Image via WikipediaBody language is everything a person does to communicate that is not in words. This includes posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements. Most of this is done subconsciously, although there are some that are quite voluntary.
Nonverbal communication helps other people figure out the state of mind or attitude of another person. But it isn't always simple to figure out.
Using a particular rude hand gesture is voluntary, but many of the involuntary signs can point a person in the wrong direction. For this reason the information below is just the start to understanding another person, but it isn't accurate in and of itself. Professional observers limit the weight they place on nonverbal cues, in spite of what we see in television shows like "Lie to Me."
Using a particular rude hand gesture is voluntary, but many of the involuntary signs can point a person in the wrong direction. For this reason the information below is just the start to understanding another person, but it isn't accurate in and of itself. Professional observers limit the weight they place on nonverbal cues, in spite of what we see in television shows like "Lie to Me."
The study of body language is called kinesics (kin EE sicks). A few of the signs people know about are:
1. When a person crosses his or her arms across the chest, this might indicate the person is putting up an unconscious barrier between himself and others or it could mean the person is cold. If the person is rubbing his arms and huddling, chances are he's cold. If the discussion is a friendly one, this could mean the person is thinking deeply about what is being said. So don't be too quick to judge this sign.
2. Constant eye contact can mean a person is thinking positively about what is being said or it could mean the listener doesn't trust the speaker at all. Some liars know that people don't expect direct eye contact from liars. So they make sure to have plenty. Lack of eye contact may indicate negativity or that the person suffers from an anxiety disorder. What about when you add eye contact with crossed arms? This could mean that the person feels like he has something important to say.
3. Does the listener believe the speaker? He might do things like avert his eyes, touch an ear or scratch his chin. He might zone out and look away from long periods of time. Or he could just be sleepy and fighting to stay awake. You can't always tell.
4. A bored person might tilt the head to one side, look straight at the speaker, but his eyes may be out of focus. On the other hand a person might have a neck ache or lazy eye.
An interested listener will sit forward and have just the right amount of eye contact. So will an accomplished liar.
6. One way to tell if a person is lying or withholding information is that he might touch his face during the conversation. Another indicator is rapid eye blinking. Lack of blinking can be another sign of lying. So blinking excessively or not at all could mean the person is lying or not. How do you tell?
It’s very hard to tell what a person’s body language is saying based on the information I have given you, but the subject of body language, kinesics, is very complicated. A book from Amazon.com that might help you is The Definitive Book of Body Language - Hardcover (July 25, 2006) by Barbara Pease and Allan Pease.
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