In my latest blog, I share the possible meanings behind certain types of eye movement, facial expression and posture. Scroll on for three basic pointers on reading body language.
Communication is made up of so much more than words. Nonverbal cues like eye contact, gestures and posture can all play their part in showing us how someone really feels. Being able to read these cues can be an important tool for building better relationships at home and work.
Here are three basic pointers for reading body language:
Observe the eyes: The eyes communicate more than any other feature. If a person maintains eye contact, and their eyes appear relaxed but attentive, they're probably trustworthy, sincere and caring. But if their eyes look shifty or blink too much, this could signal deceptiveness.
Watch the smile: Does the person's smile look natural or forced? If their skin crinkles around the eyes and they have a broad and open expression, their smile is probably genuine. But if their eyes don't smile with their mouth, their expression could be fake.
Notice body movements: Are their shoulders naturally upright and their hands, arms torso, and legs still and calm? This could indicate a person is feeling relaxed and confident. But if their body movements are slouched, fidgety or erratic, the person may be feeling nervous or uncomfortable.
Remember, nonverbal communication is a rapid exchange that needs our full, in the moment, focus. If we’re planning what to say next, checking our phone, or thinking about something else, we’ll miss these important cues.
Got a pointer you'd like to share on reading body language? Please leave it in the comment box below!
About Victoria Hall
Victoria believes that great communication has the power to change the world. She's passionate about helping organisations to lift their profiles, inspire action and achieve remarkable results by crafting and delivering their stories and messages in a clear, compelling and persuasive way. If you've got a question about how to produce high-quality communication plans or content, you can contact Victoria here or connect with her on LinkedIn.
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