SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION

UNIT – III– Body Language and Communication–

SVCA1203

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 Unit III - UNDERSTANDING BODY MOVEMENTS
1. Cultural differences in Smiles
Smile & Cultural Variations
• Culturally, a smile is practiced differently: governed by display rules, though members of
all cultures exhibit both Duchenne and social smiles
• It is noted that the common American behavior is to pass smile, often a ‘Duchenne smile’,
on whosoever you look at which is not the case with many other cultures
• For example, Dacher Keltner has speculated that the British are more likely to use the
‘social smile’ (a smile adopted to convey politeness or to provide reassurance to interlocutors
rather than to express the happiness of the agent, leaves the upper part of the face motionless
than are their American counterparts – The British smiling behavior arises from a greater
emphasis in British culture on the display of social politeness and deference
• Jeanne Tsai, a Stanford Professor opines that how one’s culture views smiling, influences
how people in that culture may smile, “Often people think that when they are viewing a
candidate’s official photo, they are learning about the candidate’s unique traits. But our
findings suggest that they are also learning about the candidate’s culture and the emotions it
values.”
• She compares the emotional expressions of leaders across different nations and concludes
that the more a particular nation values excitement (as in the United States), the more their
leaders show excited smiles. On the other hand, the more a particular nation values calm (as
in East Asian countries), the more those leaders show calm smiles
• In the Latin American countries, smiles takes place of many verbal expressions: – A person
may smile instead of saying, “Hi, how are you?” A clerk may smile at a customer rather than
say, “Thank you” – Expressing gratitude verbally may seem formal and impersonal. Friends
who express thanks verbally may be perceived as rejecting others or distancing themselves
• Cross-cultural difference in the use of the smile may result in confusion about intentions
and emotions – A British person may misperceive that the Latin American friend smiles too
much or that they smile when it is inappropriate to do so
• Although numerous studies confirm that positive perceptions of smiling individuals seem
to be universal, anecdotal evidence suggests that in some cultures the opposite may be true.
Darwin wrote about “the large class of idiots who are … constantly smiling.” A Russian
proverb says that smiling with no reason is a sign of stupidity

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• How we use our smile, and how we decode it in others is a culturally coded habit
• Cultural differences may create misunderstandings – British authors of a popular guidebook
about Poland warn tourists that smiling at strangers is perceived by Poles as a sign of
stupidity– The Norwegian government humorously explains nuances of Norwegian culture
by indicating that when a stranger on the street smiles at Norwegians, they may assume that
the stranger is insane. “Be Careful Where You Smile: Culture Shapes Judgments of
Intelligence and Honesty of Smiling Individuals.” Journal of Nonverbal Behavior,
• In German culture smiling is reserved for friends and family and may not occur during
introductions. In setting (e.g., work) and situations that are considered to be serious, (e.g.,
dealing with illness), the most appropriate response is one that is reserved with no smiling
• In traditional Chinese families smiling is used extensively among family and friends; but
may be limited in formal situations
• Several Asian cultures may use smile as an expression of apology for: – Minor offenses,
deference to authority figures, to mask difficult feelings and emotions (e.g. pain, distress,
discomfort, anger, disapproval, disappointment) and to avoid conflict when insulted,
threatened or otherwise provoked
• In the Vietnamese community, silence or the use of a ‘reluctant smile’ can be used as an
expression of negative emotions
2. Major role of mouth in communication
Importance of Smile
•Darwin had initiated studies in what may be called the science of smiling. He noticed
that the cause, consequences and manifestation of smiles are universal
• It connects us to other people, strongly contagious, always has a positive impact, those who
smile often are taken as more likeable, competent, approachable, Natural vs. Synthetic/Plastic
smile
Smile involves several muscles: muscles around the mouth, cheeks and eyes
• People smile when they are happy, but also learn to give social smiles without feeling
happy, as part of general social behavior and interaction. Does not necessarily indicate a
specific emotional state
• Smile is a multi-purpose expression. The universal symbol of happiness is also often used as
a mask
• Smiles carry different connotations. Also have cultural associations which govern

