body language analysis

 Body language is instinctively interpreted by us all to a limited degree, but the subject is

potentially immensely complex. Perhaps infinitely so, given that the human body is said to be

capable of producing 700,000 different movements (Hartland and Tosh, 2001 - see references).

As with other behavioural sciences, the study of body language benefited from the development

of brain-imaging technology in the last part of the 20th century. This dramatically accelerated

the research and understanding into connections between the brain, feelings and thoughts, and

body movement. We should expect to see this effect continuing and providing more solid

science for body language theory, much of which remains empirical, i.e., based on experience

and observation, rather than scientific test.

Given the potential for confusion, here are some considerations when analysing body language:

context

Body language also depends on context: body language in a certain situation might not mean

the same in another.

Some 'body language' isn't what it seems at all, for example:

• Someone rubbing their eye might have an irritation, rather than being tired - or

disbelieving, or upset.

• Someone with crossed arms might be keeping warm, rather than being defensive.

• Someone scratching their nose might actually have an itch, rather than concealing a lie.

sufficient samples/evidence

A single body language signal isn't as reliable as several signals:

As with any system of evidence, 'clusters' of body language signals provide much more reliable

indication of meaning than one or two signals in isolation.

Avoid interpreting only single signals. Look for combinations of signals which support an overall

conclusion, especially for signals which can mean two or more quite different things.

culture/ethnicity

Certain body language is the same in all people, for example smiling and frowning (and see the

six universally recognizable facial expressions above), but some body language is specific to a

culture or ethnic group.

See examples of cultural body language differences below.

Awareness of possible cultural body language differences is especially important in

today's increasingly mixed societies.

Management and customer service staff are particularly prone to misreading or reacting

inappropriately to body language signals from people of different ethnic backgrounds, a

situation made worse because this sort of misunderstanding tends to peak when emotions are

high.

Personal space preferences (distances inside which a person is uncomfortable when someone

encroaches) can vary between people of different ethnicity.

In general this article offers interpretations applicable for Western culture.

If you can suggest any different ethnic interpretations of body language please send

them and I'll broaden the guide accordingly.

body language is relative to age and gender

Many body language signals are relative.

A gesture by one person in a certain situation can carry far more, or very little meaning,

compared to the same gesture used by a different person in a different situation.

Young men for example often display a lot of pronounced gestures because they are naturally

energetic, uninhibited and supple. Older women, relatively, are less energetic, adopt more

modest postures, and are prevented by clothing and upbringing from exhibiting very

pronounced gestures.

So when assessing body language - especially the strength of signals and meanings - it's

important to do so in relative terms, considering the type of person and situation involved.

faking/deception

Some people artificially control their outward body language to give the impression they seek to

create at the time.

A confident firm handshake, or direct eye contact, are examples of signals which can be quite

easily be 'faked' - usually temporarily, but sometimes more consistently.

However while a degree of faking is possible, it is not possible for someone to control or

suppress all outgoing signals.

This is an additional reason to avoid superficial analysis based on isolated signals, and to seek

as many indicators as possible, especially subtle clues when suspecting things might not be

what they seem. Politicians and manipulative salespeople come to mind for some reason.

Looking for 'micro gestures' (pupils contract, an eyebrow lifts, corner of the mouth twitch) can

help identify the true meaning and motive behind one or two strong and potentially false

signals.

These micro gestures are very small, difficult to spot and are subconscious, but we cannot

control them, hence their usefulness.

boredom, nervousness and insecurity signals

Many body language signals indicate negative feelings such as boredom, disinterest,

anxiousness, insecurity, etc.

The temptation on seeing such signals is to imagine a weakness on the part of the person

exhibiting them.

This can be so, however proper interpretation of body language should look beyond the person

and the signal - and consider the situation, especially if you are using body language within

personal development or management. Ask yourself:

What is causing the negative feelings giving rise to the negative signals?

It is often the situation, not the person - for example, here are examples of circumstances which

can produce negative feelings and signals in people, often even if they are strong and confident:

• dominance of a boss or a teacher or other person perceived to be in authority

• overloading a person with new knowledge or learning

• tiredness

• stress caused by anything

• cold weather or cold conditions

• lack of food and drink

• illness or disability

• alcohol or drugs

• being in a minority or feeling excluded

• unfamiliarity - newness - change

Ask yourself, when analysing body language:

Are there external factors affecting the mood and condition of the individual concerned?

Do not jump to conclusions - especially negative ones - using body language analysis alone.