BODY LANGUAGE

Actions speaks louder than words And you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Body language is an important part of communication which can constitute 50% or more of what we are communicating

IMPORTANCE
Learning to use confident body language can improve our job opportunities. Using appropriate body language can increase our dating prospects. Recognizing the significance of non-verbal gestures can help us better understand our own feelings or the feelings of others. Learning to interpret body language correctly can prevent misunderstandings. Body language can convince others to accept what we have to say. Interpreting body language will improve our successful interactions with everyone around us.

WHAT BODY LANGUAGE INCLUDES

Body signals Face signals Hand signals Visual orientation ( eye contact)

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

SURPRISED

This expression can be characterized by lifted eyebrows such that they are curved and central to the forehead. The skin below the eyebrows stretch and horizontal wrinkles can be seen across the forehead. The eyelids are wide open while the jaw drops down separating the lips and the teeth. Often the head is tilted, but in two ways. If the head tilts forward, it indicates disbelief while if the head is pulled back, it indicates fear.

INTEREST

Usually, this expression is neutral and only indicates that the person is open to information. The features of such an expression are a half smile and a slight widening of the eyes. The forehead and the eyebrows are the expressions to watch out for.

JOY

A clear emotion of sincere happiness! This expression rightly answers the question Why do we smile? The characteristics of a joyful face include round eyes and raised cheeks. A broad smile that exposes the teeth expresses friendliness, politeness and approval.

RAGE

Rage is the result of anger. The eyes narrow, the eyebrows lift up, forming the classic V-shape. The lips tighten while the face can be seen as prepared for combat. The reasons behind anger include hate, a desire to inflict hurt or a denial of consequences.

FEAR

His face was a mask of terror. This clich from the English literature best describes a fearful face, as it takes on a mask-like appearance. A fearful face can be distinguished by a frozen stare, wild and wideopen eyes, pale and pulled back face, chills, sweating and strands of hair standing on end

ANGUISH

Extreme (emotional) pain, distress or anxiety best describe the word anguish. The face alters to crying or rhythmic sobbing, with arched eyebrows, slightly open mouth and turned down lips

DISGUST

Disgust is an emotion associated with things that are considered as unclean, inedible, infectious or otherwise offensive. A person may close his nose and eyes as an attempt to prevent contact from the contagion to show an expression of disgust.

SHAME

A person portrays this emotion when he realizes that he has been identified in an indefensible wrong doing. This happens when the person is caught by others, but also when he recognizes internally that he is wrong. Such a person can be identified by looking down or to the side in an attempt to avoid meeting the eyes of the other people. The mouth droops in sorrow; the head tilts forward or bows down with the eyebrows arching outwards in a non-aggressive expression

FIRM HANDSHAKE

The hand is held firmly at a reasonable distance, gripped and released. Recommended (along with a smile).

GLOVE HANDSHAKE

Also called politician handshake. It involves grasping the hand with right hand and cupping it with the left. To be used only with friends. Its a sign to build trust. Never do this in an interview.

FINGERTIP-GRAB HANDSHAKE

When the giver or receiver offers not the full palm, but only the finger for the handshakes, this reveals ones lack of confidence. Never do this in an interview.

PALM UP HANDSHAKE

Here the giver offers his palm facing upwards, so as to show his submission. The receiver is given command of the situation. Never do this in an interview.

PALM DOWN HANDSHAKES

Here the giver offers his palm facing downwards, so as to show his domination, aggression, and taking control of the interaction. The receiver is given little chance to establish equal relation. Never do this in an interview.

DEAD FISH HANDSHAKE

Offering a lifeless and sometimes cold and sweaty hand. This is interrupted as a sign of weak character.

LEG BODY LANGUAGE

In particular when a person is trying to control their body language, they typically concentrate on the upper body. The legs may thus tell what they are thinking.

OPEN
STANDING
Legs which are held apart when standing provide a stable base for the person. Standing with feet about the width of the shoulders is a normal, relaxed pose A wider stance makes the body wider and hence appear bigger and is a signal of power and dominance.

OPEN
SITTING

Sitting with slightly open legs is a relaxed position, showing the person is comfortable

CLOSED
Standing When the person is standing with feet together (or less that a relaxed shoulder-width) then this may display anxiety as it makes them smaller as a target Sitting When sitting, the knees may be held gently or tightly together, depending on the anxiety level.

CROSSED
Standing Crossing legs when standing can be an indication of shyness Sitting

Crossing ankles is a minimal cross and can be fairly relaxed, especially when the legs are stretched forward and the person is leaning back (and more so if the hands are behind the head). When more tension is seen, for example in clenched hands, then this may be a signal of self-restraint. Crossing knees may indicate greater anxiety or defensiveness, particularly if the legs appear tense and even more so if one leg is wrapped firmly around the other.

MOVING LEGS
Standing Bouncing the leg can indicate impatience. Sitting A crossed leg may bounce up and down. This can be a sign of impatience (particularly if rapid) or attraction, as with standing movement

TIPS

sit straight, make sure your legs not crossed, don't lock your hands, dress well, sit properly using chair means comfortably, don't sit near edge of chair this seems, you are less confident.

EYE CONTACT
Maintaining a steady contact eye contact gives an impression that you are attentive, confident and honest. Do not bend your head down or up and then at the interviewer over your nose. Starring: looking at someone for a long time, especially in a way that is unfriendly. Lost look: when your eyes are focused on nothing or at some point behind the interviewer you have this look in your eyes. This may be interpreted by the interviewer as being lost or confused. Always maintain effective aye contact with the interviewer.

KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING 10 KEY POINTS

Sit upright but not too stiffly in your chair. This indicates that you are comfortable and feeling confident. Relax and lean slightly forward towards your interviewer. This gives the message that you are both interested and involved. If the interviewer is talking and you want to show that you are actively listening, you need to have direct eye contact and maintain it. Don't overdo direct eye contact; too much contact without breaks can make the other person extremely uncomfortable and can be suggestive that you are domineering.

Ensure that your voice tone is not defensive. Hands on knees will indicate readiness to answer. Show your cool character: Let your hands lie loosely on your lap or place them on the armrests of your chair Have control on your hand movements at the start of the interview. Stay calm, think before your talk. Do not interrupt the person interviewing you.

Establish a comfortable amount of personal space between you and the interviewer. Invading personal space (anything more than 20 inches) could make the interviewer feel uncomfortable and take the focus away from your conversation. Show your enthusiasm by keeping an interested expression. Nod and make positive gestures in control.

IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING GESTURES

Worried

SAD

Lazy

Frustrated

Fed Up

Exicited

Depressed

Ashmed

Angry

Attentive