BODY LANGUAGE AND PRACTISE

What Is Body Language?

Body language is nonverbal communication that involves body movement.

“Gesturing” can also be termed as body language which is absolutely non-verbal
means of communication. People in the workplace can convey a great deal of
information without even speaking; through nonverbal communication. Not all of
our values, beliefs, thoughts and intentions are communicated verbally. In an
ongoing communication, most of those are communicated non-verbally. In Non-
verbal communication, our human body expresses our feelings and intentions
through conscious and unconscious movements and postures, accompanied by
gestures, facial expressions, eye contacts and touch. This collectively forms a
separate language of the body within the ongoing communication. This is called
Body Language.

Body language is the unspoken part of communication that we use to reveal our
true feelings and to give our message more impact.

Communication is made up of so much more than words. Nonverbal cues such as

tone of voice, gestures and posture all play their part.

A simple example of body language is a relaxed facial expression that breaks out
into a genuine smile – with mouth upturned and eyes wrinkled. Equally, it can be a
tilt of the head that shows you're thinking, an upright stance to convey interest, or
hand and arm movements to demonstrate directions. It can also be taking care to
avoid a defensive, arms-crossed posture, or restlessly tapping your feet.

When you can "read" signs like these, you can understand the complete message in
what someone is telling you. You'll be more aware of people's reactions to what
you say and do, too. And you'll be able to adjust your body language to appear more
positive, engaging and approachable.

In this article and video, we explore body language some more, and look at how you
can interpret it to understand and communicate with people more effectively.

The Science of Body Language

You've probably heard the statistic that only seven percent of a message is
conveyed through words, and that the other 93 percent comes from nonverbal
communication. This is often quoted out of context and is therefore misleading.

It's taken from Mehrabian's Communication Model, which states that body language
is more important than tone of voice and choice of words when communicating true
feelings. But Mehrabian makes clear that his study dealt only with communications
involving emotions and attitudes. So, it's not applicable in all cases.
However, it does help to explain why it's so tough to gauge sentiment when we
can't see people – on email or messaging apps, for example. It's also part of the
reason for the rise in use of emojis, even in business communication.

How Does the Body Speaks? Our human body speaks through the conscious and
unconscious movements and postures, hand gestures, facial expressions, eye
movements and touch. Each of these physical movements of the body parts could
be seen as separate words and can be interpreted differently by other human
beings within a given context of communication.

Why is Body Language Important? Since interpretations of body language differ

from people to people and cultures to countries it is important to learn about them.
Body language alone comprises of 55% of total communication whereas spoken
words comprise of 7% and tone of voice comprise 38%.

How to Read Body Language

Being aware of body language in others means that you can pick up on unspoken
emotions and reactions. It’s a valuable form of feedback, but it can easily be missed
if you’re not aware of what to look out for.

So let’s explore the most important nonverbal clues – some with negative
interpretations, and others that are positive signs.

Parts of the body

From head to toe, here are the groups when grouped for body parts: The Head -
Movement and placement of the head, back to front, left to right, side to side,
including the shaking of hair.

Facial Expressions - The face has many muscles (anywhere between 54 and 98,
depending on who you ask) that move several areas of the face. Each combination
of movements of the following face elements communicates a state of mind: •
Eyebrows - Up, down, frowning. • Eyes - Left, right, up, down, blinking, eye
dialiation. • Nose - Wrinkle (at the top), flaring of the nostrills. • Lips - Smiling,
snarling, puckered, kissing, opened, closed, tight. • Tongue - In, out, rolled, tip up or
down, licking of lips. • Jaw - Open, closed, clinched, lower jaw left or right. Body
Posture - The way you place your body and arms and legs, in relation to each other,
and in relation to other people:

P: posture and gestures

E: eye contact

O: Orientation

P: Proximity
L: Looks and Appearances

E: Expressions of emotion

Negative Body Language Examples

If someone’s exhibiting one or more of the following, negative behaviors, they'll

likely be disengaged, disinterested or unhappy (see figure 1):

a) Arms folded in front of the body.

b) Minimal or tense facial expression.

c) Body turned away from you.

d) Eyes downcast, maintaining little contact.

You may encounter these behaviors when you’re dealing with colleagues who are
upset, or dissatisfied customers.

Being aware of what these signals mean can help you to adjust what you say – and
how you say it. You can show empathy for someone’s unhappiness, for example,
explain yourself more clearly, or work to calm a heated situation.

