BODY LANGUAGE &

ITS
INTERPRETATIONS
Body posture
• Posture • Degree of formality

• Legs together, arms folded in a lap, body • Formal situation

in a straight line.

• Body sprawls, body in a spreading curved • Informal situation

position
Body language interpretation
• Position • Signal’s meaning

• Leaning forward • Wish to get involved

• Leaning backward & hands behind • Indicates uneasiness
the head
• Drooping shoulders • Lack of confidence
Facial expressions
• Frown • Shows anger, discontent, worry, to
disapprove something or somebody

• Tightened jaw • To show hostility/antagonism

• smile • friendliness
Eye contact
• Eye contact • Indicates confidence & desire to
get involved
• No eye contact
• Lack of confidence & lack of
interest in the conversation
• Raised eyebrows

• Indicates debrief & surprise

Head movement
• Tilting your head on one side • Seem to be more receptive

• Keeping the head rigidly still • Seem to be inflexible & reluctant to

participate
• Moving the head too much
• Seem distracted
Use of touch
• Pats, touches on the arms & back • Can express
sympathy/understanding

• Gentle prods in the ribs

• Reassurance and precise humour
Voice modulation
• Monotonous voice • Boring, lack of vigor

• Slow speed low pitch • Depressing

• High pitch • Enthusiastic

• Ascending tone • astonishment

Principles of a good conversationalist
• Be brief
• Show interest in other’s talk
• Be a good listener
• Be alert
• Be sincere and direct
• Be considerate to other’s view
• Be clear in expression
Thank you!