Importance of Body Language in Communication

One of the oft-ignored aspects of communication is the understanding of body language. Body language comprises of actions, gestures, facial expressions, postures and so on. It is often said that body language cannot be concealed because it speaks the language of the heart. Given below are some common body languages and common interpretations thereof:

1.      You will seem friendly and co-operative if you:

(a)   Look at the other person’s face and smile or nod your head as the other person is talking.

(b)   Have open hands, put your hand to your face occasionally and uncross your arms.

(c)   Sit with uncrossed legs, lean slightly forward and move closer to the other person.

2.      You will seem confident if you: Look into the other person’s eyes or don’t blink your eyes and thrust your chin forward; also stand at ease with hands behind your back. When seated, you lean back with legs out in front of you, stand straight and stay relaxed.

3.      You will seem aggressive if you: Stare at the other person, wear an ‘I’ ve read it all before’ smile, raise your eyebrows in exaggerated amazement or disbelief or look over the top of your spectacles and point your finger at the other person, thump your fist on the table and rub the back of your neck. Stand while the other person remains seated, stride around; lean back in your chair with both hands behind your head and legs spread / crossed.

4.      You will seem thoughtful if you: (a) Look at the other person for most of the time when listening and tilt your head to one side slightly.

(b) Stroke your chin or take off your spectacles and put the earpiece into                   

 your mouth. Lean forward to speak or lean back to listen.

5.      You will seem defensive if you: Avoid eye contact or immediately look away; when it occurs, don’t look at the other person; clench hands, cross arms and constantly rub an eye or nose or ear and lean away from the other person, cross your legs and swivel your feet towards to door.

6.      You will seem anxious if you: Blink frequently, lick your lips and keep clearing your throat; open and close your hands frequently, put your hand over your mouth while speaking; tug at an ear and fidget in your chair.

To summarize, body language helps you read a person like a book, but caution must be ensure that one should not jump to the hasty conclusions. Use body language only as a support mechanism to understand people’s communication and behaviour. Let me also reiterate that the above points are indicative, but can help you and me to understand body language. The best way is to closely watch the people with whom one interacts regularly and then try to draw logical conclusions.

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