Body Language - A World Beyond Words
Body language is actually the unspoken part of the communication that we use to reveal our true feelings and to give our message more impact. Communication is made up of so much more than words. Nonverbal cues such as tone of voice, gestures and posture all play their respective parts in the larger scheme of communication. A simple example of body language is a relaxed facial expression that breaks out into a genuine smile .
Equally, it can be a tilt of the head that shows that we’re thinking while speaking, an upright stance to convey interest, or hand and arm movements to demonstrate directions. It can also be taking care to avoid a defensive, arms-crossed posture, or restlessly tapping our feet. When we can “read” signs like these, we can understand the complete message in what someone is telling us.
In this article, we shall explore body language in more detail, and look at how we can interpret it to understand and communicate with people more effectively. Let’s dive in!
1. Negative Body Language Examples
If someone’s exhibiting one or more of the following negative behaviours, they are likely to be disengaged, uninterested or inattentive in a meeting, conference or a presentation:
If someone exhibits the following signs during a meeting, focus on engaging their interest and putting them at their ease. Then, if the negative behaviour stops, we’ll know that they’re ready to talk to with us effectively — and more open to persuasion. Other types of body language can indicate that someone’s bored by what we’re discussing. This might be in a presentation, a team meeting, or even a one-on-one chat.
Here are some of the most common signs of boredom:
We can re-engage people by asking them a direct question, or by inviting them to contribute to an idea.
2. Positive Body Language Examples
People also use their body language to convey positive feelings, such as trust, interest and happiness. Spotting these signs can reassure us that others are engaged with what we’re saying and are at ease with the situation.
What’s more, by adopting these behaviours ourselves, we can support our points, convey ideas more clearly, and avoid sending mixed or unclear messages. Smart people start with a warm and genuine smile to use positive body language to their advantage. Our nonverbal signs play a big part in people’s first impression of us. Here are ways to appear trustworthy, engaged, confident, and calm:
3. Body Language for Effective Public Speaking
Positive body language can help us engage people and project confidence when we speak in public. Here are a few tips to help:
Recommended by LinkedIn
4. Body Language for Interviews & Appraisals
Body language can also help us stay calm in situations where emotions run high, such as a negotiation, performance review or job interviews. Let’s review the following to defuse tension and show openness:
Body language expert Amy Cuddy recommends striking a “power pose” for two minutes, in private, before a stressful situation. It tricks our body’s hormone levels enabling us to feel more confident and less stressed. Her mantra is Fake it till you make it.
5. Virtual Body Language
I have met a few business executives who complain that they cannot read the body language via virtual meetings. Here are some tips through which we can apply much of the body language guidance through the video meetings, too. We’ll just have a little less space — and body — to work with! Here are some ways to show your enthusiasm, and to help make others feel comfortable and receptive to your ideas:
Closing Remarks
Mehrabian’s Communication Model, which states that body language is more important than tone of voice and choice of words when communicating true feelings. But he makes clear that his study dealt only with communications involving emotions and attitudes. So, it’s not applicable in all cases. Precisely, the body language gives us a range of nonverbal signals that we can use to communicate our feelings and intentions.
We’ve probably heard the statistics that only seven percent of a message is conveyed through words, and that the other 93 percent comes from nonverbal communication. This is often quoted out of context and is therefore misleading. It’s taken from However, it does help to explain why it’s so tough to gauge sentiment when we can’t see people — on email or messaging apps, for example. It’s also part of the reason for the rise in use of emojis, even in business communication.
Suggested Reading:
About the Author
Muhammad Sajwani is a C-Level HR, Transformation Leader, Board Advisor, Business Coach & Organisational Consultant working in the capacity of Managing Director, Evolve HR. He is an author, columnist and a contributor who besides writing for other platforms also regularly writes at BizCatalyst 360. He brings along 30+ years of local & international experience. He is a change catalyst specializing in unleashing the human Dreamgenius through Leadership, Creativity and Change Management. Muhammad has been instrumental in helping organizations come to terms with organizational changes like right-sizing and business process re-engineering. His innovative approach & high personal competence encourages people to not only accept change, but also to excel in it. Muhammad has diverse experience in conducting strategic & management development programs, conferences & events for organizations across sectors.
Under Construction 🦺
6moBody language is quite a mystery maker. All depends very much with certain cultures they are taught to look down and avoid eye contact when they are being contrrite. Thanks for sharing your great insights. Muhammad Sajwani
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University,Islamabad
6moGreat share
Data Scientist / Engineer
6moReally appreciable, thank you for sharing.
Business Owner at TKT home made mosla products
6moExcellent share Muhammad Sajwani
Senior Technical Leader at Freddie Mac | Digital Transformation Leader | Top Cloud Computing & Cybersecurity Voice on LinkedIn | CISSP | Strategist |Active Listener | Mentor
6moKeep your interesting shares coming Muhammad