Speaking volumes without saying a word
Body language refers to thenonverbal signalsthat we use to communicate.
These nonverbal signals make up a huge part of daily communication.
In fact, body language may account for as much as 80% of all communication.
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Examples of body language include facial expressions, eye gaze, gestures, posture, and body movements.
In many cases, what wedon’tsay can convey volumes of information.
So, why is body language important?
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Body language can help us understand others and ourselves.
It provides information about how people may feel in a given situation.
We can also use body language to express emotions or intentions.
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A smile can indicate approval orhappiness.
A frown can signal disapproval or unhappiness.
In some cases, our facial expressions may reveal our true feelings about a particular situation.
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While you say that you are feeling fine, the look on your face may tell people otherwise.
There are many interesting findings about body language in psychology research.
This expression, the researchers suggested, conveys both friendliness andconfidence.
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Facial expressions are also among the most universal forms of body language.
The expressions used to convey fear, anger, sadness, and happiness are similar throughout the world.
Research even suggests that we judge people’sintelligencebased on their faces and expressions.
© Verywell, 2017
One study found that individuals with narrower faces and more prominent noses were likelier to be perceived as intelligent.
People with smiling, joyful expressions were also judged more intelligent than those with angry expressions.
The best way to read someone’s body language is to pay attention.
Look out for any of the following eye signals.
However, prolonged eye contact can feel threatening.
Researchers suggest that eye contact can also increase prosocial behavior by heightening self-awareness.
People often blink more rapidly when they are feeling distressed or uncomfortable.
Infrequent blinking may indicate that a person is intentionally trying to control his or her eye movements.
Pupil Size
Pupil size can be a very subtle nonverbal communication signal.
Highly dilated eyes, for example, can indicate that a person is interested or even aroused.
The Mouth
Mouth expressions and movements can also be essential in reading body language.
Crossing the arms can indicatedefensiveness.
Crossing legs away from another person may indicate dislike or discomfort with that individual.
The termposturerefers to how we hold our bodies as well as the overall physical form of an individual.
Personal Space
Have you ever heard someone refer to their need for personal space?
Have you ever started to feel uncomfortable when someone stands just a little too close to you?
The termproxemics, coined by anthropologist Edward T. Hall, refers to the distance between people as they interact.
Halldescribed four levelsof social distance that occur in different situations.
It usually occurs during intimate contact such as hugging, whispering, or touching.
Social Distance: 4 to 12 feet.
This level of physical distance is often used with individuals who are acquaintances.
One oft-cited example is the difference between people from Latin and Asian cultures and those from North America.
Roles of Nonverbal Communication
Body language plays many roles in social interactions.
What does body language tell you about a person?
Body language can tell you when someone feels anxious, angry, excited, or any emotion.
It may also suggestpersonality traits(i.e., whether someone is shy or outgoing).
But body language can be misleading.
It is subject to a person’s mood, energy level, and circumstances.
It could be they are distracted and thinking about something else.
Or, again, it could be a cultural difference at play.
Maybe when someone is telling you a story, you tend to look at the floor.
What is good body language?
Good body language, also known as positive body language, should convey interest and enthusiasm.
Using body language with intention is all about finding balance.
Be sure to consider how other people might feel.
In addition, continue to developemotional intelligence.
If we want to feel a certain way, we can use our body language to our advantage.
Of course, it’s verbal and nonverbal communicationas well as thecontextof a situationthat often paints a full picture.
There isn’t always a one-size-fits-all solution for what nonverbal cues are appropriate.
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A white power symbol?
Or just a right-wing troll?
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