Reading Body Language

Our verbal communications is the primary way we communicate. We convey all of our thoughts and ideas through our words. The larger our vocabulary the more effective we can convey what we are thinking. However, we also use body language to communicate additional information, such as personality traits and additional emotional content to emphasize our words as we speak. Therefore, the body language we use is as important as the words we speak. In this article we will look at some common types of body language and how to read the body language of others.

First, to understand the body language of someone else we must understand our own body language. This is the key to being able to read anyone else's body language. In knowing this then it should be obvious that many types of body language are common among all human beings. This being true it then makes the task of reading another's body language a little easier. And another point that you can use for yourself is that we can modify our own body language by paying attention to it and changing it.

Our posture, the way we stand or sit, send messages about ourselves to anyone we are communicating with. For example, if you are in a chair and you slouch this could be perceived by someone that you are lazy or you have no interest in what is being talked about. When see how someone sits we naturally take this information in and mix it with the verbal communications of that person.

How people stand is another example of the messages our posturing sends. When a person you are talking to stands erect, feet slightly apart, with their hands folded together in front of them, would be an indication of a person who has confidence in themselves. This person will also maintain eye contact with you as you speak and their facial expression will indicate an interest in what you are saying to them.

Eye contact is another body language that people use to convey unspoken thoughts. For example, if someone's eyes wonder all over the place and are not focused on you, while you are talking, this could signal a lack of interest in you and what you are saying. Pay attention to head movements as well. Someone who is constantly moving their head from side to side as you are speaking could be an indication that the person is nervous about something, either around them or about what you are saying.

The hand shake is yet another form of body language. For example, when someone you are just meeting approaches you with arm extended and hand open, to take your hand into his, is a gesture signaling that that person is glad to meet and see you. You can also gather additional information from the actual hand shake itself. If the grip is firm this sends the message that the person is genuine, which then reinforces the perception of their pleasure in seeing you.

We have only covered a few types of body language that people use in their daily communications with others. There are many more types that we use and by knowing as many as we can, we then can read and understand those around us much better.