these signals are accompanied by spoken words or not. Body language works both ways:
The sending and receiving of signals happen on conscious and unconscious levels. The study of body language is also known as kinesics (pronounced 'kineesicks'), which is derived from the Greek word kinesis, meaning motion. To test your knowledge see the free Body Language Quiz, which can be used to test/reinforce the learning offered in this article. (N.B. US and UK-English spellings, e.g., 'ize' and 'ise' are used in this page to allow for different searching preferences. Please feel free to change these according to your local requirements when using these materials.)
Note. Body language is not an exact science. Understanding How Body Language WorksUnderstanding body language involves the interpretation of several consistent signals to support or indicate a particular conclusion.
Body language is a powerful concept that is well understood by successful people. The study and theory of it have become popular in recent years because psychologists have been able to understand what we 'say' through our bodily gestures and facial expressions, so as to translate and reveal our underlying feelings and attitudes.
DefinitionsAs explained, the terms body language and non-verbal communications are rather vague. So what is body language? And more usefully, what might we regard it to be, if we are to make the most of studying and using it?
Body language is more than those brief descriptions.
In this respect, standard dictionary definitions do not always describe the phrase fully and properly. We could define it more fully as: "Body language is the unconscious and conscious transmission and interpretation of feelings, attitudes, and moods, through:
(and this transmission and interpretation can be quite different to the spoken words)." Words alone - especially emotional words (or words used in emotional situations) - rarely reflect full or true meaning and motive. Defining what Body Language EntailsClarification of terminology: For the purposes of this article, the terms 'body language' and 'non-verbal communications' are broadly interchangeable. This guide also takes the view that it is the study of how people communicate face-to-face aside from the spoken words themselves, and in this respect, the treatment of the subject here is broader than typical guides, which are limited merely to body positions and gestures. Defining what behaviours or actions constitute "Body Language" is not as simple as it may seem:
There are no absolute right/wrong answers to these questions. It's a matter of interpretation. A good reason for broadening our scope is to avoid missing important signals which might not be considered within a narrower definition. Nevertheless, confusion easily arises if definitions and context are not properly established, for example:
Care must, therefore, be exercised when stating specific figures relating to percentages of meaning conveyed, or in making any firm claims in relation to body language and non-verbal communications. Body Language Tends to Include:
Body Language Tends Not to Include:
Arguably this last point should be encompassed by body language because a lot happens here which can easily be missed if we consider merely the spoken word and the traditional narrow definition.
The Importance of Body LanguageIt is safe to say that body language represents a very significant proportion of meaning that is conveyed and interpreted between people.
Understanding and Awareness
Life Advantage
First ImpressionsBody language is especially crucial when we meet someone for the first time.
Consequently, body language is very influential in forming impressions on first meeting someone. The effect happens both ways - to and from:
The Two-Way Effect of Body LanguageThis two-way effect continues throughout communications and relationships between people. Body language is constantly being exchanged and interpreted between people, even though much of the time this is happening on an unconscious level.
