Understanding body language and gestures is important. You may not realize that subtle cues such as eye contact or posture can provide information about someone's emotional state and intentions. However, developing the ability to interpret body language can enhance your communication with others. You can easily learn to identify common body postures and gestures and how to recognize when people are saying one thing and their body language is saying something different.
Step 1
Notice whether someone makes direct eye contact with you when you are speaking. According to Geoff Ribbens and Richard Thompson in their book "Understanding Body Language," in American society, when you make eye contact with someone, you come across as honest, friendly and interested. Likewise, if someone breaks eye contact with you, it may mean that they are lying, keeping a secret, are nervous or have poor self-esteem. If someone maintains eye contact for a long period of time, it may mean that they are very interested in you or are really paying attention.
Conversely, some seasoned liars know that breaking eye contact will give them away so they may hold your gaze for an uncomfortably long time. Also be aware that, in other cultures, avoiding eye contact may be a sign of respect.
Step 2
Focus on the use of palm gestures. According to Vinay Mohan Sharma in his book "Body Language: The Art of Reading Gestures and Postures," if someone holds out one or both palms to you, they are being honest. The palm is held upwards towards the sky, an unconscious gesture that symbolizes truthfulness and openness. People who use this gesture rarely lie, although there are salespeople and liars who are aware of the importance of this gesture and may try to use it to gain your trust.
On the other hand, presenting a palm faced downwards can be interpreted as someone trying to push you down or stop you. This person may feel authority over you or antagonism toward you.
Step 3
Analyze the posture of the person you are speaking to. Do they turn away from you or lean towards you? According to Sharma, leaning away from someone could be a sign of disinterest or wanting to leave your company. When someone is interested in you, they will almost always lean slightly toward you and close the physical distance between you. This gesture may also be used to indicate dominance or possessiveness.
Step 4
Tune into hand-to-face gestures. According to Sharma, if someone covers their mouth with their hand or touches their nose, they may be lying or covering something up. If someone rubs their eye, they may be trying to avoid making eye contact with you because they are lying or are uncomfortable.
References
- "Understanding Body Language;" Geoff Ribbens and Richard Thompson; 2001
- "Body Language: The Art of Reading Gestures and Postures;" Vinay Mohan Sharma; 2004
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