Common Expressions of Body Language

In the complex field of communication, there are often misunderstandings and wrong impressions due to mixed signals. You may say one thing and mean another. You may speak to someone in a tone you find soothing and the other person finds condescending. Or you may simply stay silent and be mistaken for angry or rude. All of these involve verbal communication, but one area that reveals a great deal about someone’s intentions and meaning is body language.

What you say with your expressions, your physiological responses, and your body positioning comes across loud and clear to your audience, whether they are aware of it or not. We all have a fluent understanding of body language that is instinctual. You may not be familiar with many of the psychological definitions of certain positions or expressions, but as you have a conversation with an angry customer, you know they are becoming angry before they open their mouth to speak. Your mind interprets body language, and usually, your body or face responds accordingly.

There are some common body language expressions that psychologists have attached various meanings to that can help you to be aware of both the messages you are sending and the messages you are receiving. If you are not conscious of your angry customer’s body language, but instead respond on a subconscious level, you may mirror their angry body positioning and come across as defensive. But if you know what cues to look for, you can make a conscious choice to react in a positive manner.

• Standing with your hands on your hips can either signal that you are prepared for action or that you are aggressive.
• Sitting with your leg crossed and your foot kicking slightly indicates to others that you are bored.
• Sitting with your legs slightly apart demonstrates and open and relaxed attitude.
• When you place your hand to your cheek, either leaning in to it or touching your face, you show that you are considering a matter, evaluating and thinking.
• Crossing your arms across your chest is a classic sign of defensiveness.
• Standing with your hands clasped behind your back usually indicates either anger and frustration or a feeling of apprehension.
• When you place your hands in a steeple position is represents authority to the other person.
• And finally, if you play with your hair, patting or fondling it, you send the message that you are insecure or lacking in confidence.

With these basics, you should be able to send a more positive message to others and avoid communicating something you may not want to reveal.