1. Non-verbal cues with their meanings Crossed arms:A closed-off posture implies resistance. "People might just be cold, but the stereotype is that they aren't listening," explains Ronald Riggio, director of the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College. A brief touch to the hand:This captures your attention and forms a quick connection. But toward employees, make sure the action doesn't appear condescending. A nose rub:This motion is often linked with deception. If you notice people doing this while you talk, you could be coming across as disingenuous. A barrier:Personal space is sacred in Western business culture, so back off if clients put up a barrier, like a purse, says Carol Kinsey Goman, president of Kinsey Consulting Services. "I've seen managers and salespeople who didn't pick up on that cue and lost the deal." A hand placed under the chin:When you see this, a decision is being made. Don't oversell if someone looks interested afterward, but if you spot negative signals, bring up your second-best idea--stat. Feet pointed toward the door:The feet are the most honest part of the body, so no matter how mesmerized people seem to be, this proves they're actually over it. A back-of-the-neck scratch:Your client might have an itch, but it could mean he still has questions and concerns.

Body Language or Body Movements (Kinesics)Body movements include gestures, posture, head and hand movements or whole body movements. Body movements can be used to reinforce or emphasise what a person is saying and also offer information about the emotions and attitudes of a person. However, it is also possible for body movements to conflict with what is said. A skilled observer may be able to detect such discrepancies in behaviour and use them as a clue to what someone is really feeling.Research work has identified the different categories of body movement that are detailed below with each category describing the purpose they commonly serve: Emblems:Gestures that serve the same function as a word are called emblems. For example, the signals that mean 'OK', 'Come here!', or the hand movement used when hitch-hiking. However, be aware that whilst some emblems are internationally recognised, others may need to be interpreted in their cultural context. Illustrators:Gestures which accompany words to illustrate a verbal message are known as illustrators. For example, the common circular hand movement which accompanies the phrase 'over and over again', or nodding the head in a particular direction when saying 'over there'. Affect Displays:These are facial expressions or gestures which show the emotions we feel. These are often unintentional and can conflict with what is being said. Such expressions give strong clues as to the true emotional state of a person. Regulators:Gestures used to give feedback when conversing are called regulators, for example head nods, short sounds such as 'uh-huh', 'mm-mm', and expressions of interest or boredom. Regulators allow the other person to adapt his or her speech to reflect the level of interest or agreement. Without receiving feedback, many people find it difficult to maintain a conversation. Adaptors:Non-verbal behaviours which either satisfy some physical need such as scratching or adjusting uncomfortable glasses, or represent a psychological need such as biting fingernails when nervous. Although normally subconscious, adaptors are more likely to be restrained in public places than in the private world of individuals where they are less likely to be noticed. Adaptive behaviours often accompany feelings of anxiety or hostility.PosturePosture can reflect people's emotions, attitudes and intentions. Research has identified a wide range of postural signals and their meanings, such as:Open and Closed Posture:Two forms of posture have been identified, open and closed, which may reflect an individual's degree of confidence, status or receptivity to another person. Someone seated in a closed position might have his/her arms folded, legs crossed or be positioned at a slight angle from the person with whom they are interacting. In an open posture you might expect to see someone directly facing you with hands apart on the arms of the chair. An open posture can be used to communicate openness or interest in someone and a readiness to listen, whereas the closed posture might imply discomfort or disinterest.Mirroring:Notice the way a loving couple relate to each other. You might like to observe a close relationship in person or on television. You will see that the partners' postures will match, as if one partner is a mirror reflection of the other. For example, if one partner drapes an arm over the back of a chair this might be replicated in the other person's position. If one partner frowns, it could be reflected in the other partner's facial expression. This 'mirroring' indicates interest and approval between people and serves to reassure others of interest in them and what they are saying.Eye ContactEye contact is an important aspect of non-verbal behaviour. In interpersonal interaction, it serves three main purposes: To give and receive feedback: Looking at someone lets them know that the receiver is concentrating on the content of their speech. Not maintaining eye contact can indicate disinterest. Communication may not be a smooth process if a listener averts their eyes too frequently. To let a partner know when it is their 'turn' to speak: This is related to the above point. Eye contact is more likely to be continuous when someone is listening, rather than speaking. When a person has finished what they have to say, they will look directly at the other person and this gives a signal that the arena is open. If someone does not want to be interrupted, eye contact may be avoided. To communicate something about a relationship between people: When you dislike someone, you tend to avoid eye contact and pupil size is often reduced. On the other hand, the maintenance of positive eye contact signals interest or attraction in a partner.Para-languagePara-language relates to all aspects of the voice which are not strictly part of the verbal message, including the tone and pitch of the voice, the speed and volume at which a message is delivered, and pauses and hesitations between words.These signals can serve to indicate feelings about what is being said. Emphasising particular words can imply whether or not feedback is required.Closeness and Personal Space (Proxemics)Every culture has different levels of physical closeness appropriate to different types of relationship, and individuals learn these distances from the society in which they grew up.In today's multicultural society, it is important to consider the range of non-verbal codes as expressed in different ethnic groups. When someone violates an 'appropriate' distance, people may feel uncomfortable or defensive. Their actions may well be open to misinterpretation.

