When talking about body language, it is possible to say that it is a form of expression as powerful as words - in some cases, it´s even greater.
After all, you can try to convey a different idea of what you are feeling through speech, but if you are not an expert on the subject, you will hardly be able to disguise the signals that your body transmits.
That is, it's not just our mouth that communicates: our gestures, looks, expressions and postures too.
A simple cross of the legs, a hand placed next to the mouth and a contraction in the forehead can say much more about you and your situation at the moment than you can imagine.
So, what is body language?
Well, also known as non-verbal language, is a form of communication of our body, related to the way it expresses itself.
It can be characterized as a set of gestures, facial expressions, looks, postures and other conscious or unconscious movements, subtle or more explicit, which conveys relevant information in a wordless dialogue.
Each expression has its own meaning within the communicational context and can range from a longer exchange of glances to a tireless shaking of the legs.
However, as these signals are subjective, they cannot always be interpreted as they should and many go unnoticed, both by those who emit them and by those who receive them.
This happens because body language is often based on unconscious impulses or stimuli that are almost occult because they are so subtle.
What psychology says about body language
Psychology is one of the sciences of human behavior that is most dedicated to studying body language, as it understands that even apparently unconscious acts have a reason for being and manifesting themselves. Also attributing the signs of non-verbal communication to our limbic system.
This part of the brain is linked to our emotional responses, which works as a kind of memory vault, keeping memories and past experiences.
Therefore, each time we are subjected to a certain situation in which we have some previous record, the tendency is to repeat this type of behavior.
This is the case, for example, of having a day off, enjoying your leisure time, lying in a hammock, and an afternoon full of setbacks, such as a flight delay and a long wait at an airport.
In the first situation, our brain “leaks” feelings of comfort and well-being, conveying the feeling of relaxation, with soft expressions and loose upper and lower limbs.
In the episode of stress, the opposite happens: the countenance becomes heavier, the posture stiffens and so on.
That is, the basic principle to begin to interpret how body language works is to understand how your limbic system is.
Comfort and self-confidence will show signs compatible with these feelings, and the same goes for the opposite.
The importance of body language
In addition to functioning as a memory vault, the brain's limbic system is also characterized by trying to guarantee the most primitive emotions, such as security and the survival instinct, for example.
Therefore, whenever you are placed in an uncomfortable situation, your brain will send stimuli to express what is called “pacifying behaviors”.
They are nothing more than responses to try to restore normality and return the person to a situation of apparent control.
And there lies one factor that makes body language so important: understanding human nature. When you come to understand which situations make you uncomfortable, it is possible to work and look for the reasons for this. That is, it is still a way to develop your self-knowledge.
By studying and trying to practice a more positive non-verbal language, you can communicate more assertively, emphasizing the aspects that really matter.
In a job interview, for example, if you manage to control some instincts that denote nervousness, you will convey an image of security and dominance to recruiters.
But this advantage, in addition to being used for one's own benefit, can also be used to interpret other people's behavior and find answers that verbal language does not deliver.
That is why this type of communication is often used in investigations when interviewing suspects.
Specialists in human behavior and body language interpretation can find patterns that indicate that an accused is lying or not, for example.
Types of body language
Body language can be characterized in different ways, such as negative and self-confident.
Another way of defining the different types of non-verbal communication is from a more technical point of view.
In this case, there are five main categories:
Kinesics: the movements, gestures and body expressions
Proxemics: which is the way in which the physical area of a space is used
Tacesics: which analyzes touch, like a handshake, for example
Paralanguage: which analyzes changes in the tone of voice
Physical characteristics: which takes into account body shape and appearance.
Examples of body language and their meanings
Let´s see some practical examples of classic body language behaviors and their meanings.
Hands on the waist
It is a sign that indicates impatience and haste to resolve a certain matter. Usually, it is a resource used to draw attention and demonstrate that something urgent needs to be addressed.
Unfocused look
Usually demonstrates mental confusion or lack of interest in what is being said or presented. It can also be a sign of insecurity when someone is making an important speech.
A stare
Staring can indicate different types of feelings, so the important thing here is to try to analyze where the person is looking.
If it is predominantly a stare down at the ground, it can denote sadness, shame or discouragement.
A stare into the other's eyes is a positive thing, as long as it's not too much, as it means attention and the search for a deeper connection. When it becomes very intense, however, this “eye to eye” can cause discomfort.
Compressed lips
In a way, it reminds a little of the signals that the hand on the mouth sends, which are to avoid saying something. Here, however, it does not mean failing with the truth, but rather not committing to a controversial or contrary opinion, for example.
Crossed legs
The position of your legs also says a lot about you.
When they are crossed, they can demonstrate confidence and firmness, but be careful not to spend an entire conversation in that position, as it can also denote a lack of openness to dialogue.
Crossed arms
It's classic pacifying behavior. That is, it is a resource we use to feel more comfortable in tense or uncomfortable situations for some reason.
How does body language influence our lives?
Body language is present in all relationships and environments in our lives.
At work, with relationships with colleagues, leaders and customers.
In the private sphere, with your family and friends, and even with people we don't even have some level of closeness with.
Non-verbal communication will appear in some form, even if in an “unconscious” way, and the way you deal with it will influence your relationships. That's because body language says a lot about us and how other people see us.
If you assume a more self-confident posture, with more positive gestures, expressions and behaviors, for example, this is how you will be seen by those around you.
In addition, it is likely that, in this way, you will be a more aggregating person, who will attract more “followers”. On the other hand, a more negative body language tends to alienate others more or raise people's concerns.
Developing communication is an investment that any person should make. Often, however, those who work on this skill end up focusing more on oratory, leaving body language aside. Don't make that mistake!
So, invest in non-verbal communication, make a good impression in the corporate environment and conquer the career of your dreams.
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