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demonstrations or suppressions, also occasions
– In Japan, a smile can also indicate concealment of embarrassment, displeasure, or anger
Allan Pease has listed five common types of smiles, later research added some more types.
Types of Smiles: Genuine and Fake
• Genuine smiles are signs of positive emotion and fake smiles are not
• Smile influences our first interaction, makes us comfortable or not in a presence
• The full-blown smile is the most genuine*
– If the full-blown smile is accompanied by the person’s head going slightly in, it means
he/she is humble
– If the person is smiling broadly and the head has a backward tilt, the person is both pleased
and proud
• A fake smile is the commonest mask that people use in their everyday life to cover their real
emotional state, which might be negative
• There are a number of distinct differences between a genuine smile and a masking smile
that allow us to identify whether a smile is real or fake
• In case of genuine smiles, people smile with both their eyes and mouth. In fake smiles they
smile just with their mouth
• Genuine smiles are more symmetrical on both sides of the face and have a much more
gradual onset and offset than fake smiles
• A simple way to tell the difference is to watch a smile fade: how quickly it leaves the face
– If the smile leaves the face quickly, it is almost certainly fake
– Micro-expressions become important if the smile abruptly leaves the face. People use fake
smiles to cover their real emotional state
Five Common Types of Smiles
• Allan Pease has given special emphasis to the following five types of smiles:
1.The Tight-Lipped Smile
2.The Twisted Smile
3. The Drop-Jaw Smile
4. Sideways-Looking-Up Smile
5.The George W Bush Grin

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The Tight-Lipped Smile
• Lips are stretched tight across the face to form a straight line and the teeth are concealed
• It sends the message that the smiler has a secret or a withheld opinion or attitude that they
will not be sharing with you
• Concealment of thought and restraining of attitudes
• Often seen in pictures of successful leaders/businessmen
who talk about principles of success, yet never revealing exact details of how they succeeded!
• Also a polite signal to others that they are not liked or included in the group

The Twisted/Lop-sided Smile

• It shows opposite emotions on each side of the face
• The right brain raises the left side eyebrow, the left zygomatic muscles and left cheek to
produce one type of smile on the left side of the face
• While the left brain pulls the same muscles downwards on the right side to produce an
angry frown
• Expresses mixed emotions: downward slant suggesting negative emotions and the upward
tilt suggesting that the person is not angry
• The Twisted Smile can also be done deliberately and sends messages of sarcasm,
embarrassment

The Drop-Jaw Smile

• Exaggeration
• This is a practiced smile where the lower jaw is simply dropped down to give the
impression that the person is laughing or playful
• This is a favorite of public figures while interacting with large audience

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• To give impression of amusement and playfulness
• Helps them to lower hostility or rancor in others

Sideways-Looking-Up/Turned Away Smile

• Encapsulates both openness and shyness, signals welcome as well as avoidance
• With the head turned down and away while looking up with a tight-lipped smile, the smiler
looks juvenile, playful and secretive
• Engenders parental feelings in the viewer, making us want to protect and care for such a
person
• Men's favorite everywhere
• This is one of the smiles Princess Diana used to captivate the hearts of people everywhere

George W Bush Grin:

This is the smirk children display when trying to hide a prank that was just played on you.
When Bush was in office, he could easily slip out of trouble in front of the camera by
flashing this type of smirk. He actually looked like a little kid who just got into little bit of
trouble.
Miserable Smile : A slight asymmetric smile with an expression of deep sadness discernible
in other features

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• It's a socially acceptable way of showing that you’re sad or in pain (Zaria 2017)
Dampened smile: an attempt to control an automatic, happy one
• “The cheeks will be raised but we pull the corners of the mouth downwards or press the lips
together, like “I shouldn’t be smiling”,’ says Zara Ambadar, University of Pittsburgh (Zaria)

3. Head tilts and inclines

Head Nods
• A number of head gestures fall into clear categories with accepted meanings.
Nodding/shaking of head, along with smile, is also a prominent nonverbal way of
communication – Nod’ – a positive gesture to signify affirmation or yes – Headshake – which
usually means ‘no’
• Both are presumed to be inborn gestures. In most cultures, nodding up and down signals
agreement: – A vertical, up and down movement of the head is used to show agreement,
approval, continued attention or comprehension, depicting what is happening to us
emotionally while listening – This rhythmical cue for affirmation may as well be
accompanied by smiling and other signs of approval
• A double nod: tells the speaker to increase the speed and tempo of the speech
• Multiple head nods or a single slow nod: tend to cause a disruption in the speaker’s rhythm
• Excessive and Rapid head nodding: can rush a response on the part of the speaker. It is a
nonverbal cue for the speaker to hurry his or her response
• Inappropriate or too Rapid head nodding: is perceived as rude behavior, attempt to
dominate the conversation, taking the focus off the speaker, turning the spotlight onto the
listener
Head Tilts and Inclines
• Body language represents a very significant proportion of the meaning that is conveyed and
interpreted between people in any face-to-face communication – off or on line, specially if it
involves an emotional or attitudinal element
• The head is very significant in body language: due to a very flexible neck structure: it can
turn, jut forward, withdraw, and tilt sideway, forward, backward

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– All of these movements have meanings. The way people tilt their heads reveal a lot about
them - their anxiety, social discomfort, embarrassment, sense of fear, and submission etc.
• It’s common for people to tilt their heads to one side when watching/listening to something
of interest, a sign of mild, polite interest
• A prolonged or deeper tilt creates empathy
• Is your head tilted to the right or the left in a dialogue?
Types of Head Tilts
1. Head Up