The people with the most conscious awareness of, and capabilities to read, body language tend to have an advantage over those whose appreciation is limited largely to the unconscious. You will shift your own awareness from the unconscious into the conscious by learning about the subject, and then by practising your reading of non-verbal communications in your dealings with others. Background and History of Body LanguagePhilosophers and scientists have connected human physical behaviour with meaning, mood and personality for thousands of years, but only in living memory has the study of body language become as sophisticated and detailed as it is today. Studies and written works on the subject are very sparse until the mid-1900s. Early HistoryThe first known experts to consider aspects of body language were probably the ancient Greeks, notably Hippocrates and Aristotle, through their interest in human personality and behaviour, and the Romans, notably Cicero, relating gestures to feelings and communications. Much of this early interest was in refining ideas about oration - speech-making - given its significance to leadership and government. Isolated studies appeared in more recent times, for example, Francis Bacon in Advancement of Learning, 1605, explored gestures as reflection or extension of spoken communications. John Bulwer's Natural History of the Hand published in 1644, considered hand gestures. Gilbert Austin's Chironomia in 1806 looked at using gestures to improve speech-making. Charles Darwin Study of Body LanguageCharles Darwin in the late 1800s could be regarded as the earliest expert to have made a serious scientific observation about body language, but there seems little substantial development of ideas for at least the next 150 years. Darwin's work pioneered much ethological thinking. Ethology began as the science of animal behaviour. It became properly established during the early 1900s and increasingly extends to human behaviour and social organization. Where ethology considers animal evolution and communications, it relates strongly to human body language. Ethologists have progressively applied their findings to human behaviour, including body language, reflecting the evolutionary origins of much human non-verbal communication - and society's growing acceptance of evolutionary rather than creationist theory. Austrian zoologist and 1973 Nobel Prizewinner Konrad Lorenz (1903-89) was a founding figure in ethology. Desmond Morris, the author of The Naked Ape, discussed below, is an ethologist, as is the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins (b. 1941) a leading modern thinker in the field. Ethology, like psychology, is an over-arching science that continues to clarify the understanding of body language. Later Research on Body LanguageThe popular and accessible study of non-verbal communication as we know it today is very recent. In his popular 1971 book 'Body Language', Julius Fast (1919-2008) wrote: "...kinesics [body language and its study] is still so new as a science that its authorities can be counted on the fingers of one hand..." Julius Fast was an American award-winning writer of fiction and non-fiction work dealing especially with human physiology and behaviour. His book Body Language was among the first to bring the subject to a mainstream audience. Significantly the references in Julius Fast's book (Birdwhistell, Goffman, Hall, Mehrabian, Scheflen, etc - see body language references and books below) indicate the freshness of the subject in 1971. All except one of Julius Fast's cited works are from the 1950s and 1960s. The exception among Fast's contemporary influences was Charles Darwin, and specifically his book The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, written in 1872, which is commonly regarded as the beginnings of the body language science, albeit not recognised as such then. Sigmund Freud and others in the field of psychoanalysis - in the late 1800s and early 1900s - would have had a good awareness of many aspects of the concept, including personal space, but they did not focus on non-verbal communications concepts or develop theories in their own right. Freud and similar psychoanalysts and psychologists of that time were focused on behaviour and therapeutic analysis rather than the study of non-verbal communications per se. A different view of human behaviour related to and overlapping body language, surfaced strongly in Desmond Morris's 1967 book The Naked Ape, and in follow-up books such as Intimate Behaviour, 1971. Morris, a British zoologist and ethologist, linked human behaviour - much of it concerned with communications - to human 'animalistic' evolution. His work remains a popular and controversial perspective for understanding people's behaviours, and while his theories did not focus strongly on body language, Morris's popularity in the late 1960s and 1970s contributed significantly to the increasing interest among people beyond the scientific community - for a better understanding of how and why we feel and act and communicate. Body Language Terminology - Physiognomy, Kinesics, Proxemics and KinaestheticsAn important aspect of body language is facial expression, for which quite early 'scientific' thinking can be traced:
The introduction of a new technical word - (in this case, kinesics) - generally comes after the establishment of the subject it describes, which supports the assertion that the modern concept of body language - encompassing facial expressions and personal space - did not exist until the 1950s.
The Greek word kinesis is also a root word of kinaesthetics, which is the 'K' in the VAK ('see hear feel') learning styles model.
Body language is among many branches of science and education which seek to interpret and exploit messages and meaning from the 'touchy-feely' side of life. For example, the concepts of experiential learning, games and exercises, and love and spirituality at work - are all different perspectives and attempts to unlock and develop people's potential using ideas centred around kinaesthetics, as distinct from the more tangible and easily measurable areas of facts, figures words and logic. These and similar methodologies do not necessarily reference body language directly, but there are very strong inter-connections. Bloom's Taxonomy and Kolb's Learning Styles are also helpful perspectives in appreciating the significance of kinaesthetics, and therefore body language, in life and work today. The communications concepts of NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming) and Transactional Analysis are closely dependent on understanding body language, NLP especially. Body Language - Nature or Nurture?Body language is part of human evolution, but as with many other aspects of human behaviour, the precise mixture of genetic (inherited) and environmental (learned or conditioned) influences is not known and opinions vary. Julius Fast noted this, especially regarding facial expressions. To emphasise the shifting debate he cited for example:
The discussion has continued in a similar vein to the modern-day - studies 'proving' genetic or environmental cause - 'nature' or 'nurture' - for one aspect of body language or another. The situation is made more complex when one considers the genetic (inherited) capability or inclination to learn body language. Is this nature or nurture? Body language is part 'nature' and part 'nurture'. It is is partly genetic (inborn - 'nature'), and partly environmental (conditioned/learned - 'nurture').
