Body language is non-verbal signals that we use knowingly or unknowingly to communicate with others in our daily life. Whether we are at workplace or at home, these non-verbal signals speak a lot about a person’s feelings, emotions, intentions and overall personality.
We use it in almost every aspect of daily life, and if we observe someone, it can tell you a lot
about how a person is feeling and what is on his or her mind at that point of time. Body language makes it very easy to understand what is going on in people’s minds. It is believed that in a conversation, the words that we speak are only 7% effective, 38% is the tone of the voice and 55% effective is the body language.
It includes multiple actions and mannerisms, such as:
Facial Expressions
Gestures
Posture
Head Movement
Eye Contact
All of these are universal to all humans, and people use them consciously or subconsciously to convey their thoughts and feelings towards unlimited things. As a matter of fact, it is said that body language consists of 50% of what we tend to communicate. For example, a person at times just nods his or her head to indicate yes or no without speaking a single word or a student slouching in a chair and not making any eye-contact with the teacher indicates his or her disinterest in the topic. There are many such examples of non-verbal communication that we use in our daily life.
Even if a person doesn’t speak a word, his or her body language displays the intentions through. In this article it is discussed by various types of non-verbal or body language signals, body language being an integral part of our communication and what difference it can make in our personality and self-confidence.
Let us discuss some interesting body languages and understand how they affect our impression on others.
1. Crossed arms and legs
When a person is seen with crossed arms and leg, it indicates that the person is not open to what the speaker is saying. The listeners may pretend that they are attentive but their body language tells that they are not. This kind of body language should be avoided during important communications.
2. Leaning forward
The closer you get, the more interested you seem to be in the communication being done. A smile and a nod along with leaning forward reinforce the interest of the listener on the speaker.
3. Looking at the watch frequently
This indicates that the person is not interested, wants to terminate the conversation soon and does not understand much that is being said. This can also be because the person may be in a hurry to go somewhere.
4. Stepping back
If the listener slowly steps back during the conversation, it may mean that the person has become uncomfortable with what the speaker is saying at that point of time and not interested in that topic. This discourages the speaker to continue the communication further.
5. Genuine smile
A smile can be fake but eyes are the mirror and they reveal everything. A genuine smile always reaches the eyes which leads to the creasing of the skin around the eyes to form crow’s feet. It conveys the authenticity of the listener.
6. Eye-contact
Making an eye –contact during the conversation indicates that the person is speaking the truth. Mostly, while lying, people avoid making any eye- contact. Sometimes people maintain an eye-contact to an extent where it becomes uncomfortable for the other person. If the person you are talking with is constantly still and doesn’t blink, it’s most likely that the person is not speaking the truth. Eye-contact also shows the confidence of the person.
7. Facial expressions
Facial expressions are among the most universal forms of body languages. Expressions of fear, anger, sadness, happiness are similar throughout the world. These expressions on a person’s face can help make out what the person is saying can be trusted or not. For example, a smile can indicate approval as well as happiness whereas a frown indicates disapproval or unhappiness. Facial expressions can also reveal a person’s true feelings about a particular situation, for example, while a person says that he or she is feeling fine but the look on their face may tell the opposite.
8. Haptics or touch
Haptics or touch during communication too conveys many things about what is going on in a person’s mind. It includes handshakes, holding hands, back pat, shoulder pat, high-five. These all display a person’s feelings and intentions for the other person.
9. Gestures
These are the most direct and clear body language or non-verbal signals. Waving, pointing, clenched fist, okay sign, thumbs up, thumbs down, all are different forms of gestures which we often use in our daily communication with others.
Body language or non-verbal communication can bring a drastic change in our appearance and personality. It is very important to keep in mind that we should be consciously aware about the words spoken by us and our body language during any kind of communication if we want to be effectively presentable.
So, next time, while communicating, keep in mind these body languages to create a positive impression of yourself on others.
If you have any queries or want to know more on body language then do contact us and or comment below.