READ
THE ROOM
YOUR GUIDE TO
50
COMMON
BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
INTRODUCTION
Body language is an essential part of human communication, often speaking
louder than words. Our movements, gestures, and expressions convey
a wealth of information about our feelings, thoughts, and intentions. By
understanding the language of the body, we can gain valuable insights into
the minds of others and even ourselves.
Whether you’re navigating a business negotiation, attending a social
gathering, or on a first date, deciphering body language cues can
significantly improve your interpersonal interactions and help foster better
relationships.
This cheat sheet provides you with the 50 most common body language
signs to look out for. These signs are broadly categorized into Positive
Indicators, Negative Indicators, Power Poses, Interest Indicators, Disinterest
or Discomfort Indicators, Openness and Honesty Indicators, Indicators of
Secrecy or Lying, Submissive or Low Confidence Indicators, Aggression or
Frustration Indicators, and Attraction Indicators.
However, it’s important to remember that context is crucial when interpreting
body language, and these signs should not be read in isolation. Cultural
background, individual personality differences, and the specific situation at
hand can all influence how these cues should be interpreted.
With practice and patience, you can become more adept at reading and
understanding body language, enhancing your ability to communicate
effectively and empathetically.
2
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
A
POSITIVE INDICATORS
01
03
Smiling: Genuine smiles reach
the eyes and light up the face,
indicating happiness and warmth.
Beware of fake smiles which are
often asymmetrical or do not
engage the eyes.
02
Eye Contact: Sustained eye
contact indicates interest and
engagement, showing that
the person is actively paying
attention.
04
3
Open Palms: This shows
openness, honesty, and good
intentions. It’s a primitive gesture
signaling that the person poses
no threat.
Nodding: When someone nods
during conversation, it signals that
they agree or understand what
you’re saying. It also encourages
the speaker to continue.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
A
POSITIVE INDICATORS
05
07
4
Leaning Forward: This shows
interest and engagement, with
the person metaphorically
‘moving towards’ what they like
or are interested in.
Raised Eyebrows: This can
indicate surprise or interest and
may also be a request for more
information or clarification.
06
08
Mirroring: This occurs when a
person subconsciously imitates
another’s gestures, speech
pattern, or attitude, showing
connection and rapport.
Relaxed Posture: A relaxed
posture indicates comfort and
confidence, showing a receptive
and open state of mind.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
A
POSITIVE INDICATORS
09
5
Uncovering the Torso: Keeping
the torso exposed shows
confidence and openness,
suggesting that the person is not
feeling threatened.
10
Face Touching: This often
happens when someone is
deep in thought or considering
an idea, indicating a thoughtful
state.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
B
NEGATIVE INDICATORS
01
03
Crossed Arms: This suggests
defensiveness, discomfort, or a
closed-off demeanor, showing
resistance or discomfort with the
current situation.
02
Avoiding Eye Contact: Regularly
avoiding eye contact might
signal discomfort, disinterest, or
even deception. It can also be a
sign of shyness or nervousness.
Looking Down: This can be a sign
of submission, shame, or defeat,
suggesting that the person might
be trying to hide something.
04
Fidgeting: Excessive movements such as tapping feet or touching hair can indicate
nervousness, stress, or impatience.
6
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
B
NEGATIVE INDICATORS
05
07
08
7
Nose Touching: This might
suggest doubt, lying, or
rejecting something. It’s often
an unconscious reaction to an
uncomfortable situation or idea.
Tense Jaw: A clenched jaw
or grinding teeth can indicate
stress, frustration, or anger.
06
09
Rubbing the Back of the Neck:
This could mean the person is
stressed, uncertain, or confused.
It’s a self-soothing gesture that
can help relieve tension.
Covering the Mouth: This can
suggest a person is hiding
an emotional reaction or
withholding information.
Foot and Leg Shaking: Rapid
movement of the foot or leg
usually indicates anxiety,
impatience, or nervousness.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
C
POWER POSES
01
03
Standing Tall: This posture
signifies confidence and
dominance, indicating that the
person feels secure and in
control.
Hands on Hips: This posture
shows readiness, control, and
assertiveness, indicating an
active, engaged state.
02
04
05
8
Handshake Grip: A firm, solid
handshake is seen as a sign of
confidence and assurance, while
too strong a grip might be seen
as aggressive.