In summary, we can be certain that body language (namely the conscious and unconscious sending and receiving of non-verbal signals) is partly inborn, and partly learned or conditioned. Body Language and EvolutionThe evolutionary perspectives of body language are fascinating, in terms of its purpose and how it is exploited, which in turn feeds back into the purpose of body language at conscious and unconscious levels. Why did Body Language Evolve?For various reasons people intentionally and frequently mask their true feelings. (Transactional Analysis theory is very useful in understanding more about this) In expectation of these 'masking' tendencies in others, humans try to imagine what another person has in their mind. The need to understand what lies behind the mask obviously increases according to the importance of the relationship.
Body language has evolved in spite of human awareness and conscious intelligence: rather like a guardian angel, it can help take care of us, connecting us to kindred souls, and protecting us from threats. While the importance of body language in communications and management has become a popular interest and science in the last few decades, human beings have relied on kinesics instinctively in many ways for many thousands of years. The Evolution of Body Language
Humans have also learned to read the body language of animals (and vice-versa), although humans almost certainly had greater skills in this area a long time ago. Shepherds, horse-riders and animal trainers throughout time and still today have good capabilities in reading animal body language, which for many extends to the human variety. Monty Robert, the real-life 'Horse Whisperer' is a good example. Body language, and the reading of non-verbal communications and feelings, are in our genes. Gender differences: Interestingly, women tend to have better perception and interpretation of body language than men. This is perhaps a feature of evolutionary survival since females needed these skills to reduce their physical vulnerability to males and the consequential threat to life, limb, and offspring. Females might not be so physically vulnerable in modern times, but their kinesic capabilities generally continue typically to be stronger than the male of the species. Thus, women tend to be able to employ body language (for sending and interpreting signals) more effectively than men. Katherine Benziger's theories of brain types and thinking styles provide a useful additional perspective. Women tend to have more empathic sensitivity than men, which naturally aids their awareness and capabilities. Aside from gender differences, men and women with strong empathic sensitivity (typically right-basal or rear brain bias) tend to be better at picking up signals. The Six Universal Facial Expressions It is now generally accepted that certain basic facial expressions of human emotion are recognized around the world - and that the use and recognition of these expressions are genetically inherited rather than socially conditioned or learned. While there have been found to be minor variations and differences among obscurely isolated tribes-people, the following basic human emotions are generally used, recognized, and part of humankind's genetic character: These emotional facial expressions are:
Charles Darwin was first to make these claims in his book The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals, published in 1872. This book incidentally initially far outsold The Origin of Species, such as its wide (and controversial) appeal at the time. Darwin's assertions about genetically inherited facial expressions remained the subject of much debate for many years. Paul EkmanIn the 1960s a Californian psychiatrist and expert in facial expressions, Paul Ekman, (with Sorenson and Friesen - see references) conducted and published extensive studies with people of various cultures to explore the validity of Darwin's theory - that certain facial expressions and man's ability to recognize them are inborn and universal among people. Ekman's work notably included isolated tribes-people who could not have been influenced by Western media and images, and essentially proved that Darwin was right - i.e., that the use and recognition of facial expressions to convey certain basic human emotions is part of human evolved nature, genetically inherited, and not dependent on social learning or conditioning. Body Language AnalysisBody language is instinctively interpreted by us all to a limited degree, but the subject is potentially immensely complex. Perhaps infinitely so, given that the human body is said to be capable of producing 700,000 different movements (Hartland and Tosh, 2001 - see references). As with other behavioural sciences, the study of body language benefited from the development of brain-imaging technology in the last part of the 20th century. This dramatically accelerated the research and understanding into connections between the brain, feelings, thoughts and body movement. We should expect to see this effect continuing and providing a more solid evidence base for body language theory, much of which remains empirical, i.e., based on experience and observation, rather than a scientific test. Given the potential for confusion, the discussion below highlights some of these analytical considerations. ContextBody language also depends on context: in a certain situation, it might not mean the same as in another. Some 'body language' is not what it seems at all, for example:
Sufficient Samples/EvidenceA single body language signal isn't as reliable as several signals:
Culture/EthnicityCertain body language is the same in all people, for example, smiling and frowning (and see the six universally recognizable facial expressions above), but some body language is specific to a culture or ethnic group. For more information see examples of cultural body language differences below. Awareness of possible cultural differences is especially important in today's increasingly mixed societies.
