When you pay attention to body language movements, they unconsciously communicate messages of their own. People’s gestures showcase their inside feelings. Our non-verbal gestures affect us every time- while taking a job interview, dating or having a simple conversation with a stranger.
This article is divided into 2 parts:
First shows the gestures you might be making unconsciously, which displays poor body language.
The second part shows positive body language gestures.
13 gestures that show poor body language
Crossed arms
Crossed arms indicate a negative and protective attitude. You often see this in situations where someone is uncomfortable or unsafe. They create this protective barrier around them with their hands. It makes people around them feel that they are threatening them in some way.
One hand grasping the other
People do that to give themselves more courage, but they create a barrier between themselves and others in a subtle manner.
Clasped hands
Clasped hands indicate a degree of nervousness, insecurity, and a need for protection. They do not create a good impression on other people because it is similar to the gesture used by liars.
Covering your mouth while speaking
There are some people who hold a hand close to or in front of their mouths while speaking or laughing. This is a protective gesture that conceals a lack of self-confidence. A sudden movement of the hand toward the lips is made when someone is about to stop speaking. People around them feel that they do not know what to say or don’t want to say something.
Dropping head between your shoulders
Dropping head between your shoulder is tucking your chin into your neck and raising your shoulders on both sides. We do this when we expect danger, such as when a threatening subject is introduced into the conversation or when the recipient receives a piece of news that makes them feel scared and insecure. This gesture gives an impression to people that the person wants to back off.
Putting fingers in your mouth
Putting your fingers or some other object into your mouth hinders contact with others because it represents a form of barrier. It prevents the person you are having a conversation with from following the movement of your lips, which results in irritation.
Turning away your upper body and head
When you turn away the front of your body, it showcases your lack of interest and desire to maintain distance. People around you feel that you are afraid of a confrontation. Such people come off as unsympathetic who are focused elsewhere.
Putting hands in pocket
Another body posture that others might find rude is putting your hands in your pockets. This pose suggests a lack of commitment towards the person they are having a conversation with. People around them feel that they want to distance themselves from them.
Hands placed on knees
When a person leans forward and then places his hands on his knees during a conversation, it signifies his lack of interest in continuing the discussion. It shows people around them that the person wants to end the conversation and leave.
Leg at 90 degree
Leg horizontal at 90 degrees is often seen immediately before arguments between men.
This is a sign, which other people perceive as that the person will be stubborn in defending his own opinion and will not be easy to convince.
Supporting your head
When a person tilts their head to one side and supports it on their hand or finger, this signifies that they are getting bored.
People around them feel their negative attitude towards what is being said by them during a conversation.
Pointing with your finger
Pointing with your index finger is considered a sign of dominance. It does not generate a positive reaction and might make people feel insulted and respond aggressively.
Tapping your fingers
Tapping your fingers during a conversation not only makes other people uncomfortable but also showcases their nervousness. The more you tap, the more people will feel that you are getting anxious.
8 gestures that show a good body language
Open arms
Since historical times open arms have demonstrated that a person is unarmed and has positive intentions. It shows his sincerity, loyalty, and willingness to listen. Communicating with open palms improves interpersonal contact and shows a person’s interest in a conversation.
Firm handshake
A firm handshake shows the person’s willingness to make another person his acquaintance. It is also a good indicator of the level of energy and vitality in a person.
Upright body
People with upright body posture stretch their body to its fullest and appear taller. It shows that they have high self-esteem and confidence.
Smiling
When you smile at someone, you will see that the other person also smiles back at you. It creates a positive feeling between you and the other person. People around you feel that you understand them if you smile during a conversation with them. Your relationships with other people will last longer and yield more positive results.
Upper body forward
It is seen that when the upper body is leaning back during a conversation, they want to distance themselves from the other person. Contrary to this, when they lean forward, it shows their interest in a discussion.
Using hands while talking
Some people have a habit of talking with their hands. People they are having a conversation with are able to visualize what they are saying when they use their hands during a conversation. It stimulates both the right and left sides of their brain.
Head nod
This up-and-down movement of the head serves as a gesture of recognition, comprehension, encouragement, and understanding. Nodding plays an integral part in keeping the conversation going as it indicates that you are paying attention to the other person.
Mirroring others
By reflecting the behaviour of another person, you create a natural rapport between you and them that leads to better communication. When you mirror the behaviour of another person, it tells them that what they are doing is acceptable in the context of the discussion. It demonstrates your willingness to create an environment where both you and the other person are able to communicate freely and comfortably.
Notice your own gestures throughout the day. See if you are showing gestures that are turning people away from you. Try to incorporate more positive body language gestures consciously in your life to become more successful in every area of your life.
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