5 Practical Tips for Interpreting Body Language
Argyle (1978) was one of the first modern researchers to study nonverbal communication and believed that humans have more than 700,000 forms of body language. Some specific areas to note for interpreting body language include paying attention to the head, face, eyes, arms, and hands.
1. Head
Nodding when another person is speaking is a sign that you are focused and listening. It can demonstrate that you agree with or acknowledge what is being said and validate opinions. Tilting the head to one side is also a sign of attentive listening and respect. Both of these are considered positive gestures in conversation.
A lowered head or head back with a rigid neck is a sign of a negative attitude, criticism, denial, or rejection. When someone is supporting their head with their hands, this is a sign of boredom and disinterest. And angling the chin upward is a sign of arrogance and dominance (Danesi, 2022).
2. Face
As most people know, smiling is an open, approachable facial gesture that indicates warmth and interest. On the other hand, frowning is a sign of anger, disinterest, or disagreement with what is being communicated.
Raising the eyebrows is a sign of surprise, and raising a single eyebrow tends to be an expression of disbelief. Pursed lips tend to demonstrate anger, sorrow, or a lack of acceptance, depending on the situation (Danesi, 2022).
3. Eyes
It is often said that the eyes are the window to the soul. Eye contact is the basis for understanding in conversation. When eye contact is avoided, it may demonstrate discomfort, uncertainty, or shyness, or signal that the person has something to hide.
When someone’s eyes are narrowed, it could indicate anger. Briefly closing the eyes and quickly opening them again is called confirmatory blinking and can indicate confirmation or approval of another person (Danesi, 2022). Narrowing the eyes can mean several things, such as confusion or a need for more information. It may also indicate concentration or anger.
It is also important to notice the pupils. Dilated pupils can demonstrate interest and attraction, while widening the eyes can signal surprise or excitement.
4. Arms and hands
Upper body postures consist largely of the arms and hands, which are the most mobile and prominent demonstrations of body language. Crossing the arms is a way for someone to create distance and demonstrates a negative attitude (Danesi, 2022). When arms are crossed and the individual is gripping their upper arms, this signals tension and discomfort.
Arms crossed with balled fists are also negative body language but signal aggression and anger. Putting hands on the hips can be a sign of aggression or dominance. Putting hands in pockets signals a lack of engagement and defensiveness (Danesi, 2022).
5. General tips
- In general, self-confident people frequently look at their reflection in mirrors or windows and place themselves in a position to be the center of discussion. People demonstrate confidence through large gestures, big postures, self-assured smiles, firm handshakes, and steady eye contact. Embarrassment, insecurity, and low confidence are seen through nervous laughter, avoidance of eye contact, turning away, and avoidance (Mandal, 2014).
- Nonverbal cues of fear can be seen with wide eyes, clutching, and gripping. Holding the breath, glancing around, and placing hands in front of the body is also a sign of fear (Mandal, 2014).
- People demonstrate resentment with crossed arms, a stiffened body, hunched shoulders, and low vocal tone (Mandal, 2014).
- Sexual interest and attraction can be seen through eye contact, exaggerated facial gestures, blinking, wetting the lips, touching the body, or crossing and uncrossing legs (Mandal, 2014).
4 Fascinating Studies on the Topic
Body language plays a crucial role in how we connect with others, present ourselves, and read and understand other people.
Research on nonverbal cues and forms of communication has been ongoing since Darwin’s investigations of evolution and emotion. More recently, specific studies on body language have helped us understand how it shapes and impacts every facet of life.
1. Body language and gender
Just as there are cultural differences in body language, gender differences have been found as well. In studies that examined men and women during interviews, researchers found that women tend to make smaller gestures and move their feet less than men, and that women showed more facial expression than men (Mandal, 2014).
2. Body language in the classroom
In an educational setting, a teacher’s body language can impact a student’s perception and ability to learn. In one elementary school study, groups of students were subjected to either negative or positive facial expressions given by the teacher (Dilek & Ekber, 2022).
The students provided with negative nonverbal cues (even though the lesson was the same) had more negative views of peers and the classroom environment and reported lower levels of interest in learning material (Dilek & Ekber, 2022).
3. Body language vs. facial expression
While facial expression is an important aspect of nonverbal communication, research has found that body movements may be more indicative of emotional expression. In a research study by Huxter et al. (2023), participants were given images of winning and losing tennis players.
After viewing photos with either only the face or only the body, participants were asked to rate the tennis player’s perceived level of arousal and emotional experience. They were more accurate when viewing the body versus the face (Huxter et al., 2023).
This demonstrates that body expressions and movements convey a great deal of information regarding emotion.
4. Body language in presentations
Body language has a direct impact on how people perceive and interpret scientific findings. Researchers interviewed audience members after the same research paper was presented using different presentation styles (Patil et al., 2024).
They found that presenters who maintained eye contact and used purposeful gestures with an open posture were more likely to be seen as credible and persuasive than presenters who fidgeted, avoided eye contact, and used closed body language (Patil et al., 2024).
How to Improve Your Own Body Language
Projecting situationally appropriate body language is correlated with professional success and general happiness (Wezowski & Wezowski, 2018). There are many ways to improve body language in professional settings, working with clients, and in personal life.
- Self-awareness
Simply becoming aware of your posture, facial expressions, gestures, and how you sit is a great starting point. Keeping arms uncrossed and having an upright, relaxed, and open posture is generally a good rule to follow. - Record yourself
You may record yourself to understand how your body language, movement patterns, and gestures come across to others. - Lean in
Lean in toward clients or those speaking to you to demonstrate interest and engagement. - Make eye contact
Making eye contact typically shows interest and engagement and helps the other person feel heard, understood, and validated. - Mirror the other person
Mirroring the other person’s sitting position, posture, and tone helps put them at ease. - Slow down
Moving and speaking slowly demonstrates intentionality and decreases stress and anxiety for other people.