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Body Language
(Nonverbal Behavior)

magic 2004. All Rights Reserved. May be reproduced with proper citation for educational purposes.

Introduction

Body Language is the unspoken communication that goes on in every Face-to-Face encounter with another human being. It tells you their true feelings towards you and how well your words are being received. Between 60-80% of our message is communicated through our Body Language, only 710% is attributable to the actual words of a conversation.

What is body language?

The gestures, postures, and facial expressions by which a person manifests various physical, mental, or emotional states and communicates nonverbally with others.

Basic groups of body language

There are two basic groups of body language postures:
OPEN/CLOSED and FORWARD/BACK

The posture groups combine to create four basic modes

They are Responsive Reflective Combative Fugitive

Responsive

In responsive mode, OPEN/FORWARD the person is actively accepting.

Interpretation types - Engaged

Eager Ready to agree

Examples

Engaged
Leaning forward Open body Open arms

Eager
(Sprint Position) Open legs Feet under chair On toes

Ready to agree
Closes papers Pen down Hands flat on table

Reflective

In reflective mode, OPEN/BACK, people are interested and receptive but not actively accepting. Interpretation types - Listening

Evaluating Attentive

Examples

Listening
Head tilted Lots of eye contact Nodding High blink rate Sucks glasses / pencils Strokes chin Looks up and right Legs crossed in 4 pos. ( Ankle on knee ) ( Standing ) Arms behind back Smile Open feet

Evaluating

Attentive

Combative

In combative mode, CLOSED/FORWARD, there is active resistance Interpretation types

Defiant Lying Let me speak Aggressive

Examples

Defiant
( standing ) Hands on hips Frown

Let me speak
Finger tapping Foot tapping Staring

Lying
Touches face Hands over mouth Pulls ear Eyes down Glances at you Shift in seat Looks down and to left

Aggressive
Leaning forwards Finger pointing Fist clenched

Fugitive

In fugitive mode, CLOSED/BACK, people are trying to escape physically through the door or mentally into boredom.
Interpretation types

Bored Let me go Rejection Defensive

Examples
Bored
Staring into space Slumped posture Doodling Foot tapping

Rejection
Sitting / moving back Arms folded Legs crossed 11 pos ( Thigh on knee ) Head down frown

Let me go

Defensive
( Standing ) Feet pointing in Hands clenched

Feet towards door Looking around Buttoning jacket

Conclusion

Knowing how to read body language is a useful communication skill. So one should know how to use it. It might help us in a job interview, that crucial meeting, the business function, or that special date!

Thank you
magic 2004. All Rights Reserved. May be reproduced with proper citation for educational purposes.

Body Language
(Nonverbal Behavior)

magic 2004. All Rights Reserved. May be reproduced with proper citation for educational purposes.