• Allen Pease has defined three basic head positions that always leave a lasting impression
with interactants: up, tilt and down
• The first is with Head Up and it is the position taken by the person who has a neutral
attitude about what is being said
• The head remains still and the conversation may be punctuated by occasional small nods
• Hand-to cheek evaluation gestures are often used with this gesture, adding different shades
to this basic meaning
• When the head is lifted high with the chin jutting forward it signals strong self-confidence,
superiority, fearlessness or arrogance
• Persons adopting this posture, in a subconscious manner expose their throat and thus they
gain additional height which allows them to 'look down their nose' at you
• Large chins are the result of high testosterone levels which is why chin-jutting is associated
with power and aggression

2. Head Tilt

• Tilting the head to the side is a submission signal because it exposes the throat and neck and
makes the person look smaller and less threatening
• Charles Darwin was one of the first to note that humans, as well as animals - especially

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dogs – tilt their heads to one side when they become interested in something
• Studies of paintings show that women are depicted three times as often as men using the
head-tilt. Women are often shown in advertisements tilting their heads: three times as often as
men: in women it is commonly perceived as a gesture of interest
• This shows how most people understand, on an intuitive level, that displaying the neck
shows submission
• In a business negotiation with men, however, a woman should particularly keep her head up
at all times
• If you are giving a presentation or delivering a speech, make a point of looking for this
gesture among your audience
• When you see an audience tilting their heads and leaning forward using hand-to chin
evaluation gestures, you're getting the point across
• When you listen to others, use the head-tilt and head nods and the listener will begin to feel
trusting towards you because you appear non-threatening
• Is your head tilted to the right or the left in a dialogue?
Head Tilts (Left & Right)

• If it’s tilted to the right, you’ll feel more open, as you’re accessing the creative part of the
brain
• If your head tilts to the left, you’re likely to be intellectually analyzing what’s being said
• A 2006 study found that tilting your head to the right makes you appear honest and
dependable, and tilting your head to the left makes you appear more attractive
• Tilting the head can be a sign of trust. It exposes more of the neck, and can make a person
appear vulnerable and in need of protection
• Because a head tilt is a sign of empathy, and is a nonthreatening gesture, it can be a useful
tool for men to use in the workplace
• It may also be considered a submissive gesture, or a sign of flirtation or light-heartedness

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• Princess Diana was famous for the demure, slightly down-tilted angle of her face. It's a
flattering, photogenic pose, but some experts also read it as a projection of a sense of
melancholy
Head Down

• Head and chin down: signals that a negative, judgmental or aggressive attitude exists.
Critical evaluation clusters are normally made with the head down and until the person’s head
lifts or tilts, it is taken as an absence of response
Experienced conference speakers and presenters will take action to involve their audience and
get participation before they begin their presentation
4. Body language and Hand movements
Body Language & Hand Movements
• Most of us have a broad understanding of hand movements : enhancing, reinforcing, even
negating the verbal messages, not necessarily separate from language
• Hand movements are a ubiquitous feature of everyday life : voluntary, as well as
involuntary
• Perform social functions – the most common hand movements are ‘come and go’ or ‘stop
and go’
• Might reflect emotional state
Rubbing the Palms together
• Rubbing our palms together signals a positive expectation
• The speed at which a person rubs their palms together signals different ideas – The slow
palm rub can appear devious or crafty and may eave you feeling a little uneasy – The quick
hand rub indicates excitement, pleasure, enthusiasm

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Open Palm: Asks for Trust
• An ancient sign of trustworthiness. Over the course of history in different cultures it has
served as a simple signal that one does not have a weapon in hands

Palm Down and Chopping Movement

• Palm down during handshake: domination
• During dialogue it suggests confidence; but it also conveys a simultaneous rigidity
• Downward palms with straightened fingers indicate a sense of authority, even dominance
or defiance

Clenched Hands
• This gesture has three main positions
– hands clenched in front of the face
The higher the hands are held in the clenched position, the stronger the negative mood
– hands clenched resting on the desk or on the lap
This gesture is usually done when a person feels that they are failing to convince the other
person or are anxious about what they saying or hearing
– and, when standing, hands clenched in front of the body
Not a naturally confident position. They’re probably subconsciously feeling threatened and
looking for a position that offers protection, it acts like a shield • Submissive. Especially in a
group

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Holding Hands behind the Back
• Indicates superiority, confidence and power
• This gesture is common among leaders and royalty and is used by the policemen patrolling
the beat, the headmaster walking around the school playground senior military personnel and
anyone in a position of authority