In general, this article offers interpretations applicable to Western culture. If you can suggest any different ethnic interpretations of body language please send them and we'll broaden the guide accordingly. Age and GenderMany body language signals are relative. A gesture by one person in a certain situation can carry far more, or very little meaning, compared to the same gesture used by a different person in a different situation.
So when assessing body language - especially the strength of signals and meanings - it's important to do so in relative terms, considering the type of person and situation involved. Faking/DeceptionSome people artificially control their outward body language to give the impression they seek to create at the time.
However while a degree of faking is possible, it is not possible for someone to control or suppress all outgoing signals. This is an additional reason to avoid superficial analysis based on isolated signals, and to seek as many indicators as possible, especially subtle clues when suspecting things might not be what they seem. Politicians and manipulative salespeople come to mind for some reason.
These micro gestures are very small, difficult to spot and are subconscious, but we cannot control them, hence their usefulness. Boredom, Nervousness and Insecurity SignalsMany body language signals indicate negative feelings such as boredom, disinterest, anxiousness or insecurity. The temptation upon seeing such signals is to imagine a weakness on the part of the person exhibiting them. This can be so, however the proper interpretation of body language should look beyond the person and the signal - and consider the situation, especially if you are using body language within personal development or management. Ask yourself:
It is often the situation, not the person - for example, here are examples of circumstances that can produce negative feelings and signals in people, often even if they are strong and confident:
Do not jump to conclusions - especially negative ones - using body language analysis alone. Quick Reference Guide: Translation of Gestures, Signs and Other FactorsWhen translating body language signals into feelings and meanings remember that one signal does not reliably indicate a meaning.
Note. This is a general guide. This should not be used alone for making serious decisions about people. Body language is one of several indicators of mood, meaning and motive. This is a guide, not an absolutely reliable indicator, and this applies especially until you've developed good capabilities of reading signs. Even 'obvious' signs can be missed - especially if displayed as subtle movements in a group of people and if your mind is on other things - so I make no apology for including 'obvious' body language in this guide. It is important to remember that cultural differences influence these signals and their interpretation. This guide is based on 'Western World' and North European behaviours. What may be 'obvious' in one culture can mean something different in another culture. Body Language Signal TranslationThe body language signals below are grouped together according to parts of the body. Left and right are for the person giving the signals and making the movements. This is a summary of the main body language signals. More signals and meanings will be added. Suggest any other signals that you wish to know, and we'll add them. These are the body language signals that will be discussed below:
EyesOur eyes are a very significant aspect of the non-verbal signals we send to others. To a lesser or greater extent we all 'read' people's eyes without knowing how or why, and this ability seems to be inborn. Eyes - and especially our highly developed awareness of what we see in other people's eyes - are incredible:
We probably cannot describe these and many other eye signals, but we recognise them when we see them and we know what they mean. When we additionally consider the eyelids, the flexibility of the eyes to widen and close, and for the pupils to enlarge or contract, it becomes easier to understand how the eyes have developed such potency in human communications. What does it mean when eyes look left and right?
eyes | mouth | head | arms | hands | handshakes | legs and feet | personal space MouthThe mouth is associated with very many body language signals, which is not surprising given its functions - obviously speech, but also those connected with infant feeding, which connects psychologically through later life with feelings of security, love and sex.
