Body language
Spot general trends
Learn specific movements
Fit interpretations into the context
Establish a baseline
Look for deviations
Be aware of its uses
1) Spot general trends.
There are many millions of body language patterns. So it is easier to infer meaning from trends. The first step is to become consciously aware of body language itself. Then begin to link movements together. The interpretations of these actions are relatively intuitive. For example an open body, represented by wide arms, legs and eyes reflects an open character. Crossed arms, covered faces, pacifying gestures demonstrate defensiveness. Engaged eye contact, movements towards, close proximity and touching demonstrate engagement. Conscious awareness of these trends will enable you to spot something you otherwise wouldn't have.
2) Learn specific movements.
There are some gestures which indicate a specific thought process or emotion. We are born with the seven universal expressions: Anger, contempt, fear, disgust, happiness, sadness and surprise. Others are learned, such as lifting the eyebrows to demonstrate greeting. Becoming aware of these will add nuance to a developing awareness of body language.
3) Fit interpretations into the context.
Body language requires context for people to interpret it correctly. Actions which are aggressive in one social group, may be more natural in different cultures. For example, Italians have different personal space requirements than more northern Europeans. You can see this in their driving.
4) Establish a baseline.
When viewing movements, an aggregate of the norm helps avoid any rash judgements. If someone swears once they might be interpreted to be very annoyed, more than that and it becomes casual, more than that and they may have Tourrettes. The stronger the gestural clusters the stronger the likelihood of meaning. Congruence demonstrates strength.
5) Look for deviations.
In the same way as trends are useful markers for important body language. Deviations are useful markers due to their incongruence. They are often displayed in areas which are less easy to control. For example the voice is the easiest to control, the face a close second. The legs and feet can be wonderful signals of incongruence as they are often overlooked. When people are uncomfortable they will often angle themselves towards the exit. Conscious movements demonstrate additional meaning to reinforce or mislead.
6) Be aware of its uses.
Body language can inspire emotion as well as reflect it. Both in yourself and others. You can change other people's body language with your own. A genuine smile can create a two way ‘hall of mirrors’ in which both sides create escalating reinforcement. People with closed body language are more likely to reject proposals. Try to change their body language before changing their minds. Touch reinforces these trends, so try to associate it with positive moments.
