Some experts agree that nonverbal communication and body language account for 90% of communication. It is amazing to think that our words mean much less than the signals our body sends to the recipients. Unfortunately, there are many people who unknowingly use body language to portray feelings they do not feel. To help you decode other’s body language and fix your own, I have included a list of common signals and their generally accepted meanings.
Mirroring
Mirroring someone else is a sign that you have a physical attraction to the other person. For instance, if you cross your arms when someone else crosses their arms, or if you put your hands in your pockets after another puts his/her hands in their pockets.
Fidgeting
Fidgeting is a very common form of body language. It shows the recipient that you may not be comfortable with what is being said, or that you are shy.
Eyes Darting
If you want to see if someone is lying, check their eyes. Darting eyes usually indicates deception. If someone is telling you a story and can’t keep eye contact, think twice before believing.
Touching Neck
If someone touches their neck constantly, body language says that this may be a sign of nervousness. However, nervousness can mean a few things: being shy, uneasy, or lying.
Crossed Arms
Arms crossed over the chest or stomach is a sign of defensiveness. This type of body language occurs when one is being attacked verbally, or when put in an unfamiliar situation.
Hands Behind the Head
Beware if you put your hands behind your head often. This body language is a sign of arrogance.
Legs Apart and hands on Hips
This type of body language position is a strong one. It tells everyone that you don’t want to be messed with and that they don’t want to mess with you.
Open Arms
Using open arms body language is fairly easy to decode. It usually means that the person is accepting and receptive to you and your ideas.
Picking of Lint
When you are in a job interview, be sure not to pick lint from your suit. This is a sign that you have a lack of interest in what the other person is saying.
Body language can say a lot to your recipients. Make sure you body language mirrors what your mouth is saying and what your heart is feeling. It would be unfortunate to feel one way and portray another through incorrect body language. Be aware of your body language and what it means and you should be well prepared.
