Body language messages are sent automatically and unconsciously. Women send approximately five times more body language messages and gestures than men in the same time period. Body language has proven to be our most reliable indicator of how others feel about us.

Know how unconsciously you are sending signals through your body language.

Resting Hands Behind the Head or on the Hips

Usually interpreted as a sign of superiority or bigheadedness.

Increasing Your Rate of Blinking

A clear sign of anxiety. Some people start blinking their eyes really fast (in conjunction with an increased heart rate) when they get nervous. Since most people try to make eye contact, it becomes immediately obvious to others.

Not Directly Facing the Person You’re Speaking To

This indicates a certain level of discomfort or a lack of interest. When we’re happily engaged in a conversation we face the person we’re speaking to with our feet and torso facing directly forward. When we’re unsure of the other person, or not completely committed to the conversation, we tend to angle our feet and torso to the side

Crossing Your Arms

A sign of defensive resistance. Some people may also interpret it as a sign of self-centeredness.

Displaying a Sluggish Posture

When you’re in an environment bustling with people your posture becomes an immediate telltale sign of your confidence and composure. Your stance literally makes a stand for you, delivering a clear message about how you should be treated. It can make a huge difference in the way strangers respond to you. Place your feet a comfortable distance apart, keep your shoulders pulled back, head up and greet people with direct eye contact and a firm handshake.

Scratching at the Backside of Your Head and Neck

A typical sign of doubt and uncertainty. It can also be interpreted as an indication of lying. Try to keep your hands away from your head when you’re communicating with others.

Messing With the Collar of Your Shirt

It screams: “I feel horribly uncomfortable and/or nervous!”

Slouching Your Shoulders

Indicates low self-esteem. People associate perked-up shoulders with strong self-confidence. Always pull your shoulders back. Not only will you look more confident, you’ll feel more confident as well.

Standing with Your Hands Crossed Over Your Genitals

This casual posture almost guarantees that you’ll lose a little respect before you even have the chance to speak a single word. People feeling nervous or unsure of themselves will unconsciously take this position. This stance pushes your shoulders forward and makes your entire body look smaller and weaker.

Propping Up Your Head With Your Hands

“I’m getting bored!” Never prop up your head with your elbows and hands during a conversation. Place your hands on the table in front of you and keep them at rest.

Image Credit: Bala Murugan

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In the Indian movie “Lage Raho Munnabhai” a young girl who calls Munna to seek advice on how she should judge a prospective husband, is advised to check out how the young man treats people who are socially inferior. The boy’s treatment of a waiter in a restaurant seals his fate. His body language towards the waiter revealed all of him and the girl dropped him.

About a decade back I studied materials on Body Language and observed people on this unconscious communication. The book said “after reading this the whole world will look different through your eyes”. I ventured to compile interesting facts on this subject. These may help you in your job interviews. Here they are.
It is found that only 7 percent of communication comes from spoken words, 38 percent is from the tone of the voice, and 55 percent comes from body language (non-verbal). Are you good at reading body language?

Body language messages are sent automatically and unconsciously. Women send approximately five times more body language messages and gestures than men in the same time period.

Body language has proven to be our most reliable indicator of how others feel about us. Know how unconsciously you are sending signals through your body language.

Holding Objects in Front of Your Body

A coffee cup, notebook, hand bag, etc. Holding objects in front of your body indicates shyness and resistance, such that you’re hiding behind the objects in an effort to separate yourself from others.

Checking the Time or Inspecting Your Fingernails

A strong sign of boredom. Never glance at the time when you’re speaking with someone. Likewise, completely avoid the act of inspecting your fingernails.

Picking Lint Off of Your Clothes

If you pick lint off of your clothes during a conversation, especially in conjunction with looking downwards, most people will assume that you disapprove of their ideas and/or feel uneasy about giving them an honest opinion

Stroking Your Chin While Looking at Someone

People frequently stroke their chin during the decision-making process. If you look at someone while you’re stroking your chin, they may assume that you’re making a judgmental decision about them.

Narrowing Your Eyes

If you want to give someone the impression that you don’t like them (or their ideas), you narrow your eyes while looking at them.

Standing Too Close

This just makes people feel uncomfortable. Most people consider the 4 square feet of space immediately surrounding their body to be personal space. Cross this invisible boundary with good friends and intimate mates only.

Looking Down While in the Presence of Others

Usually indicates disinterest. Sometimes it’s even interpreted as a casual sign of arrogance. Always look straight ahead and make eye contact when you see someone you know.

Touching Your Face During a Conversation

Face touching, especially on the nose, is commonly interpreted as an indication of deception. Also, covering up the mouth is a common gesture people make when they’re lying. Always keep your hands away from your face when you’re speaking.

Faking a Smile

Another sign of deception commonly seen on the face of a fraud. A genuine smile wrinkles the corners of the eyes and changes the expression of the entire face. Fake smiles only involve the mouth and lips. It’s easy to distinguish between the two

Leaning Away From Someone

This is especially true when they are sitting around a table. This is a sign of being bored and disinterested. People typically lean towards people they like and away from people they dislike.

Popularity: 30%