BODY LANGUAGE

IN
COMMUNICATION

By Gaurav Gupta
Manager, HR
What do we mean by “Body Language”
??

The medium through which

people and animals
communicate using
gestures, expressions and
posture.
 Why is Body Language
important?
• Body language plays a big role in
intuition as it gives us messages about
the other person, that we can interpret
at an intuitive level.

55
% 7%

38
%
Source: www.google.com
Components of Body
Language

Source: www.google.com
 Facial Expressions
Ø There are some universal facial
expressions; a smile, a frown, etc.
Ø Eye contact is direct and powerful. 
Ø The use of eye contact varies
significantly from culture to culture
 Gestures
Ø Fidgeting shows boredom and
restlessness.
Ø Pressing fingers together to form a
steeple shows interests,
assertiveness and determination.
Ø Touching the nose or rubbing eyes
indicates discomfort.
Ø A hand to the back of the neck may
indicate withdrawal from a
conversation.
 Open Stance
Ø Interested people always have an erect
posture, pay attention and lean forward
Ø A firm handshake will give the impression
of assertiveness or honesty
Ø People showing open hands, both feet
planted on the ground are accepting
Ø A head tilted to the side indicates
interest
 Closed Stance
Ø Leaning backwards demonstrates
aloofness or rejection
Ø Folding arms across ones chest or body is
protective and gives the impression of a
closed, guarded and defensive character.
Ø People with arms folded, legs crossed
and bodies turned away are signalling
that they are rejecting messages.
Ø A head down is negative and judgmental
 Space
• There are four distinct zones in which
most people operate:
• Intimate Area 15-50 cm
• Personal Area 0.5-1m
• Social Area 1-3m
• General Area 3m
 NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR INTERPRETATION

Brisk, erect walk Confidence

Standing with hands on hips Readiness, aggression

Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly Boredom

Sitting, legs apart Open, relaxed

Arms crossed on chest Defensiveness

Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched Dejection

Hand to cheek Evaluation, thinking

Touching, slightly rubbing nose Rejection, doubt, lying

Rubbing the eye Doubt, disbelief

Hands clasped behind back Anger, frustration, apprehension

Locked ankles Apprehension

Head resting in hand, eyes downcast Boredom

Rubbing hands Anticipation

Sitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossed Confidence, superiority

Open palm Sincerity, openness, innocence

Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed Negative evaluation

Tapping or drumming fingers Impatience

Steepling fingers Authoritative

Patting/fondling hair Lack of self-confidence; insecurity

Tilted head Interest

Stroking chin Trying to make a decision

Looking down, face turned away Disbelief

Biting nails Insecurity, nervousness

Pulling or tugging at ear Indecision

ü Do’s and the Don'ts
How do I know as to what I am doing is
right or not ……..????
OR
What is My Body Language like !!!!!
Let us find out.
Don’t cross your arms or
legs
Have eye contact, but don’t
stare
Don’t be afraid to take up
some space
Relax your shoulders
Nod when they are
talking
Don’t slouch, sit up
straight
Lean, but not too much
Smile and laugh
Don’t touch your face
Keep your head up
Slow down a bit
Use your hands more
confidently
Don’t stand too close
Don’t fidget
Keep a good attitude
Q&A
THANK YOU