How to Read Body Language
If the eyes are the windows of the soul, then the body is the mirror of
our feelings. If we are feeling great it shows in how we hold and use our
body. Conversely, if we look at someone elses body we can often tell how
they are feeling by the signals their body is giving.
So when it comes to dating, using/reading body language signals is a great
tool. You can observe this by watching a couple flirting with each other.
In case you dont think learning how to read and use body language is not
important, here are some statistics about the messages we receive from
someone we meet.
7% of the information we receive is from what they actually say.
38% of information we receive is from the tone, inflection and speed
of their voice.
A staggering 55% of the information we receive is from their
body language.
These non-verbal signals will help you in dealing with the person but stay
focussed on what the person is saying. If you focus too much on their body
language signals, you and/or the other person may feel uncomfortable.
It is useful to be able to read peoples body language, but it is equally useful
to learn how to get your body to send the right signals and eliminate the
wrong signals. See below for some body language signals.
Be warned: body language is very much open to interpretation. Many
signals have different meanings depending on the person/situation. Keep this
mind when you assess a body language signal.
Note: Look for 3 or 4 signals that convey a similar message or the oneoff
inconsistent signal. Also, consciously practise reading/doing some of
the signals as much as you can. Learning, as you practise, what works
and what doesnt work for you will help you gain confidence to use body
language techniques consciously.
How to Read Body Language
Body Language Signals:
Open arms:
o Energetically open and possibly feeling vulnerable
o A good way to show you are approachable, especially when
combined with open palms
Palms up/open hands:
o Defences down
o An open heart
Palms on chest When a person uses open palms that occasionally
touch their chest, they are signalling honesty
Outward, upward hand movements This conveys an open and
positive message
Folded arms:
o A defence mechanism that shows the person is not open to what
is being said or done
o May mean rejection
o Physically cold
o Stubborn in their outlook
Hands closed A closed heart
Doodling Bored
Fist:
o Anger and to be avoided
o Physically cold
o Very tense
o Defiant or triumphant when held in air
Feet under the chair A sign of eagerness
Looking around:
o Wants to get away
o Thinking about something else
o Bored with situation/conversation
Stroking chin evaluating
Mirroring This is evidence of two people getting on really well.
Each person copies the others body language, usually subtly.
Mirroring occurs with:
o Breathing
o Gestures
o Eye movement
o Leaning towards each other at the same time
o Crossed or uncrossed legs
How to Read Body Language
o Speech pattern
o Arm movement, or no arm movement
o Emotive energy such as being excited, relaxed, etc.
Note: If you practice this with somebody the key is to be subtle and
not be a copycat. There is a natural rhythm to the process, which is the
key.
Yawning:
o Bored
o Tired and that may have nothing to do with the
situation/conversation
Preening This shows someone knows they are attractive
For example, flicking or stroking their hair or adjusting a collar and/or
a tie.
Ear Tugging:
o Indecision
o Possible deception
Puffing out chest this has nothing to do with silicone implants. Men
do this when demonstrating their attraction to someone.
Nodding The occasional nod from a listener to a speaker is a
positive message. It is an indication they are listening and are
interested.
Too much nodding This indicates the listener has lost interest and
may be bored. (Probably where the saying nodding off to sleep came
from.)
Chopping hands down This is an aggressive act, usually used to
antagonise.
Body space Respect for the other persons body space is crucial in
gaining their trust. Stay at least one arms length away from them.
Striding briskly:
o An outward display of confidence
o Anger
Gentle leg shaking:
o The person is mildly stimulated
o May need to go to toilet
Vigorous leg shaking:
o Reveals apprehension and nerves
o Desperate to go to the toilet
On toes Eagerness
Clears throat:
How to Read Body Language
o Anxiety
o Has a cough/sore throat
o Habit
Pretends to kick imaginary things on ground - frustration
Open feet reflecting and giving attention.
Flushed cheeks:
o Indicates interest in the other person
o Embarrassment (usually temporary)
Dilated pupils:
o Interested in someone.
o Focussed
o High on drugs
High blink rate:
o A person who has an interest in someone will have an increased
blink rate.
o Nervousness
o Assessing
o Has an eye disorder
Backwards moving:
o Rejecting
o Escaping
Moving away Sometimes there is no hidden meaning.
Slumped posture:
o Bored
o Low self-esteem/confidence
Legs entwined A woman who is interested in someone will often
cross and uncross her legs when seated.
Gazing A woman will gaze long enough for someone to notice then
will quickly look away. Her mouth may open and lips slightly wet.
Low voice When interested in someone a woman may speak in a
low voice.
Running hand along leg sexually interested in the other person
Running hands along legs:
o Really sexually interested in the other person
o Getting ready to leave
Directly facing you with open stance The person is interested and
you have their attention.
