How to Read your Body Language

If the eyes are the windows of the soul, then the body is the mirror of our feelings.

7% of the information we receive is from what they actually say.

38% of information we receive is from the tone, inflection and speed of their voice. A staggering 55% of the information we receive is from their body language.

Open Arms: A good way to show you are approachable, especially when combined with open palms Palms Up Open Hands: Defences down An open heart

Outward, upward hand movements This conveys an open and positive message Folded arms: A defence mechanism that shows the person is not open to what is being said or done May mean rejection Physically cold Stubborn in their outlook

Palms on chest When a person uses open palms that occasionally touch their chest, they are signalling honesty

Hands closed A closed heart

Doodling Bored Fist Anger and to be avoided Physically cold Very tense Defiant or triumphant when held in air

Yawning

Bored Tired and that may have nothing to do with the situation/conversation
Striding briskly: An outward display of confidence Anger Ear Tugging

Feet under the chair

A sign of eagerness Stroking chin Evaluating

Indecision Possible deception

Looking around Wants to get away Thinking about something else Bored with situation / conversation

Preening

This shows someone knows they are attractive For eg, flicking or stroking their hair or adjusting a collar and/or a tie.
Nodding The occasional nod from a listener to a speaker is a positive message. It is an indication they are listening and are interested. Too much nodding indicates the listener has lost interest and may be bored. Mirroring This is evidence of two people getting on really well. Each person copies the others body language, usually subtly. Mirroring occurs with: Breathing, Gestures, Eye movement, Leaning towards each other at the same time, Crossed or uncrossed legs Speech pattern, Arm movement, or no arm movement, Emotive energy such as being excited, relaxed, etc.

Body space Respect for the other persons body space is crucial in gaining their trust. Stay at least one arms length away from them. Gentle leg shaking The person is mildly stimulated May need to go to toilet Vigorous leg shaking Reveals apprehension and nerves Desperate to go to the toilet Raise of eyebrows - express astonishment

Envy or disbelief may be displayed by a raised eyebrow We frown displeasure or confusion

Open our mouth - Shock

 Smiling: smiling & frowning are two major facial expressions. A genuine smile means I appreciate you; I accept your ideas. A frown means I find you puzzling.

Laughter: Laughter is composed of a broad range of gesture & sounds. Ha-Ha is a genuine laughter. He-He is a mocking laughter. Hee-Hee suggests a secret giggle. Ho-Ho communicates surprise

 Ways of Looking: Side long glance is referred to as stolen look. Blank stare depicts boredom. Sparkling eyes are an attribute of those who have magnetic personalities.
Glasses: Peering over glass depicts being judgmental or critical. Dark glasses are worn by those who conceal their genuine feelings.

THE HANDS

The Human hand is a restless organ Limp hands show boredom. Nervous or jittery person shows restless hands. Clenched hands often shows frustration. Clapping of hands shows applause.

 Putting objects in mouth is when they are busy with something. Pinching the bridges of nose indicates a person in deep thought. Nose rub is a sign of rejection. Chin stroking is when people are in deep reflection. Slapping the head signifies self punishment. Hands behind the head is used by professionals who are confident & dominant.

Thank You