Body Language

BODY LANGUAGE

“Actions speaks louder than words”

And

“you only have one chance to make a good first

impression.”

Body language is an important part of

communication which can constitute 50% or more

of what we are communicating

IMPORTANCE

Learning to use confident body language can improve our job opportunities.

Using appropriate body language can increase our dating prospects.

Recognizing the significance of non-verbal gestures can help us better understand our own feelings or the feelings of others.

Learning to interpret body language correctly can prevent misunderstandings.

Body language can convince others to accept what we have to say.

Interpreting body language will improve our successful interactions with everyone around us.

WHAT BODY LANGUAGE INCLUDES

Body signals

Face signals

Hand signals

Visual orientation ( eye contact)

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

SURPRISED

This expression can be characterized by lifted

eyebrows such that they are curved and central to

the forehead. The skin below the eyebrows stretch

and horizontal wrinkles can be seen across the

forehead. The eyelids are wide open‟ while the jaw

drops down separating the lips and the teeth. Often

the head is tilted, but in two ways. If the head tilts

forward, it indicates disbelief‟ while if the head is

pulled back, it indicates fear.

INTEREST

Usually, this expression is neutral and only

indicates that the person is open to information.

The features of such an expression are a half smile

and a slight widening of the eyes. The forehead and

the eyebrows are the expressions to watch out for.

JOY

A clear emotion of sincere happiness! This

expression rightly answers the question „Why do we

smile?‟ The characteristics of a joyful face include

round eyes and raised cheeks. A broad smile that

exposes the teeth expresses friendliness,

politeness and approval.

RAGE

Rage is the result of anger. The eyes narrow, the

eyebrows lift up, forming the classic V-shape. The

lips tighten while the face can be seen as prepared

for combat. The reasons behind anger include hate,

a desire to inflict hurt or a denial of consequences.

FEAR

„His face was a mask of terror‟. This cliché from the

English literature best describes a fearful face, as it

takes on a mask-like appearance. A fearful face can

be distinguished by a frozen stare, wild and wide-

open eyes, pale and pulled back face, chills,

sweating and strands of hair standing on end

ANGUISH

Extreme (emotional) pain, distress or anxiety best

describe the word anguish. The face alters to crying

or rhythmic sobbing, with arched eyebrows, slightly

open mouth and turned down lips

DISGUST

Disgust is an emotion associated with things that

are considered as unclean, inedible, infectious or

otherwise offensive. A person may close his nose

and eyes as an attempt to prevent contact from the

contagion to show an expression of disgust.

SHAME

A person portrays this emotion when he realizes

that he has been identified in an indefensible

„wrong doing‟. This happens when the person is

caught by others, but also when he recognizes

internally that he is wrong. Such a person can be

identified by looking down or to the side in an

attempt to avoid meeting the eyes of the other

people. The mouth droops in sorrow; the head tilts

forward or bows down with the eyebrows arching

outwards in a non-aggressive expression

FIRM HANDSHAKE

The hand is held firmly at a reasonable distance,

gripped and released. Recommended (along with a

smile).

GLOVE HANDSHAKE

Also called “politician handshake”. It involves

grasping the hand with right hand and cupping it

with the left. To be used only with friends. It‟s a sign

to build trust. Never do this in an interview.

FINGERTIP-GRAB HANDSHAKE

When the giver or receiver offers not the full palm,

but only the finger for the handshakes, this reveals

one‟s lack of confidence. Never do this in an

interview.

PALM UP HANDSHAKE

Here the giver offers his palm facing upwards, so

as to show his submission. The receiver is given

command of the situation. Never do this in an

interview.

PALM DOWN HANDSHAKES

Here the giver offers his palm facing downwards, so

as to show his domination, aggression, and taking

control of the interaction. The receiver is given little

chance to establish equal relation. Never do this in

an interview.

DEAD FISH HANDSHAKE

Offering a lifeless and sometimes cold and sweaty

hand. This is interrupted as a sign of weak

character.

LEG BODY LANGUAGE

In particular when a person is trying to control their

body language, they typically concentrate on the

upper body. The legs may thus tell what they are

thinking.

OPEN

STANDING

Legs which are held apart when standing provide a

stable base for the person.

Standing with feet about the width of the shoulders

is a normal, relaxed pose

A wider stance makes the body wider and hence

appear bigger and is a signal of power and

dominance.

OPEN

SITTING

Sitting with slightly open legs is a relaxed position,

showing the person is comfortable

CLOSED

Standing

When the person is standing with feet together (or

less that a relaxed shoulder-width) then this may

display anxiety as it makes them smaller as a target

Sitting

When sitting, the knees may be held gently or

tightly together, depending on the anxiety level.

CROSSED

Standing

Crossing legs when standing can be an indication

of shyness

Sitting

Crossing ankles is a minimal cross and can be fairly relaxed,

especially when the legs are stretched forward and the person

is leaning back (and more so if the hands are behind the

head). When more tension is seen, for example in clenched

hands, then this may be a signal of self-restraint.

Crossing knees may indicate greater anxiety or

defensiveness, particularly if the legs appear tense and even

more so if one leg is wrapped firmly around the other.

MOVING LEGS

Standing

Bouncing the leg can indicate impatience.

Sitting

A crossed leg may bounce up and down. This can

be a sign of impatience (particularly if rapid) or

attraction, as with standing movement

TIPS

sit straight, make sure your legs not crossed, don't

lock your hands, dress well, sit properly using chair

means comfortably, don't sit near edge of chair this

seems, you are less confident.

EYE CONTACT

Maintaining a steady contact eye contact gives an

impression that you are attentive, confident and

honest. Do not bend your head down or up and

then at the interviewer over your nose.

Starring: looking at someone for a long time,

especially in a way that is unfriendly.

Lost look: when your eyes are focused on nothing

or at some point behind the interviewer you have

this look in your eyes. This may be interpreted by

the interviewer as being lost or confused.

Always maintain effective aye contact with the

interviewer.

KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING 10 KEY POINTS

Sit upright but not too stiffly in your chair. This

indicates that you are comfortable and feeling

confident.

Relax and lean slightly forward towards your

interviewer. This gives the message that you are

both interested and involved.

If the interviewer is talking and you want to show

that you are actively listening, you need to have

direct eye contact and maintain it. Don't overdo

direct eye contact; too much contact without breaks

can make the other person extremely

uncomfortable and can be suggestive that you are

domineering.

Ensure that your voice tone is not defensive.

Hands on knees will indicate readiness to answer.

Show your cool character: Let your hands lie

loosely on your lap or place them on the armrests

of your chair

Have control on your hand movements at the start

of the interview.

Stay calm, think before your talk. Do not interrupt

the person interviewing you.

Establish a comfortable amount of personal space

between you and the interviewer. Invading personal

space (anything more than 20 inches) could make

the interviewer feel uncomfortable and take the

focus away from your conversation.

Show your enthusiasm by keeping an interested

expression. Nod and make positive gestures in

control.

IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING GESTURES

Worried

SAD

Lazy

Frustrated

Fed Up

Exicited

Depressed

Ashmed

Angry

Attentive