Other types of body language can indicate that someone’s bored by what you’re
saying. This might be in a presentation, a team meeting, or even a one-on-one chat.

Here are some of the most common signs of boredom (illustrated in figures 2–5,
below):

a) Sitting slumped, with head downcast.

b) Gazing at something else, or into space.

c) Fidgeting, picking at clothes, or fiddling with pens and phones.

d) Writing or doodling.

Additional signs of negative body language include:

a) Nail biting: suggesting insecurity or stress.

b) Locked ankles: also associated with anxious thoughts.

c) Rapid blinking: which may indicate uncertainty or concern.

d) Tapping/drumming fingers: often a mark of impatience or boredom.

c) Fidgeting: more evidence that someone’s disinterested or distracted.

Positive Body Language Examples

People also use their body language to convey positive feelings, such as trust,
interest and happiness. Spotting these signs can reassure you that others are
engaged with what you’re saying and at ease with the situation.

What’s more, by adopting these behaviors yourself, you can support your points,
convey ideas more clearly, and avoid sending mixed messages.

Here are three specific ways to use positive body language to your advantage:

1. Body Language for a Good First Impression

Your nonverbal signs play a big part in people’s first impression of you. Here are
ways to appear trustworthy, engaged, confident, and calm:

a) Have an open posture. Be relaxed, but don't slouch. Sit or stand upright and
place your hands by your sides (see figure 6). Avoid standing with your hands on
your hips, as this can communicate aggression or a desire to dominate (figure 7).

b) Use a firm handshake. But don't get carried away! You don't want it to become
awkward, aggressive, or painful for the other person.

c) Maintain good eye contact. Try to hold the other person's gaze for a few seconds
at a time. This will show them that you're sincere and engaged. But avoid turning it
into a staring contest! (figure 8).

d) Avoid touching your face. If you do this while answering questions, it can be seen
as a sign of dishonesty (figure 9). While this isn't always the case, you should still
avoid fiddling with your hair or scratching your nose, so that you convey
trustworthiness.

e) Smile! Warm, sincere smiles are attractive, reassuring – and infectious!

2. Body Language for Effective Public Speaking

Positive body language can help you to engage people, mask any presentation
nerves, and project confidence when you speak in public. Here are a few tips to help
you do this:

a) Have a positive posture. Sit or stand upright, with your shoulders back and your
arms unfolded by your sides or in front of you (see figure 10). Don't be tempted to
put your hands in your pockets, or to slouch, as this will make you look
disinterested.

b) Keep your head up. Your head should be upright and level (figure 11). Leaning
too far forward or backward can make you look aggressive or arrogant.
c) Practice and perfect your posture. Stand in a relaxed manner, with your weight
evenly distributed. Keep one foot slightly in front of the other to keep yourself
steady (figure 12).

d) Use open hand gestures. Spread your hands apart, in front of you, with your
palms facing slightly toward your audience. This indicates a willingness to
communicate and share ideas (figure 13). Keep your upper arms close to your body.
Take care to avoid overexpression, or people may focus more on your hands than
your ideas.

3. Body Language for Interviews and Negotiations

Body language can also help you to stay calm in situations where emotions run
high, such as a negotiation, performance review or interview. Follow these
suggestions to defuse tension and show openness:

a) Use mirroring. If you can, subtly mirror the body language of the person you're
talking to. This will make them feel more at ease and can build rapport. But don't
copy their every gesture or you'll make them uncomfortable.

b) Relax your body. Maintain the appearance of calm by keeping your hands still
and by breathing slowly.

c) Look interested. If you're asked a complex question, it's OK to briefly touch your
cheek or stroke your chin. It shows you're reflecting on your answer.

Virtual Body Language

You can apply much of the body language guidance above to video calls, too. You'll
just have a little less space – and body – to work with! Here are some ways to show
your enthusiasm, and to help make others feel comfortable and receptive to your
ideas:

a) Get your camera set up right. This means you're close enough to show interest,
but not too close to invade people's virtual space. Check that your camera is at eye
level, so that your gaze appears natural to others. And leave room to gesture
without hitting the screen!

b) Maintain eye contact. Look into the camera as if you're looking into someone's
eyes. If it's a group call, looking around the participants will let you watch without
staring.

c) Use facial expressions. Your face is front and center on a video call, so maintain a
slight smile throughout. Raise your eyebrows to show engagement, and avoid
frowning.