HOW TO RECOGNIZE BODY LANGUAGE
Why do we need to read the others’ body language?
It may help to understand the complete message of what someone it trying to be saying to us,
and to enhance our awareness of other people’s reactions to what we say as well as do.
2. POSITIVE BODY LANGUAGE SIGNAL:
* what is a good body language?
The Eyes
The eyes are frequently referred to as the "windows to the soul" since they are capable of
revealing a great deal about what a person is feeling or thinking.
As you engage in conversation with another person, taking note of eye movements is a natural
and important part of the communication process.
Some common things you may notice include whether people are making direct eye contact or
averting their gaze, how much they are blinking, or if their pupils are dilated.
When evaluating body language, pay attention to the following eye signals.
EYES: Pupil Size
Highly dilated eyes, for example, can indicate that a person is interested or even aroused
Eyebrows
If you can get the other person to mirror your “eyebrow flash” – then they might feel that
you have something in common. And that could be enough to kick things off on a
positive note.
Pupil size can be a very subtle nonverbal communication signal. While light levels in the
environment control pupil dilation, sometimes emotions can also cause small changes in
pupil size.
For example, you may have heard the phrase "bedroom eyes" used to describe the look
someone gives when they are attracted to another person. Highly dilated eyes, for
example, can indicate that a person is interested or even aroused.
*****Eyebrows
When you run into someone you know, it’s only natural that you greet them. And one of
the things you do during that greeting ritual is to raise your eyebrows.
It’s a way of acknowledging that you know the other person. That you have
something in common.
And when you do it, the other person often feels compelled to do it right back at you.
But it’s not only people who do it. Monkeys do it too.
It shows that you’re part of the pack. One of the gang.
Interestingly, if you try it on someone you don’t know, they’ll respond as well. They’ll feel
like they must know you somehow, like they’re part of your gang. And that will make
them raise their eyebrows in the same way.
That’s a good tactic to employ when you’re meeting a potential client for the first time.
Or when you’re in negotiation.
If you can get the other person to mirror your “eyebrow flash” – then they might feel that
you have something in common. And that could be enough to kick things off on a
positive note.
*****SOME NOTES WHEN READING BODY LANGUAGE:
None of these individual body language signals will give you the whole story.
it’s important to consider the above body language signals in context, as each
one on their own could paint a misleading picture of what might be going on.
Ex: - It’s true that someone tapping their foot could be nervous. But it’s also
possible that they’re simply thinking about a song and tapping along to the
rhythm that’s going through their mind. Maybe they play the drums and they’re
rehearsing a particularly tricky pattern.
It’s possible that someone can cross their legs when they’re feeling relaxed as
well. Although you might notice a very similar pose when they’re desperate to go
to the toilet!
someone may need to cross of their legs due to their attire. For example, often
women wearing dresses and skirts will cross their legs when in view, or position
them in a way to ensure they don’t accidentally expose more of themselves than
intended!
There are cultural issues that need to be taken into account as well: As
mentioned previously, there are cultural issues that need to be taken into account
as well. In certain countries, raised eyebrows are considered a sign of sexual
interest. Shaking hands is a customary greeting in some places, while bowing fits
the bill in others
signals can be universal, or they can be individual and idiosyncratic: Some
people love tapping their feet or drumming their fingers. They’re not necessarily
nervous, they just enjoy doing it
 The point is that you can’t take anything for granted. You have to take all the
signs you see together and use them to assess how you think a person might
be feeling.
**Palms Open and Facing Upward
An open palm is a sign of openness and honesty. It can also be a show of
submission. For example, in older days when many people carried weapons,
this was used to show that they were not holding one. It can also be a sign of
sincerity and innocence. Some people open their palms during worship at
church as a sign of submission and respect.