Body Language Intro

Body language, the manner in which individuals use their bodies to convey messages to one another, has been around since the dawn of time but only became of discipline of study approximately fifty years ago.  Early studies indicated that human beings will typically convey about a third of their communicative messages through the use of nonverbal measures such as body language.  Although many body language acts are considered to be natural acts, many are reflective of the culture in which they are used.  While smiling is something that is considered a natural act in most situations, it can also actually be related to the culture in which it, as a body language act, is used.  It has been said, for instance, that those from European countries think Americans smile too much and, thus, go around looking goofy all the time!

Body language acts can convey all sorts of messages that can either work hand in hand with our verbal communication or even stand on their own.  For example, some people will accompany their verbally communicated hello with a wave of their hand, a body language act.  Or, an individual may instead hold back their words and just use the body language equivalent of a wave to greet another.  On the flip side, sometimes body language can actually contradict the verbal communication one is sending to another.  For instance, an individual may tell someone verbally that she or he is very happy to see them while showcasing a pained expression on their face!