How to Read your Body Language

If the eyes are the windows of the soul, then the body is the mirror of our feelings.

7% of the information we receive is from what they actually say.

38% of information we receive is from the tone, inflection and speed of their voice.

A staggering 55% of the information we receive is from their body language.

A good way to show you are approachable, especially when combined with open palms

Defences downAn open heart

Open Arms:

Palms Up – Open Hands:

When a person uses open palms that occasionally

touch their chest, they are signalling honesty

Palms on chest

This conveys an open and positive message

Outward, upward hand movements

A defence mechanism that shows the person is not open to what is being said or done

May mean rejectionPhysically cold Stubborn in their

outlook

Folded arms:

A closed heart

Hands closed

Bored

Doodling

Anger and to be avoidedPhysically coldVery tenseDefiant or triumphant

when held in air

Fist

A sign of eagerness

Feet under the chair

Evaluating

Stroking chin

Wants to get awayThinking about something

elseBored with situation /

conversation

Looking around

IndecisionPossible

deception

Ear Tugging

Striding briskly:

An outward display of confidence

Anger

BoredTired and that may have

nothing to do with thesituation/conversation

Yawning

This is evidence of two people getting on really well.Each person copies the other’s body language, usually

subtly.

Mirroring

Mirroring occurs with:• Breathing, Gestures, Eye movement, Leaning towards each

other at the same time, Crossed or uncrossed legsSpeech pattern, Arm movement, or no arm movement, Emotive energy such as being excited, relaxed, etc.

This shows someone knows they are attractive For eg, flicking or stroking their hair or adjusting a collar and/or

a tie.

Preening

The occasional nod from a listener to a speaker is apositive message. It is an indication they are listening and are interested.

Nodding

Too much nodding indicates the listener has lost interest andmay be bored.

Body spaceRespect for the other person’s body space is crucial ingaining their trust. Stay at least one arm’s length away from them.

Gentle leg shaking The person is mildly stimulatedMay need to go to toilet

Vigorous leg shakingReveals apprehension and nervesDesperate to go to the toilet

Raise of eyebrows - express astonishment

Envy or disbelief may be displayed by a raised eyebrow

We frown – displeasure or confusion

Open our mouth - Shock

• Smiling: smiling & frowning are two major facial expressions.

A genuine smile means ‘I appreciate you’; ‘I accept your ideas’.

A frown means ‘I find you puzzling’.

• Laughter: Laughter is composed of a broad range of gesture & sounds.

B ‘Ha-Ha’ is a genuine laughter.

B ‘He-He’ is a mocking laughter.

B ‘Hee-Hee’ suggests a secret giggle.

B ‘Ho-Ho’ communicates surprise

• Ways of Looking:B Side long glance is referred to as

stolen look.B Blank stare depicts boredom.B Sparkling eyes are an attribute

of those who have ‘magnetic personalities’.

• Glasses:B Peering over glass depicts being

judgmental or critical.B Dark glasses are worn by those

who conceal their genuine feelings.

THE HANDS • The Human hand is a restless organ

B Limp hands show boredom.

B Nervous or jittery person shows restless hands.

B Clenched hands often shows frustration.

B Clapping of hands shows applause.

• Putting objects in mouth is when they are busy with something.

• Pinching the bridges of nose indicates a person in deep thought.

• Nose rub is a sign of rejection.• Chin stroking is when people

are in deep reflection.• Slapping the head signifies self

punishment.• Hands behind the head is used

by professionals who are confident & dominant.

Thank You