Body language refers to the non-verbal cues, including gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions, that we use to communicate. Whether we’re aware of body language or not, we all use it. In fact, research suggests that it accounts for between 60% and 65% of all communication.
Understanding body language can help us better communicate with others and learn how we present ourselves.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the role that body language plays in communication and some common things to look out for when trying to interpret it.
What is body language and why is it important?
Body language refers to the nonverbal signals that we use to communicate. This includes everything from facial expressions to hand gestures and physical stance.
We use body language both consciously and unconsciously, which means it can sometimes tell us more about what people think or feel than the words they use.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Professor Albert Mehrabian at the University of California developed the 7-38-55 rule. Mehrabian’s theory states that the words we speak account for 7% of communication, while tone of voice accounts for 38%, and body language 55%.
Since then, research has gone even further to suggest that body language may constitute up to 60%-65% of communication.
So, considering how much is said through our body language, understanding it can be a key factor in effective communication. When you know how to read body language, you’ll gain a deeper insight into what others are saying, as well as how you present yourself.
What are some examples of body language and what do they mean?
We read people’s body language every day. For example, if a person smiles at you, you might assume a warm welcome; while a lack of eye contact may indicate that someone feels nervous.
However, there are more subtle nonverbal cues to look out for too.
Below, we’ll cover some examples of the ways that different areas of the body communicate through body language – from the face and hands to arms and legs.
Facial expressions
A simple facial expression can communicate a lot. In fact, many people’s facial expressions can reveal their true feelings about a situation – even if their words state otherwise.
Smiles, frowns, and scowls can convey everything from happiness and sadness to fear and confusion – and research suggests that these cues influence how we perceive others.
For example, studies have found that the most trustworthy facial expression involves a slight smile and raise of the eyebrows, because these cues communicate confidence and friendliness.
Other research has found that people with positive, joyful expressions tend to be perceived as more intelligent than those with angry expressions.
Mouth
Even when we aren’t speaking, our mouths can say a lot.
Smiling is the most obvious example of mouth body language, but smiles can also be interpreted in various ways. For example, it may be genuine, or could express sarcasm or false happiness.
Pursed lips can indicate distaste or disapproval; some people bite their lips when they feel stressed or anxious; and covering the mouth can be used to hide emotional reactions.
Eyes
Eyes are sometimes called the ‘windows to the soul’ because they form an important part of our nonverbal communication. This includes things like eye contact, pupil dilation, and blinking frequency.
When someone looks directly into your eyes while having a conversation, this can indicate interest and attentiveness – though, eye contact that’s too intense can also feel threatening. Meanwhile, avoiding eye contact may suggest distraction, discomfort, or an attempt to hide true feelings.
Similarly, studies suggest that people tend to blink more frequently when they’re feeling uncomfortable or distressed; while infrequent blinking may suggest that someone is attempting to control eye movements to appear laidback or unexcited.
Research around pupil size also suggests that highly dilated pupils can be an indication of attraction.
Hand gestures
Many of us use hand gestures to communicate, and these can be some of the most obvious body language signals.
This stretches from a simple thumbs up or down to more subtle gestures that can communicate openness – such as outstretched hands with palms up. Clenched fists can also indicate frustration or anger – particularly if people are trying to suppress these emotions.
According to experts, if someone holds their hands up with palms facing you or places their hands openly on the table, they’re trying to build trust by appearing open and non-threatening.
Note: Some hand gestures can be cultural. For example, a thumbs-up or peace sign may have a completely different meaning in another country than it does in the UK.
Arms and legs
Our arms and legs convey body language too – though this may not always be clear.
A more obvious example is crossing the arms, which research suggests may indicate defensiveness, self-protectiveness, or that someone is closed-off.
Meanwhile, there’s evidence that, more subtly, people tend to expand their arms when they want to appear more commanding, but keep their arms close to their body when trying to avoid attention.
Tips for understanding body language
It’s interesting to learn how we can use body language to read people. However, it’s also important to note that there are big caveats when it comes to interpreting nonverbal cues – and context has a huge role to play.
Everything from our environment to how well we know a person can affect our ability to interpret body language.
For example, while crossed arms can be a sign that someone is closed-off, it can also indicate things as simple as someone feeling cold, or that they just feel comfortable standing that way.
It’s also completely normal for facial expressions to shift and change throughout a conversation – and getting fixated on tiny changes can be unhelpful.
For this reason, experts suggest making decisions based on total information, including verbal cues, environment, personal knowledge, and body language – rather than just body language alone.
There are also times when it can be more challenging to read body language, such as in virtual meetings. In these circumstances, it can make more sense to focus on other aspects of communication, such as verbal cues.
Tips for becoming more aware of your body language
While reading other people’s body language is useful, it’s also good to be able to understand our own.
Below are some areas to think about to help you become more aware of your body language.
Notice your facial expressions
If your facial expressions are inexpressive during a conversation with another person, you may come across disinterested.
Many of us refer to this as our ‘resting’ or ‘thinking’ face, and often we don’t even realise we’re doing it. So, becoming aware of your facial expressions can be a good place to start. Simply smiling can make all the difference.
Work on maintaining eye contact
A lack of eye contact can communicate anxiety, shyness, or a lack of interest; while too much can be uncomfortable – so striking a good balance is important.
A useful rule of thumb is to give or reflect the same amount of eye contact that a person gives you.
Have an open posture
Whether you’re sitting down or standing up, having an open posture can communicate that you’re friendly and approachable. Sitting or standing up straight and keeping your arms open are key to having an open posture.
Check out these 12 tips for improving your body language from LinkedIn for more ideas.
Final thoughts...
It’s fascinating how much we communicate through body language. Whether through hand gestures we use or facial expressions we make, learning more about body language can help us to better understand ourselves and one another.
For further reading, head over to the healthy mind section of our website. Here, you’ll find information on everything from personal development to brain science.
What do you find most interesting about body language? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.