According to BodyLanguageExpert.co.uk, many professionals believe that 55 percent of person-to-person communication manifests as body language. Overall, words comprise just 7 percent of communication, and tone contributes to 38 percent of a message.
This means that it’s essential to understand body language to know exactly how our bodies influence the messages that we are trying to deliver. Body language can help decipher what others are really saying.
Are you ready to learn the ins and outs of body language? Here are four things that your body language says to -- and about -- others.
General Appearance and Facial Expressions
You may want to think twice about that messy hairdo that you show up to work with when you’re tired. That’s because it could send the wrong message about your general state of wellbeing.
According to Psychology Today, hair gives a strong message about where we stand with our lives in general. For example, untamed hair can reflect mood. As in, if you’re stressed, your hair may portray this feeling by making you look less than together. And “bed head” may show that you don’t care about how you portray yourself to others. Generally speaking, you want to look well-groomed to show that you’re collected and confident.
Think about what your facial expressions say about you. Psychology Today says that part of this concept involves something called “microexpressions.” These are muscle movements around the eyes and mouth.
The problem is that we’re usually not aware of this concept -- and facial movements can say the opposite of what we convey verbally. An example of this would be fear. You may try to conceal fear in a job interview, but muscle movement near the mouth can be a dead giveaway that you’re nervous. This is why it can be helpful to practice interview responses in front of a mirror to decipher the body language that you give off.
Further, notice movements around your forehead. If you’re raising those eyebrows, this can signal a lack of comfort. And remember that mini-grimaces can reveal a white lie. This can show that you aren’t telling the truth, or that the person you’re talking to is fibbing.
Foot Placement
Did you know that your feet and legs can say a lot about what you’re thinking? In truth, your feet and legs are like little messengers in the way of non-verbal communication.
According to Real Simple, sitting up straight may not be the only answer to conveying a message in a positive manner. This is because, even with an open body position, big toes that face one another can show insecurity.
Fidgeting can send a message that you don’t want to send. A little fidgeting during an important chat can show that you don’t want to be in the conversation at all. This is a definite no-no in a job interview. Consequently, Real Simple suggests crossing your ankles to avoid this professional mishap.
Crossing your legs is also something to think about. A little toe lifting signifies positive thoughts, and the person at whom your toes point is the one in the room with whom you feel most comfortable. However, pointing your toes in the direction of a door shows that you want to end a conversation. So think about this the next time you’re in a business meeting in which your legs aren’t hidden under a table.
Posture
It’s no secret that posture says a lot. But what exactly does it say?
According to Bustle.com, shoulders are the first thing to take into account. If you want to show respect, point your chest toward the person you’re talking to. This shows you’re listening. And if you want to give a signal that it’s OK for someone new to join a group conversation, turn your shoulders toward them at a 45-degree angle.
Slouching is also something to take into account. In fact, poor posture can show that you lack confidence. Bustle reminds readers that there’s a difference between keeping your shoulders back and appearing tense. Breathe to avoid giving off a message that you’re stressed. Plus, don’t lean away from people. It may convey a lack of confidence or interest.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is another biggie in the world of non-verbal communication. And what you have learned in this respect may not be correct.
According to A Plus, the general belief is that poor eye contact signals both fear and dishonesty. However, applied social psychology professor Aldert Vrij says that this isn’t exactly true. In fact, pathological liars have been shown to use eye contact often to try to look honest. In other words, a liar may look you right in the eyes in the process of telling a tall tale.
The direction in which you look can signal what you're thinking. Looking to the right indicates that a person is recalling a sound or engaging in creative thinking. However, looking to the left indicates that a person is recalling something visual. Plus, gazing both upward and toward the right can signal that you think the person you’re talking to is a bore.
Further, the pupils can be an indicator of interest in a conversation. According to Psychologist World, researchers have found that pupils actually dilate when a conversation or object is interesting. To test this out, observe a friend’s pupil size during a conversation. First, talk about something they’re interested in. You may see their pupils expand. Then talk about something that they aren’t interested in. Their pupils will probably get smaller.
Plus, try to find a good balance between too much eye contact and no eye contact at all. Too much eye contact is said to be intimidating. But too little eye contact can signal a lack of confidence.