Taking Up Space: Physically
taking up more space indicates
dominance and confidence,
showing that the person feels
comfortable and powerful.
Steepling Fingers: Fingers
forming a steeple or pyramid
shows confidence and authority,
often used when making
decisive points or arguments.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
D
INTEREST INDICATORS
01
03
9
Head Tilted: Tilting the head to
one side can show interest and
engagement, indicating that the
person is paying attention and is
interested in the conversation.
02
Pupil Dilation: Pupils naturally
dilate when seeing something
exciting or interesting. This
involuntary reaction can indicate
interest or attraction.
Uncrossed Legs:
Openness and comfort.
When sitting, uncrossed
legs can suggest
that the person is
comfortable and open
to conversation.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
D
INTEREST INDICATORS
04
05
10
Feet Pointed Towards You: Interest and attention. When a person’s feet are pointed
towards you, it shows they are interested and invested in the interaction.
Exposing Wrist or Neck:
These are vulnerable
areas and exposing
them can show trust and
attraction.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
E
DISINTEREST OR
DISCOMFORT INDICATORS
01
Leaning Away: If someone
leans away from you, it could
mean they’re not comfortable or
interested, signaling a desire to
increase distance.
02
Crossed Ankles: While sitting,
crossed ankles may indicate
discomfort, nervousness, or
defensiveness.
03
Looking at the Clock or Door: Checking the time or looking towards exits can
show impatience or disinterest, suggesting they are thinking about other things or
want to leave.
11
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
E
DISINTEREST OR
DISCOMFORT INDICATORS
04
05
12
Feet Pointed Away: If a person’s feet are pointed away from you, it can indicate
disinterest or a desire to leave.
Rubbing or Touching
the Eyes: This can
indicate doubt or
disbelief, suggesting
the person might
be having trouble
accepting or believing
what they’re seeing or
hearing.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
F
OPENNESS AND
HONESTY INDICATORS
01
03
13
Stroking Chin: When people
stroke their chin, they are usually
assessing a situation or deciding,
indicating contemplation or deep
thought.
02
Unbuttoning Coats or Jackets:
This usually occurs when people
feel comfortable and are ready
to stay for a while, indicating a
sense of ease and openness.
Tilting Head Back: This is
generally a sign of a relaxed
and open attitude, suggesting
the person feels superior or
confident in the situation.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
G
INDICATORS OF
SECRECY OR LYING
01
03
14
Touching or Rubbing Nose:
Frequent touching or rubbing
of the nose often indicates the
person is hiding something or
isn’t being entirely truthful.
02
Covering Eyes or Face: This
can suggest that the person
is trying to hide something or
doesn’t want to witness what’s
happening.
Frequent Swallowing or Throat Clearing: These can be signs of tension and
discomfort, possibly indicating that the person is lying or anxious.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
H
SUBMISSIVE OR
LOW CONFIDENCE INDICATORS
01
03
15
Slumped Posture: Slouching
or hunching over can indicate
low self-esteem or a lack of
confidence.
02
Fiddling with Objects: Playing
with a phone, jewelry, or any
nearby object can suggest that the
person is anxious, uncomfortable,
or lacking in confidence.
Self-hugging: This self-soothing
behavior often indicates that the
person is comforting themselves,
which can signal low confidence,
anxiety, or self-doubt.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
H
AGGRESSION OR
FRUSTRATION INDICATORS
01
Pounding Fist into Palm: This
action can suggest aggression
or frustration, often used when
someone is trying to emphasize
a point they feel strongly about.
02
03
16
Tightly Clenched Hands: This
can indicate tension, anger, or
frustration, signaling that the
person is trying to control their
emotions.
Red Face or Neck: Blushing
or flushing can indicate
embarrassment, but it can also
be a sign of anger or frustration.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS
H
ATTRACTION INDICATORS
01
Playing with Hair: This can be a
sign of flirting or attraction, but can
also be a self-soothing behavior
when the person is nervous.
02
03
17
Light Touching on Arm or
Shoulder: This can suggest
attraction or a desire to establish
closeness.
04
Prolonged Eye Contact: When
someone maintains eye contact
for longer than usual, it can
indicate interest, attraction, or
flirtation.
Licking or Biting Lips: While this
could be due to dry lips, it can also
indicate attraction, particularly if it
occurs during a conversation with
the other person.
READ THE ROOM: YOUR GUIDE TO 50 COMMON BODY LANGUAGE SIGNS