Body Language: Non-Verbal Interpersonal Communications

Written by Max | Edited by Rory Hart
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    Non-Verbal Communications — Interpreting Other’s Body Language

    Resistance, confusion, distaste, and passivity all show up in the body language of others, regardless of what they are saying verbally. Experienced leaders have learned often to trust what they see more than what they hear. Body language is always present. Too many speakers and listeners are unaware of body language.

    The nature of a person’s body language is highly dependent on the person’s nature. For example, some people are intent on sitting or standing upright with their hands at their sides in a stance of attention and respect. Other people might slouch in their chairs or extend their legs, in part, to convey that they feel comfortable around others in the room.

    It is difficult to make overall conclusions about body language because it is culturally dependent. However, people trust non-verbal communication more than they do verbal (spoken) communication, so learn to notice non-verbal communication, and be aware of your own.

    In general, notice:

    1. Style of voice, for example, loud, soft, frequent, irregular.
    2. Movement of the body, for example, gestures, face, and eyes.
    3. Distance, space, and time between speaker and listener.

    Specifically, notice:

    1. Eye contact. In the United States, this often conveys sincerity. In other cultures, though, it might convey aggressiveness or hostility.
    2. Frequent movements of the body. Frequent movements might convey nervousness and poor listening.
    3. The openness of the body.
    4. Arms crossed may mean defensiveness, which impedes communication.

    Interpreting Your Own Body Language

    Your body language is often the true “compass” of your impression of something. For you to remain authentic, you need to be in touch with your own non-verbal communication. Different people have different physical reactions in different situations. Consider the following:

    1. Are you moving your arms and legs a lot? If so, maybe you are afraid, frustrated, or confused about something.
    2. Is your mouth dry? Then maybe you are afraid of something.
    3. Is your body position closed? Are your legs and arms crossed? Perhaps you feel attacked somehow?
    4. Is your brow furled? Perhaps you are confused – or you are really interested in what the other has to say.
    5. Are you looking away from the others a lot? Then there is likely something that is bothering you. Or, perhaps your style is to look away so you can think more clearly. If that is the case, realize that others might be seeing you as having poor eye contact.
    6. Is your heart racing? Perhaps you are afraid of others, or you are excited about a project you are undertaking.

    Additional Perspectives on Non-Verbal Communications (Body Language)

    For the Category of Interpersonal Skills:

    To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

    Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.


    Max