Unlike the nose and ears, which are generally only brought into action by the hands or fingers, the mouth acts quite independently, another reason for it deserving separate detailed consideration.
eyes | mouth | head | arms | hands | handshakes | legs and feet | personal space HeadThe head is very significant in body language. The head tends to lead and determine general body direction but it is also vital and vulnerable being where our brain is, so the head is used a lot in directional (likes and dislikes) body language as well as in defensive (self-protection) body language.
The head - when our hands interact with it - is therefore dynamic and busy in communicating all sorts of messages - consciously and unconsciously.
eyes | mouth | head | arms | hands | handshakes | legs and feet | personal space ArmsArms act as defensive barriers when across the body, and conversely indicate feelings of openness and security when in open positions, particularly when combined with open palms. Arms are quite reliable indicators of mood and feeling, especially when interpreted with other body language signals. This provides a good opportunity to illustrate how signals combine to enable safer analysis. For example:
While this might seem obvious written in simple language, it is not always so clear if your attention is on other matters. Body language is more than just knowing the theory - it is being aware constantly of the signals people are giving.
eyes | mouth | head | arms | hands | handshakes | legs and feet | personal space HandsBody language involving hands is extensive. This is because hands are such expressive parts of the body and because hands interact with other parts of the body. Hands contain many more nerve connections (to the brain) than most if not all other body parts. They are extremely expressive and flexible tools, so it is natural for hands to be used a lot in signalling consciously - as with emphasizing gestures - or unconsciously - as in a wide range of unintentional movements which indicate otherwise hidden feelings and thoughts. A nose or an ear by itself can do little to signal a feeling but when a hand or finger is also involved then there is probably a signal of some sort. Hands body language is used for various purposes, notably:
Body language experts generally agree that hands send more signals than any part of the body except for the face. Studying hands, therefore, yields a lot of information - hence the section below is large. There are many cultural body language differences in hand signals. The section below focuses on Western behaviour. Much applies elsewhere, but avoid assuming that it all does.
eyes | mouth | head | arms | hands | handshakes | legs and feet | personal space Handshakes The firmness of a handshake is not the reliable indicator of firmness of character that many believe it to be. Firm handshakes tend to be those of confident people, especially those who have spent some time in business and who realise that most people in business consider a firm handshake to be a good thing. Handshakes that are uncomfortably firm show a lack of respect or awareness, especially if used in cultures (Eastern especially) where firm handshaking is not normal. A Quick History of HandshakingHandshaking evolved from ancient times as an initial gesture of trust, to show that no weapon was being held. Naturally also the handshake offers the most obvious way to connect physically as a way to signal trust or friendship. In more recent times, especially from the 1800s onwards, a handshake became the way to confirm a commercial transaction. Handshaking by women became common practice much later, reflecting the change of social attitudes and the increasing equality of women, for whom a hundred years back such physical contact was considered improper. Women have throughout time generally been subservient to men, hence the very subservient female curtsey gesture (also spelt curtsy), which survives now only in traditional situations such as meeting royalty or ending a stage performance.
eyes | mouth | head | arms | hands | handshakes | legs and feet | personal space Legs and FeetLegs and feet body language are more difficult to control consciously or fake than some body language of arms, hands and face. Legs and feet can, therefore, provide good clues to feelings and moods, if you know the signs. Aspects to consider when interpreting body language of leg and feet:
Note. Where the terms 'leg-crossing' and 'crossed legs' are used alone, this refers to the legs being crossed at both knees. The 'American' or 'Figure-4' leg cross entails the supporting leg being crossed just above the knee by the ankle or lower calf of the crossing leg. This makes a figure-4 shape, hence the name. The posture is also called the American leg cross because of its supposed popularity in the US compared to the UK, notably among males.
eyes | mouth | head | arms | hands | handshakes | legs and feet | personal space Personal SpaceThe technical term for the personal space aspect of body language is proxemics.
