How to Interpret Body Language

Body language, also known as kinetics, is an important facet of relationships and other areas of communications. Although many people think they can hide their innermost thoughts by saying what they don't really mean, they're wrong. By studying body language, a person's true self is revealed.

According the Positive Way website, only about seven percent of what you mean is communicated using words, while 93 percent of meaning comes from body language, tonality and other factors.

Some people have strong body language so most anyone can pick up cues for their obvious body gestures such distinct rolled eye balls or shrugged shoulders. Subtle body signs aren't as obvious and they often allow people to say something verbally that's opposite of how they really feel.

The Role of Eyes in Body Language

More than any other part of the body it's the eyes that communicate most. While strong eye contact shows trustworthiness, shifty eyes or frequent blinking can hint that a speaker is deceptive. Relaxed eye movements suggest someone who's honest and sincere.

Eyebrow muscles will reveal if someone is annoyed. Annoyance may be indicated by eyebrows that are cast down and toward the center part of the face. On the other hand, someone who's compassionate during a conversation will have eyebrows not showing this facial expression of annoyance.

Hands and Posture in Body Language

• Hands are important tools in body language. For example, hand touching gestures can communicate friendliness or aggression.
  

• Posture is also important because if someone stands tall they appear more confident than someone who slumps. A person standing with their hands on their hips can signal alertness or aggression. Positive Body Language Signs

Does your listener ignore distractions? That's a positive sign he's interested in what you're saying. If your listener is basically still instead of restless he most likely is interested in you or in what you're saying. Leaning forward is another positive signal that your listener wants to hear everything you say. A slightly tilted head may show curiosity, although it can also mean uncertainty.

If your listener has a steady gaze, he's probably interested in you and blinks less. A furrowed brow shows concentration as a listener's eyebrows and forehead are brought together.

Negative Body Language Signs

As for relationships, obvious signs someone isn't interested in you include a lack of comments or not asking any questions. Many people aren't aware of some of the more subtle body signs someone just isn't interested. For example, when you lean toward someone, the person leans back from you.

Other signs include failure of someone making eye contact or starting to turn away. Folding arms across the chest or double crossing legs at the ankle, too, are other signals. Frequently touching the nose is an indication someone just isn't into you. Boredom is detected by a hanging or limp hand or glancing at other people while you're talking to the person.

Finally, just as important as trying to figure out another person is giving out good body language to other people. This can make a difference when applying for a job or in making new friends. By realizing that subtle gestures such as slumping can denote a lack of confidence you'll be more conscious not to do those gestures that will relay a negative message to a potential employer or new friend.

Originally published on Suite 101.