Body Language Secrets You Should Be Aware Of

Even if you don't say anything, others can infer a lot about your personality and what you're thinking and feeling. How do other people accomplish this? By paying attention to your body language. Body language refers to the messages conveyed by your body gestures and facial expressions.

According to some body language experts, only about 7% of our messages to others are communicated through the words we speak. Our body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions convey the rest of our messages.

You have been sending messages to others through your posture, gestures, and facial expressions your entire life.

People were peering into your little baby face, looking at your gestures, and listening to your little cries and gurgles, trying to figure out what kind of mood you were in and what you were trying to say when you were an infant, before you learned to speak.

And you've been reacting to the body language, voice tone, and facial expressions of those around you your entire life, even if you weren't aware of it. What messages do you send to others through your body language? Is your body language inviting others to approach you? Or do you warn them to stay away subconsciously?

Consider how you usually stand or sit when you're with other people. What do you intend to do with your hands? Where are your gazes directed?

Does your face show interest in the people you're with, or does it remain a tense, stony mask?

Do you usually cross your arms across your chest when sitting or standing? If this is how you usually stand or sit, how do you think other people will interpret your posture? Did you know that most people will interpret your crossed arms in front of your chest as a signal that you don't want anyone approaching you?

When you adopt this posture, only the bravest souls are likely to come forward. People will assume you are very depressed or completely lacking in confidence if you stand awkwardly, with your chest slumped forward, shoulders drooping, and eyes avoiding everyone else. They may be concerned that conversing with you will be an awkward experience.

When you stand awkwardly, you give no indication that you are confident in yourself or that you care about the people around you. Instead, you appear to be attempting to vanish.

No matter how badly you want someone to come over and befriend you, if your body language conveys awkwardness or disinterest in others, it's unlikely that many people will approach you and strike up a conversation.

If some body language signals can scare people away, are there any that will encourage them to approach you? Yes, you can appear much more approachable to others if you use open and non-threatening body language.

Whether you're sitting or standing, aim for an upright, alert, but relaxed posture. Straighten up if you notice your chest or shoulders sagging. Pay attention to how you're breathing. Is your breathing smooth in and out? Or does it move in jerky fits and starts?

Anxiety manifests itself in the form of holding your breath or breathing in a shallow, jerky manner. When you breathe shallowly, you have to breathe more frequently, which can make you appear nervous. Tell all of your body's muscles to relax consciously. Use your abdomen to aid in smooth and deep breathing. Allow both the top and bottom of your lungs to fill with air.

What do you intend to do with your hands? If you get nervous in social situations, you may believe that whatever you do with your hands is wrong. Many people who cross their arms in front of their chest are most likely doing so because they have nowhere else to put their hands.

Unless you really don't want people approaching you, you should never cross your arms in front of your chest. That is the message conveyed by this gesture.

Keep your arms at your sides or put one hand in your pocket if you want to appear open and approachable. If you want to hold something in one hand, keep it at your side rather than in front of you. Holding your arm out in front of you can be interpreted as a signal that you want to defend yourself against others.

Keep an eye on your surroundings and the people around you. When you tune out your surroundings, you begin to focus too much on your negative inner sensations and thoughts. This can quickly escalate your anxiety to an unbearable level.

What should your facial expression be if you want people to approach you?

In most cases, a gentle, pleasant smile will suffice. A smile that never softens can appear forced and nervous. A pleasant smile and a twinkle in your eyes will give the impression to others that chatting with you will be a pleasant experience.