In Western society, four distances have been defined according to the relationship between the people involved, the study of personal space is termedproxemics. These four distances are associated with the four main types of relationship - intimate, personal, social and public.Each of the distances are divided into two, giving a close phase and a far phase, thus making eight divisions in all. It is worth noting that these distances are considered the norm inWestern Society: Intimate Distance:Ranges from close contact (touching) to the 'far' phase of 15-45cm. In British society, it tends to be seen as an inappropriate distance for public behaviour and, as mentioned above, entering the intimate space of another person with whom you do not have a close relationship can be extremely disturbing. Personal Distance:The 'far' phase of personal distance is considered to be the most appropriate for people holding a conversation. At this distance it is easy to see the other person's expressions and eye movements, as well as their overall body language. Handshaking can occur within the bounds of personal distance. Social Distance:This is the normal distance for impersonal business, for example working together in the same room or during social gatherings. Seating is also important; communication is far more likely to be considered as a formal relationship if the interaction is carried out across a desk. In addition, if the seating arrangements are such that one person appears to look down on another, an effect of domination may be created. At a social distance, speech needs to be louder and eye contact remains essential to communication, otherwise feedback will be reduced and the interaction may end. Public Distance:Teachers and public speakers address groups at a public distance. At such distances exaggerated non-verbal communication is necessary for communication to be effective. Since subtle facial expressions are lost at this distance so clear hand gestures are often used as a substitute. Larger head movements are also typical of an experienced public speaker who is aware of changes in the way body language is perceived at longer distances. A confident handshake.Communicating through touch is another important nonverbal behavior. Always put your hand out to shake hands, Wood says. A classic good handshake is one with full palm to palm contact. In business, the handshake is often the only appropriate expression of touch so its critical to have a good one, Price adds. A good handshake consists of a full and firm handclasp with palms embraced web to web. Shake up and down once or twice, coupled with a sincere smile and eye contact. Avoid the extremes of either a weak limp handshake or an aggressive bone-crushing one. Strike the right balancefirm enough to convey confidence yet matched to the strength of the other person. Treat men and women with equal respect when shaking hands. Gender makes no difference, and either may initiate the handshake. Effective gestures.A gesture is any physical movement that helps express an idea, opinion or emotion. Strive to punctuate your words with movement that is natural, lively, purposeful and spontaneous, Price says. Be genuinely yourself and let your motions match your message. Avoid common distracting mannerisms such as finger-pointing, fidgeting, scratching, tapping, playing with hair, wringing hands, and twisting a ring. Dressing the part.Shakespeare asserts in Hamlet, For the apparel oft proclaims the man. For men and women, clothing speaks volumes in the workplace, Price says. Make sure business casual is not business careless. Choose high quality, well-tailored garments that convey professionalism. Depending on your corporate culture, wear a business suit or at least a jacket for important meetings and presentations, especially with senior leaders and customers. Avoid showy accessories, busy patterns, tight garments and revealing necklines. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If career advancement is your goal, convey a polished professional presence in the workplace. To complement your business attire, take steps to control perspiration; avoid cologne or perfume due to others possible allergies and sensitivities to smell; ensure fresh breath; and keep nails and hands neatly manicured, Price suggests. Authoritative posture and presence.Take up space, Wood says. Use the arms on the chair, or stand with your feet a bit apart. A female leg stance in North America is with the feet typically 4 to 6 inches apart, and a male power stance starts with the feet more than 8 inches apart. Price adds, When you stand up tall and straight, you send a message of self-assurance, authority and energy. Whether standing or sitting, imagine a string gently pulling your head and spine toward the ceiling. Your weight is evenly balanced, feet solidly on the floor, arms and hands visible, relaxed and uncrossed. Good posture creates a dynamic commanding presence and an attitude of leadership. Conversely, bad posture signals to others that you lack confidence and have low self-esteem or low energy levels. Appropriate facial expressions.Each of the seven basic human emotions (anger, contempt, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness and surprise) has been scientifically proven to have a certain facial expression associated with it, Price says. Because your facial expressions are closely tied to emotion, they are often involuntary and unconscious. Imagine the mismatched message when a fearful pensive face describes the life-enriching benefits of a new healthcare product. Become aware of what your face is revealing to observers, and choose the expression that matches your intended message, she says. For example, if you want to convey energy and enthusiasm, allow your face to become more animated. Practice in front of a mirror until it looks and feels natural. To show youre paying attention while listening, hold a very slight smile, nod occasionally, and maintain good eye contact. Initiating interactions.Be the first to make eye contact, offer your hand to shake, have an idea or solution, go into a room, and make the call, Wood says. You can only afford to wait and go last when you are in the C-suite and ready to retire. Appropriate voice tone.If your significant other has ever said to you, Its not what you said, its how you said it, they were referring to your paralanguage, Price explains. Separate from the actual words used, these nonverbal elements of your voice include voice tone, pacing, pausing, volume, inflection, pitch and articulation. Like facial expressions, choosing the appropriate paralanguage is critically important because it conveys emotional meaning, attitude and impact. Consider recording your side of several conversations throughout the day. Listen to the recordings and identify what your voice tone communicates. Giving your full attention.When speaking with a person, point your toes and square your shoulders toward them, Price says. This conveys attentiveness and creates open body language. Avoid angling your body away from them. Lean into the conversation; focus your eyes, ears and energy on them. These nonverbal cues clearly convey you respect, honor and appreciate the opportunity to meet with them. Make sure your arms and legs are uncrossed. Also, avoid multi-tasking during the interaction. Dont check e-mail, look at your phone, send a text, check the scores, or disengage in any way. It shows disinterest and disrespect. Responding to others nonverbal cues.When leading a meeting, speaking to a group, or interacting one-on-one, pay close attention to the other persons body language and voice tone, Price says. Listen with your eyes. Their nonverbal cues can tell you when they have a question, want to say something, agree or disagree, need a break, require more explanation, or have an emotional response. By responding appropriately to others cues, you not only convey confidence in yourself, you show a high level of empathy, sensitivity and care for them which builds trust.

emoticons :-( (sadness) :O (surprise)