Steepling
• Normally independent of clustering shown in the previous slide
• It indicates a confident/self-assured attitude. Very often used in superior subordinate
interaction (Allen Pease )
• Superiors often use this gesture position while giving instructions or advice to subordinates.
Confident people often use this gesture, signaling their self-assurance Should be avoided by
those who have to be persuasive or win the other person's confidence as it can sometimes be
read as a mark of smugness or arrogance No tension in fingers

5. Understanding finger movements

Hands & Fingers
• Not only hand movements, but also our palms, the position of thumbs and the

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ways fingers behave, matter during professional interactions
• Joe Navarro, author of What Every Body is Saying (2008), comments that despite the
acquisition of spoken language over millions of years of human evolution, our brains are
still hard-wired to engage our hands in accurately communicating our emotions, thoughts,
and sentiments
• Our hands and fingers are given what he has termed as “ a disproportionate amount of
attention”, compared to the rest of the body
• So, fingers which are agile and provide for subtle gestures are an important element of
body language analysis. Used in different contexts, fingers and our thumb convey different
meanings
Thumbs
• Common observation is that a thumb denotes superiority. Thumbs are used to display
dominance, assertiveness or sometimes aggressive attitudes
– Thumb gestures are secondary gestures and are usually part of a cluster
• The thumbs-up gesture is commonly used in many cultures to signify a job well done
Thumb in fist: a sign of anxiety
• Thumb tucked inside the fingers, is a way to comfort oneself
• During negotiations and sales, we must watch for it and try to while away the time until
the thumb moves back out of the fist
• Closed hands: fist with a protruding finger shows determination and emphasis

Thumbs-Protruding-from-Coat-Pocket:
• This gesture is common to men and women who feel they are in a superior position to
others
• Thumbs sometimes protrude from the back pockets as if one is trying to hide the
dominant attitude • In a work environment, the boss will walk around the office in the
position
• Pease comments that it is one of Prince Charles‘ regular gestures and reveals his in
control attitude.
Arms-Folded-with-Thumbs-Pointing-Upwards is a common thumb cluster : a double
signal, showing a defensive/negative attitude (folded arms), as well as a superior attitude

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 revealed by thumbs

OK’ Sign with thumb and finger

• In the USA it signals that everything is okay
• In Japan it means money
• In France it means zero
• In Scandinavia and parts of central Europe it is regarded as vulgar
Fist Bump
• A fist bump is a gesture similar in meaning to a handshake or high five.
Shows equality as knuckles are meeting at the same level - neither bumper has the upper
hand. Easily became a way for friends to greet each other

Pointer
• A pointing index finger indicates direction: Look it’s over there
It is considered impolite to point at a person
Drumming of Fingers
• Due to dense concentrations of nerve endings, fingertips have evolved as tactile antennae
with which to explore the material world
6. Movements of feet and legs.
Our stance discloses our thinking and feelings to others: from the way we stand to the way
we sit, our leg-and-foot positions say much about our feelings.
Openness: Sitting with slightly open legs is a relaxed position, showing the person is
comfortable. One or both legs may be flopped down sideways as far as they can go –

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Closed and Reticent Attitude: When sitting, the knees/ankles may be held gently or tightly
together, depending on the anxiety level – Crossed, Pointing, Moving, leg touch etc.
Legs Crossed
• Interpretations of this position depend on whether the legs are out stretched and crossed at
the ankles or are crossed at the knee
• If the legs are outstretched and loosely crossed at the ankle, it usually signals the person is
at ease and comfortable – This can also be the most comfortable position while sitting down,
very common in the work place
• Tension and anxiety may be seen if the cross is rigid – It can be protective and negative,
exhibiting the desire to shield oneself
If the leg cross is duplicated by arms cross, it shows that the individual is emotionally
withdrawn, unreceptive to surroundings. Such persons often use shorter sentences and
overlook details of discussions in meetings
Foot Lock / The Ankle Lock
• Normally a defensive position if tension is perceptible
• Tension in the lock shows that one is holding back a negative emotion, uncertainty or fear

The European Leg Cross: One leg is crossed neatly over the other, with dominant leg
crossing over the other
• This is the normal crossed-leg position seen in the work place. Often seen with a leaning
back posture
• Indicates an in-control person, with a desire to come across as cultured, intellectual and
inoffensive exists

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Numerical 4: argumentative or competitive attitude, opinionated.
• Lack of respect for the opinions of others.
• Also suggests stubbornness and disinterest in interaction

The Leg Twine: This gesture is almost a trademark of shy and timid women, shows
insecurity –
The top of one foot locks around the other leg to reinforce an insecure attitude

Parallel Legs: Feminine and positive, signify that the person is confident and attractive –
Youthful appearance is also displayed by it – This is the position taught to women in
deportment and modeling classes

The ‘Maharaja’/ ‘Lincolnesque’ Posture is confident and dominant : Sitting in a chair with
both feet planted firmly on the floor and apart, with arms resting on the arms of the chair.
Signifies an open attitude

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