Nonverbal Communication

Body Language

Nonverbal communication (body language) is

behavior other than spoken or written

communication that creates or represents

meaning. In other words, it includes facial

expressions, body movements, and gestures.

Nonverbal communication is talking without

speaking a word. It is very effective, maybe even

more so than speech. Remember the saying,

“actions speak louder than words.”

Body language says a lot about a person at work,

at home, in relationships, friendships or just

talking or watching people in general. Your body

sends out signals or messages to someone

without you having to say a word. You could be

talking to someone and your body language will

convey something else entirely. In a business

setting, your boss, your co-workers, other people

coming and going can all see what you may or

may not be saying to someone, whether you use

words or not. Observing people is a great way to

learn about body language communication and

how you talk to people.

EYES

Direct Eye Contact

• Shows you are interested- consider common phrases about people in love-“she only has eyes for him”, “they can’t keep their eyes off each other”

• Confident

• Being truthful

Avoiding Eye Contact

• Trying to hide

something- lying

• Nervous

• Not interested

Eyes Glancing all Around Room

• Bored

• Lack of interest

Rolling Eyes

• Disgust

• Disagreement

Piercing Eye Contact

• Angry

• Feels superior

HEAD

Nodding Head

• In agreement

• Shows you are

listening and

comprehending

Playing with Hair

• Insecure

• Nervous

FACE

Smiling

• Says I am happy to

be here

• Friendly, inviting

• Puts someone at

ease

• Agreement

Sweating

• Nervous

• Scared

Yawning

• Boredom

Blushing

• Embarrassed

• Angry

HANDS

Fidgeting with: rings, watch, cuff-links,

buttons, pens, rubber bands, paper

clips, spectacles, cuticles and nails,

note cards, coins in pocket, pointers,

etc.• Nervous

• Scared

• Lack of confidence

Clutching: back of a chair, notes, desk,

side of a lectern

• Nervous

• Scared

• Lack of confidence

Drumming Fingers

• Boredom

• Lack of interest

• Frustration

BODY

Leaning toward speaker or positioning

body toward speaker (when seating

down)

• Interest

• In agreement

Arms Crossed

• Opposition

• Thinking deeply

• Defensive

• Putting up an

unconscious barrier

between yourself and

others

Feet on Desk, Hands behind Head or

on Hips

• Dominance

• Power

• Overconfident

Looking at Watch, Door

• Lack of interest

• Boredom

Brisk Walk

• Confidence

Standing Tall

• Confidence