Tricks in Reading Body Language
Body language supplements the spoken word in nearly all human communities. Sometimes body language conveys information that is impossible to communicate with words alone. At other times, body language adds a layer of complexity by subtly changing the meaning of spoken words. Dancers, magicians and actors use body language to direct the audience's attention. People are often unaware of how often they use body language in everyday communication.
Other People Are Reading
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Hands
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Observe the position and movements of a person's hands for a quick general read of their emotional and mental state. People pick up and put down things more often when they feel their situation is comfortable or intimate. They also touch their hair and body more often in comfortable situations. If a person's hands are stiff and unmoving, chances are they perceive the situation as formal, new or intimidating.
Posture
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Leaning toward another person can indicate interest and friendliness. An upright postures often indicates the same. A person feeling hostile, threatened or defensive often leans back or turns away from the other person. Slouching the neck and shoulders or bending the lower back sometimes indicates fear and nervousness. Usually, a person's posture strongly indicates their degree of self-confidence.
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Incongruities
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Body language incongruities alert you that the individual is trying hard to appear one way though they may be feeling differently. For example, the person you are interviewing has an upright posture and leans forward to engage you in conversation, but his hands are stiff and he's slouching. These mixed messages probably mean he wants to be perceived as confident and interested. The truth may be that he's more focused on his nerves than on the conversation.
Don't Make Assumptions
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The science of reading body language changes as individuals gain new information about the nuances of communication. Don't hold on to one or two body language tips as law. Many body language experts used to believe that holding one's hand behind one's back indicated power and confidence and that being the first to touch indicated dominance. According to Nick Morgan of the Harvard Business School's Working Knowledge program, researchers have debunked these concepts as largely false.
Facial Expressions
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Facial expressions are a strong indicator of emotional state. When people shift their eyes from side to side or look up rather than at the speaker, it usually means they are nervous or uncomfortable. Smiling usually indicates friendliness, but excessive smiling indicates subordination. The person who smiles too much is trying to appear pleasing to those whom he considers his social superiors. If someone maintains eye contact for more than two or three seconds, chances are good that the person is attempting to relay a subtle nonverbal message. For example, eye contact that lasts four or five seconds is often a form of flirtation.
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References
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