Reading body language

Body Language Signals:

• Open arms:
o Energetically open and possibly feeling vulnerable
o A good way to show you are approachable, especially when
combined with open palms
• Palms up/open hands:
o Defences down
o An open heart
• Palms on chest – When a person uses open palms that occasionally
touch their chest, they are signalling honesty
• Outward, upward hand movements – This conveys an open and
positive message
• Folded arms:
o A defence mechanism that shows the person is not open to what
is being said or done
o May mean rejection
o Physically cold
o Stubborn in their outlook
• Hands closed – A closed heart
• Doodling – Bored
• Fist:
o Anger and to be avoided
o Physically cold
o Very tense
o Defiant or triumphant when held in air
• Feet under the chair – A sign of eagerness
• Looking around:
o Wants to get away
o Thinking about something else
o Bored with situation/conversation
• Stroking chin – evaluating
• Mirroring – This is evidence of two people getting on really well.
Each person copies the other’s body language, usually subtly.
Mirroring occurs with:
o Breathing
o Gestures
o Eye movement
o Leaning towards each other at the same time
o Crossed or uncrossed legs
o Speech pattern
o Arm movement, or no arm movement
o Emotive energy such as being excited, relaxed, etc.
Note: If you practice this with somebody the key is to be subtle and
not be a copycat. There is a natural rhythm to the process, which is the
key.
• Yawning:
o Bored
o Tired and that may have nothing to do with the
situation/conversation
• Preening – This shows someone knows they are attractive
For example, flicking or stroking their hair or adjusting a collar and/or
a tie.
• Ear Tugging:
o Indecision
o Possible deception
• Puffing out chest – this has nothing to do with silicone implants. Men
do this when demonstrating their attraction to someone.
• Nodding – The occasional nod from a listener to a speaker is a
positive message. It is an indication they are listening and are
interested.
• Too much nodding – This indicates the listener has lost interest and
may be bored. (Probably where the saying ‘nodding off to sleep’ came
from.)
• Chopping hands down – This is an aggressive act, usually used to
antagonise.
• Body space – Respect for the other person’s body space is crucial in
gaining their trust. Stay at least one arm’s length away from them.
• Striding briskly:
o An outward display of confidence
o Anger
• Gentle leg shaking:
o The person is mildly stimulated
o May need to go to toilet
• Vigorous leg shaking:
o Reveals apprehension and nerves
o Desperate to go to the toilet
• On toes – Eagerness
• Clears throat:
o Has a cough/sore throat
o Habit
• Pretends to kick imaginary things on ground - frustration
• Open feet – reflecting and giving attention.
• Flushed cheeks:
o Indicates interest in the other person
o Embarrassment (usually temporary)
• Dilated pupils:
o Interested in someone.
o Focussed
o High on drugs
• High blink rate:
o A person who has an interest in someone will have an increased
blink rate.
o Nervousness
o Assessing
o Has an eye disorder
• Backwards moving:
o Rejecting
o Escaping
• Moving away – Sometimes there is no hidden meaning.
• Slumped posture:
o Bored
o Low self-esteem/confidence
• Legs entwined – A woman who is interested in someone will often
cross and uncross her legs when seated.
• Gazing – A woman will gaze long enough for someone to notice then
will quickly look away. Her mouth may open and lips slightly wet.
• Low voice – When interested in someone a woman may speak in a
low voice.
• Running hand along leg – sexually interested in the other person
• Running hands along legs:
o Really sexually interested in the other person
o Getting ready to leave
• Directly facing you with open stance – The person is interested and
you have their attention.
• Drumming fingers:
o Impatient