BODY LANGUAGE

Body language is a form of non-verbal communication, consisting of body pose, gestures, and eye movements. We send and interpret such signals unconsciously. Body language may provide cues as to the attitude or state of mind of a person. Humans, sometimes unconsciously, send and receive non-verbal signals all the time. Some people (e.g., people with certain disabilities, or those on the autistic spectrum) use and understand body language differently, or not at all. People from different cultures can interpret body language in different ways.
The study of body movement and expression is known as kinesics. Gestures can emphasize a point or relay a message, posture can reveal boredom or great interest, and touch can convey encouragement or caution.

The eyes communicate more than any other part of the human anatomy. Maintained eye contact can show if a person is trustworthy, sincere or caring. Staring or gazing at others can create pressure and tension in the room. Shifty eyes, too much blinking can suggest deception. Eyebrow muscle draws the eyebrows down and toward the center of the face if someone is annoyed. If someone is empathetic and caring during dialogue the eyebrows will not show the annoyed facial grimace. If a person is looking at you but is making the arms-across-chest signal, the eye contact could be indicative that something is bothering the person, and that he wants to talk about it. People with eye movements that are relaxed and comfortable yet attentive to the person they are conversing with are seen as more sincere and honest.

By analyzing the movements of over 80 facial muscles involved in smiling, researchers can tell when a smile is true. There are 50 or so different types of human smiles. Authentic smiles are smiles that "crest" or change rapidly from a small facial movement to a broad open expression. A genuine smile is often asymmetric and usually larger on the right side of the face. Smiling without opening the mouth, and particularly with lips firmly pressed together, may indicate embarrassment about unsightly teeth. It may also be a suppression of words. A half-smile, on one side of the face, may indicate cynicism, sarcasm or uncertainty.



Arms can act as the doorway to the body and the self. When they are crossed, they form a closed defensive shield, blocking out the outside world. Shields act in two ways: one is to block incoming attacks and the other is a place behind which the person can hide and perhaps not be noticed. If the thumbs are up, this may indicate some approval or agreement with what is being said. When arms are not crossed, they expose the torso and the person, making them more vulnerable. This signifies comfort that often indicates trust. Sometimes folded arms, for example, are just a relaxed position.

Sitting with slightly open legs is a relaxed position, showing the person is comfortable.
When one foot is forward and the other behind, this can be taking a extra stable position in case of frontal attack. Legs which are held apart when standing provide a stable base for the person. Standing with feet about the width of the shoulders is a normal, relaxed pose. Slightly wider indicates that the person feels grounded and confident. As with arms, crossing legs can protective and negative, shielding the person from other people and their ideas. Crossing legs when standing can be an indication of shyness or being coy and may be accompanied by such as hands held behind the back and a lowered head. An ankle cross with legs tucked under the chair can indicate concealed anxiety. When sitting, a knee waving sideways can indicate impatience or point sideways.

Space is important. Personal space is needed and if it is invaded intentionally and at times by oversight can cause an individual to feel uncomfortable or threatened.