subject: What Your Body Language Says Even Before You Speak [print this page] They say that in communication, the words we say only account for less than thirty percent of the message we convey, while more than seventy percent of our messages gets relayed though the tome of our voice and the body language. Despite saying yes, the other person may not believe you when they see you moving your head sideways or when you have a frown on your face.
Body language is one of the ways the body is communicating even without speaking. How your body moves is a language in itself that conveys what you really want to say without the use of words. Here are some of the most common body language actions and what people perceive them to mean.
When you avoid eye contact, it means you are being cold, evasive, indifferent, insecure or passive. Remember that they say that the eyes are the windows to our soul and they reflect how we truly feel. When we talk to someone and we avoid making them see our eyes, it shows that you are not revealing your true emotions and want to hide them. In some cultures, however, people are raised and conditioned not to make eye contact, so people should be careful about misinterpreting lack of eye contact with foreigners.
Folding arms is a sign that says you are disapproving or disagreeing, or that you are being defensive or angry. While some people do this when they are cold, just remember to be mindful of this gesture as some may misinterpret it. When you put your hands on your hips, it is the bodys way of showing that you are also disagreeing with what you are hearing.
Positive body language on the other hand happens when you nod your head. People generally bow their heads in agreement to something they have seen or heard.
Even without saying that you are being impatient while standing in that long line or you are being nervous towards the next level job interview, tapping your feet shows that you dislike the waiting or are anxious towards what will happen next.
While some gestures have a local or regional interpretation, body language is generally the same the world over. One should pay close attention to their body gestures or body language to facilitate good communication. Misunderstandings may occur if your body language is sending off the wrong or confusing signals.
Our body has a way of expressing itself and how we really feel. While we may say one thing, our gestures will ultimately reveal what we really mean and how we really feel. Sometimes, if something is too good or too bad to say, just use body language and you will also be understood without having to say a word.
Also, be sensitive to other people and read their body language carefully. Do not believe or reject a message simply because of the words but rather, watch and listen to what their body language is saying so you can also get the exact meaning of what they are trying to say.
