Body Language - A World Beyond Words

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:

  1. Arms folded in front of the body.
  2. Minimal or tense facial expressions. 
  3. Body turned away from the speaker.
  4. Eyes downcast, maintaining little eye contact.

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:

  1. Sitting slumped, with head downcast.
  2. Gazing at something else, or into space.
  3. Fidgeting, picking at clothes, or fiddling with pens and phones.
  4. Writing or doodling.

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:

  1. Have an open posture. Stay relaxed, but don’t slouch. Sit or stand upright and place hands by sides. Avoid standing with hands on the back, as this can communicate aggression or a desire to dominate.
  2. Use a firm handshake. But don’t get carried away! Let’s not make it awkward, aggressive, or painful for the other person.
  3. Maintain good eye contact. Try to hold the other person’s gaze for a few seconds at a time. This will show them that we’re sincere and engaged. But avoid turning it into a staring contest.
  4. Avoid touching your face. If we do this while answering questions, it can be seen as a sign of dishonesty or cheating. While this isn’t always the case, we should still avoid fiddling with our hair or scratching our nose, so that we convey trustworthiness.

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:

  1. Have a positive posture. Let’s sit or stand upright, with shoulders back and arms unfolded. Don’t be tempted to put hands in the pockets, or to slouch, as this will make us look disinterested.
  2. Keep the head up. Our head should be upright and level. Leaning too far forward or backward can make us look aggressive or arrogant.
  3. Practice and perfect posture. Stand in a relaxed manner, with our weight evenly distributed. Keep one foot slightly in front of the other to keep steady.
  4. Use open hand gestures. Spread hands apart, in front of us, with our palms facing slightly toward our audience. This indicates a willingness to communicate and share ideas. Keep our upper arms close to our body. Take care to avoid over-expression, or people may focus more on our body language than our content.

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:

  1. Use mirroring. If we happen to be real smart, we can, subtly observe and mirror the body language of the person we’re talking to. This will make them feel more at ease and can build rapport. But don’t copy their every gesture to make them uncomfortable.
  2. Relax your body. Maintain the appearance of calm by keeping hands still and by breathing slowly.
  3. Look interested. If we’re asked a complex question, it’s OK to briefly think through and express accordingly. It will show that we’re reflecting on how to answer.

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:

  1. Set up your camera right. This means we’re close enough to show interest, but not too close to invade people’s virtual space. Check that our camera is at eye level, so that our gaze appears natural to others. And leave room to gesture without hitting the screen!
  2. Maintain eye contact. Let’s look into the camera as if we’re looking into someone’s eyes. If it’s a group call, looking around the participants will let us watch without staring.
  3. Use facial expressions. Remember that our face speaks as well and should be in front and center on a video call, so maintain a slight smile throughout. Raise eyebrows to show interest, engagement, and avoid frowning.

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:

1. Fake it till you make it. How body language helps in our lives?

2. Speaking With Confidence: An Art

3. How to spot a liar at work?

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.

Kim McNeilly 🌷

Under Construction 🦺

6mo

Body 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

Dr.Zainab Chaudhary.....

Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University,Islamabad

6mo

Great share 

Like
Reply

Really appreciable, thank you for sharing.

Zakaria Khan

Business Owner at TKT home made mosla products

6mo

Excellent share Muhammad Sajwani

Bassem Beidas

Senior Technical Leader at Freddie Mac | Digital Transformation Leader | Top Cloud Computing & Cybersecurity Voice on LinkedIn | CISSP | Strategist |Active Listener | Mentor

6mo

Keep your interesting shares coming Muhammad

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