Drumming fingers:
o Impatient
How to Read Body Language
o May be a drummer
www.empower.tv/esd/HowToReadBodyLanguage.pdf
From India, Coimbatore
733If the eyes are the windows of the soul, then the body is the mirror of
our feelings. If we are feeling great it shows in how we hold and use our
body. Conversely, if we look at someone elses body we can often tell how
they are feeling by the signals their body is giving.
So when it comes to dating, using/reading body language signals is a great
tool. You can observe this by watching a couple flirting with each other.
In case you dont think learning how to read and use body language is not
important, here are some statistics about the messages we receive from
someone we meet.
7% of the information we receive is from what they actually say.
38% of information we receive is from the tone, inflection and speed
of their voice.
A staggering 55% of the information we receive is from their
body language.
These non-verbal signals will help you in dealing with the person but stay
focussed on what the person is saying. If you focus too much on their body
language signals, you and/or the other person may feel uncomfortable.
It is useful to be able to read peoples body language, but it is equally useful
to learn how to get your body to send the right signals and eliminate the
wrong signals. See below for some body language signals.
Be warned: body language is very much open to interpretation. Many
signals have different meanings depending on the person/situation. Keep this
mind when you assess a body language signal.
Note: Look for 3 or 4 signals that convey a similar message or the oneoff
inconsistent signal. Also, consciously practise reading/doing some of
the signals as much as you can. Learning, as you practise, what works
and what doesnt work for you will help you gain confidence to use body
language techniques consciously.
How to Read Body Language
Body Language Signals:
Open arms:
o Energetically open and possibly feeling vulnerable
o A good way to show you are approachable, especially when
combined with open palms
Palms up/open hands:
o Defences down
o An open heart
Palms on chest When a person uses open palms that occasionally
touch their chest, they are signalling honesty
Outward, upward hand movements This conveys an open and
positive message
Folded arms:
o A defence mechanism that shows the person is not open to what
is being said or done
o May mean rejection
o Physically cold
o Stubborn in their outlook
Hands closed A closed heart
Doodling Bored
Fist:
o Anger and to be avoided
o Physically cold
o Very tense
o Defiant or triumphant when held in air
Feet under the chair A sign of eagerness
Looking around:
o Wants to get away
o Thinking about something else
o Bored with situation/conversation
Stroking chin evaluating
Mirroring This is evidence of two people getting on really well.
Each person copies the others body language, usually subtly.
Mirroring occurs with:
o Breathing
o Gestures
o Eye movement
o Leaning towards each other at the same time
o Crossed or uncrossed legs
How to Read Body Language
o Speech pattern
o Arm movement, or no arm movement
o Emotive energy such as being excited, relaxed, etc.
Note: If you practice this with somebody the key is to be subtle and
not be a copycat. There is a natural rhythm to the process, which is the
key.
Yawning:
o Bored
o Tired and that may have nothing to do with the
situation/conversation
Preening This shows someone knows they are attractive
For example, flicking or stroking their hair or adjusting a collar and/or
a tie.
Ear Tugging:
o Indecision
o Possible deception
Puffing out chest this has nothing to do with silicone implants. Men
do this when demonstrating their attraction to someone.
Nodding The occasional nod from a listener to a speaker is a
positive message. It is an indication they are listening and are
interested.
Too much nodding This indicates the listener has lost interest and
may be bored. (Probably where the saying nodding off to sleep came
from.)
Chopping hands down This is an aggressive act, usually used to
antagonise.
Body space Respect for the other persons body space is crucial in
gaining their trust. Stay at least one arms length away from them.
Striding briskly:
o An outward display of confidence
o Anger
Gentle leg shaking:
o The person is mildly stimulated
o May need to go to toilet
Vigorous leg shaking:
o Reveals apprehension and nerves
o Desperate to go to the toilet
On toes Eagerness
Clears throat:
How to Read Body Language
o Anxiety
o Has a cough/sore throat
o Habit
Pretends to kick imaginary things on ground - frustration
Open feet reflecting and giving attention.
Flushed cheeks:
o Indicates interest in the other person
o Embarrassment (usually temporary)
Dilated pupils:
o Interested in someone.
o Focussed
o High on drugs
High blink rate:
o A person who has an interest in someone will have an increased
blink rate.
o Nervousness
o Assessing
o Has an eye disorder
Backwards moving:
o Rejecting
o Escaping
Moving away Sometimes there is no hidden meaning.
Slumped posture:
o Bored
o Low self-esteem/confidence
Legs entwined A woman who is interested in someone will often
cross and uncross her legs when seated.
Gazing A woman will gaze long enough for someone to notice then
will quickly look away. Her mouth may open and lips slightly wet.
Low voice When interested in someone a woman may speak in a
low voice.
Running hand along leg sexually interested in the other person
Running hands along legs:
o Really sexually interested in the other person
o Getting ready to leave
Directly facing you with open stance The person is interested and
you have their attention.
Drumming fingers:
o Impatient
How to Read Body Language
o May be a drummer
www.empower.tv/esd/HowToReadBodyLanguage.pdf
From India, Coimbatore
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How to Read your Body Language.pps
Body language.doc