How to interpret the body gestures of a person

Body language refers to the non-verbal cues we use to communicate. According to experts, these nonverbal cues make up a large part of everyday communication.

From our facial expressions to our body movements, the things that no we say they can still transmit volumes of information.

Understanding body language is important, but paying attention to other cues, such as context, is also essential. In many cases, you should look at the signs as a group instead of concentrating on a single action.

This is what to look for when trying to interpret body language.

facial expressions

In some cases, our facial expressions can reveal our true feelings about a particular situation. Even though you say you feel good, the look on your face can tell people otherwise.

How we give clues to what we are thinking or feeling

Just a few examples of emotions that can be expressed through facial expressions include:

• happiness, surprise, excitement
• sadness, confusion, fear
• anger, disgust, contempt

The expression on a person’s face can even help determine whether we trust or believe what the person is saying. One study found that the most trustworthy facial expression involved a slight raise of the eyebrows and a slight smile. This expression, the researchers suggested, conveys friendliness and trust.

The eyes

The eyes are often referred to as the “windows to the soul”, since they are able to reveal a lot about what a person feels or thinks. While conversing with another person, taking note of eye movements is a natural and important part of the communication process.

Some common things you might notice include whether people are making direct eye contact or averting their gaze, how much they blink, or if their pupils are dilated.

For example, when a person looks you directly in the eye while you are having a conversation, indicates that she is interested and paying attention. However, prolonged eye contact can be threatening.

On the other hand, break eye contact and look away can often indicate that the person is distracted, uncomfortable, or trying to hide their true feelings.

Also, people often blink faster when they feel distressed or uncomfortable. Infrequent blinking can indicate that a person is intentionally trying to control their eye movements.

Mouth

Mouth expressions and movements can also be essential to reading body language. For example, biting the lower lip may indicate that the individual is experiencing feelings of worry, fear, or insecurity.

Covering your mouth can be an effort to be polite if the person is yawning or coughing, but it can also be an attempt to hide a disapproving frown.

A smile can be genuine, or it can be used to express false happiness, sarcasm, or even cynicism.

When evaluating body language, pay attention to the following mouth and lip cues:

• Pursed lips. Pursing the lips can be an indicator of disgust, disapproval, or mistrust.
• bite the lip People sometimes bite their lips when they are worried, anxious, or stressed.
• Covering the mouth. When people want to hide an emotional reaction, they may cover their mouths to avoid showing smiles or grimaces.
• Lips up or down. Slight changes in the mouth can also be subtle indicators of what a person is feeling. When the mouth is slightly raised, it can mean that the person is feeling happy or optimistic. On the other hand, a slightly downturned mouth can be an indicator of sadness, disapproval, or even an outright grimace.

other gestures

The arms and legs can also be helpful in conveying non-verbal information. Crossing your arms can indicate a defensive attitude. Crossing your legs away from another person can indicate dislike or discomfort with that person.

Other subtle cues, such as spreading your arms wide, may be an attempt to appear larger or more dominant, while keeping your arms close to your body may be an effort to downplay or withdraw from the spotlight.

• arms crossed they can indicate that a person is feeling defensive, self-protective, or closed off.
• Stand with your hands on your hips it can be an indication that a person is ready and in control, or it can also be a sign of aggressiveness.
• Clasp your hands behind your back it can indicate that a person is feeling bored, anxious, or even angry.
• Tapping fingers quickly or fidgeting it can be a sign that a person is bored, impatient, or frustrated.
• crossed legs they can indicate that a person feels closed off or needs privacy. (I)

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