Proxemics - personal space - is defined as (the study of) the amount of space that people find comfortable between themselves and others. Personal space dimensions depend notably on the individual, cultural and living background, the situation and relationships. However, some general parameters apply to most people, which for Western societies, are shown below. There are five distinct space zones, which were originally identified by Edward T. Hall and which remain the basis of personal space analysis today. The first zone is sometimes shown as a single zone comprising two sub-zones.
eyes | mouth | head | arms | hands | handshakes | legs and feet | personal space Mirroring - Matching Body Language SignalsWhen body language and speech characteristics are mirrored or synchronized between people this tends to assist the process of creating and keeping rapport (a mutual feeling of empathy, understanding, trust). The term synchronized is arguably a more accurate technical term because mirroring implies visual signals only when the principles of matching body language extend to audible signals also - notably speech pace, pitch or tone and so on. Mirroring in this conscious sense is not simply copying or mimicking. Mirroring is effective when movements and gestures are reflected in a similar way so that the effect remains unconscious and subtle. Obvious copying would be regarded as strange or insulting. The Relevance of Matching Body Language Signals
Advocates and users of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) use mirroring consciously, as a method of 'getting in tune' with another person, and with a little practice are able to first match and then actually and gently to alter the signals - and supposedly thereby the feelings and attitudes - of other people, using mirroring techniques. Examples of Mirroring Body Language
See NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and Empathy for related information. Body Language of Seating PositioningLots of unnecessary friction is created in work and communications situations due to ignorance and lack of thought about seating positions. The 'science' of where people sit in relation to each other, on what and around what, is fascinating and offers opportunities for improving relationships, communications, cooperation and understanding. Here are some guidelines: These points are generally for the purpose of a leader or someone aspiring to lead, or coach, counsel, etc. They also relate to one-to-one situations like appraisals, interviews and so on. DONT's - Less Favourable Seating Positions
DO's - Favourable Seating Positions
The 45-degree rule is approximate and anyway, under most circumstances, seating angles are influenced by furniture and available space. Importantly, simply try to avoid opposite or side-by-side positions. An angle between these two extremes is best - somewhere in the range of 30-60 degrees if you want to be technical about it. In large gatherings of 20-30 people or more, a 'top table' is often appropriate for the leader and guest speakers. While this seems like a throwback to more autocratic times, it is perfectly workable. Groups of people above a certain size are far more likely to expect firm direction/leadership, if not in making decisions, certainly to keep order and ensure the smooth running of proceedings. Therefore seating arrangements for large groups should provide a clear position of control for the chairperson or event leaders. Other Information on Seating Position
Body Language in Different CulturesHere are some brief pointers concerning body language variations and gestures in cultures that differ from Western (US/UK notably) behaviour. We welcome refinements and additions to this section. Please send any you can contribute. Eye ContactEye contact (other than unwanted staring) is generally regarded as a positive aspect of body language in Western cultures, which in this context typically refers to European people and descendants. A specific difference regarding eye contact can be found in some black Caribbean cultures, however, whereby young people tend to be instructed not to look at someone eye to eye when being told off or disciplined. When cultures meet obviously this provides the potential for friction, given the 'Western' expectation in such situations, for example, "Look at me when I'm talking to you" (Thanks R Fox). Thumbs-Up and Handshaking/Hand Movements
Head Nodding/Movements
Sign of Disrespect or Wrongdoing in other Cultures
Japanese Body Language InsightsHere are some Japanese body language insights, especially for doing business in Japan (thanks R Wilkes):
We welcome refinements and additions for body language in other cultures. Please send anything you can contribute. (Thanks to D Ofek, G van Duin, L Campbell, F Suzara, M Baniasadi, S Aydogmus, DD, and particularly to R Wilkes for the Japanese section.) Flirting, Courtship, Dating and MatingMany signals in flirting, dating and mating body language are covered in the general translation signals above and the fundamental principles of social/work body language also apply to the development or blocking of sexual relationships. Of course, lots of flirting, and more, goes on at work, but for the purposes of this article, it is easier to keep the two situations separate. The Importance of ContextAgain, context plays a highly relevant. There are some differences that can completely change the nature of a signal given in a sexual context.
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