Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words

Do you know what your body language is communicating to others? If not, then it's time you get wise. Our bodies say a lot about us even when we aren't saying anything at all. The way we stand, the way we move, and even how close or far away from another person we are can speak volumes about our thoughts and intentions.

This post will explore the elements of nonverbal communication, offer examples of what certain movements might mean in different contexts, and provide some tips for adjusting your body language so that it aligns with your goals for a particular situation.

What is body language?

Body language refers to all the gestures, postures, facial expressions and eye movements we make when we communicate. It comes into play in both verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication includes our tone of voice and content of speech as well as how quickly or slowly we talk, how loud we speak and how we use pauses in conversation (for more on this topic see How to Improve Your Communication Skills). Nonverbal communication refers to our physical actions such as gestures, postures and facial expressions (for more on this topic read The Power of Body Language).

Some of the nonverbal communication elements you might be familiar with include:

Eye contact. Looking into another person's eyes communicates trust and confidence. Asking someone to describe their day may be difficult if you are unable to maintain eye contact for most of the time. Eye contact can also indicate that you are bored, disinterested, stressed or interested in a particular topic. For example, if someone fidgets with their purse when they've been talking about a vacation they're planning to take, it might mean they're not sure how much longer they want to talk about it.

Looking into another person's eyes communicates trust and confidence. Asking someone to describe their day may be difficult if you are unable to maintain eye contact for most of the time. Eye contact can also indicate that you are bored, disinterested, stressed or interested in a particular topic. For example, if someone fidgets with their purse when they've been talking about a vacation they're planning to take, it might mean they're not sure how much longer they want to talk about it. Voice . Some people speak softly or with a low volume while others speak louder so the message gets across more clearly. The tone of your voice can project confidence and authority on the one hand, or loud annoyance on the other hand. Speaking too quickly or slowly, mumbling or not enunciating words carefully can make it difficult for others to understand you and may send the message that you are nervous.

. Some people speak softly or with a low volume while others speak louder so the message gets across more clearly. The tone of your voice can project confidence and authority on the one hand, or loud annoyance on the other hand. Speaking too quickly or slowly, mumbling or not enunciating words carefully can make it difficult for others to understand you and may send the message that you are nervous. Posture . How we stand when we're around other people says a lot about us as well. Some people tend to stand very tall, looking down at others. Someone who stands this way may be perceived as dominant or arrogant. Standing very close to someone, especially when you are talking with them, can make you appear intimate and comfortable with one another.

. How we stand when we're around other people says a lot about us as well. Some people tend to stand very tall, looking down at others. Someone who stands this way may be perceived as dominant or arrogant. Standing very close to someone, especially when you are talking with them, can make you appear intimate and comfortable with one another. Gestures . Some gestures communicate more than others depending on how they are used in a particular situation. For example, a handshake may be considered more formal than a pat on the back, but less formal than a hug.

. Some gestures communicate more than others depending on how they are used in a particular situation. For example, a handshake may be considered more formal than a pat on the back, but less formal than a hug. Facial expressions . Our facial expressions can give an immediate and accurate read of our emotions without needing to speak at all. The intensity of our facial expression tells others how we are feeling, what we have been thinking about and how we're processing information presented to us orally or visually (for more about this topic see Do You Know How to Read Your Face? ).

. Our facial expressions can give an immediate and accurate read of our emotions without needing to speak at all. The intensity of our facial expression tells others how we are feeling, what we have been thinking about and how we're processing information presented to us orally or visually (for more about this topic see ). Gestures with hands . Depending on the gesture, you can use your hands to show emphasis. For example, when you cross your arms and rub them slightly it can indicate that you are a bit cold or distressed.

. Depending on the gesture, you can use your hands to show emphasis. For example, when you cross your arms and rub them slightly it can indicate that you are a bit cold or distressed. Haptics . The sensation of touching and being touched can be a very important nonverbal tool. When you touch someone on the arm or shoulder, it communicates intimacy. The same is true for a pat on the back or an embrace. Haptics can also cue our brain to react in certain ways. For example, if your boss pats you on the back and you begin sweating, it could mean that he has been particularly concerned about your ability to handle a particular assignment.

Nonverbal communication is something we all do naturally but sometimes we need to make conscious efforts to be aware of when and how we use it. For more tips about body language, read Body Language: The Ultimate Guide for Communicators .

Reading More Nonverbals on BodyLanguage.com

How to Use Nonverbal Communication by F. Gregory Bell (Vanderbilt University)

Nonverbal Communication: The Secret Language of Leaders by Paul B. Thompson (John Wiley & Sons)

What is Nonverbal Communication? by David R.

Conclusion

How we communicate nonverbally with other people plays a significant role in every single interaction we have. We can also learn a great deal from observing how other people use their bodies. It's important to be aware of the nonverbal cues we exhibit, both consciously and unconsciously, so that we can speak and act appropriately at all times.

Works Cited

Campbell, Joseph. Myths of Multiculturalism: The Social Construction of Race and Racism. London: Sage Publications, 2006. Print.

Cheryan, Viren, and Scott Wilson with Wendy Williams-Garcia. Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction: Implications for Effective Business Communication . London: Routledge, 1995.