Body Language

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Body Language the good, the bad, and the give
awaysSubmitted by Kerri CampbellUniversity of
the Incarnate Word
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So whats the deal?

• Everyone speaks with body language- whether we
  intend to or not- here are some features you can
  recognize in yourself and in others.
• Just remember, that while these ideas are
  scientifically proven there may be instances
  where they are incorrect! So please, be careful
  in your judgements.

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Closed gestures

• Arms crossed, legs crossed, looking down or away.
  
• What does it mean??
• For the most part, people do this when they feel
  threatened, cold, or sense a need to hide.
• How do you change it?
• If you see someone making these gestures, mimic
  them. For the most part, theyll unwind. You can
  also give them something to hold, this makes the
  object a blocker, but allows a person to person
  opening.

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Evaluating Gestures

• Clasping hands, intertwining fingers, pursing
  lips, intense gaze, rubbing nose, and pushing up
  glasses.
• What does it mean?
• Generally, when people make these movements,
  they are mentally evaluating someone or
  something.
• Additionally, it is possible that an individual
  is attempting to make a decision and are
  concentrating, while performing these behaviors.

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Aggressive Gestures

• Frowning, pursing lips, snarling, opening stance
  (legs and arms), facial reddening, dropping hands
  into fists, whole arm movements.
• What does it mean?
• Stay clear! While its impossible to predict if
  someone will act aggressively, its a good idea
  to be cautious and avoid confrontation. By
  expanding ones self, it becomes easy to invade
  someone else's personal space and promotes a feel
  of dominance. Additionally, people who
  continually take on these mannerisms are
  generally believed to be quick tempered.

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Defensive Gestures

• Covering vital organs and points of
  vulnerability, lowing chin, holding out arms,
  holding a small object in front of you, huddling
  tensing muscles.
• What does it mean?
• Arms, hands and legs are generally used to
  shield a person if they feel threatened.
  Performing these mannerisms is a well received
  indicator that a person is feeling belittled,
  scolded or simply unwanted.

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Romantic Gestures

• Repeatedly looking at someone, leaning forward,
  batting eyes, preening, moving into personal
  space, lightly touching arms, blushing.
• What does it mean?
• For the most part, this means that an individual
  is showing interest, but it may not specifically
  mean they like you. These gestures are done
  inherently and may be preformed to show an
  interest in friendship.

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YES Gestures

• Opening Palms
• Leaning Forward
• Smiling
• Direct Body Orientation
• Head Nodding
• Enhanced Eye Contact

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NO Gestures

• Folding Arms
• Drumming
• Hand holding the chin
• Feet and trunk pointed oppositely
• Hand covering the mouth
• Increased fidgeting
• Squinting