Through body language you can learn to understand what other people really think and intend. Body language is one of the most important languages to learn in life because it bypasses verbal communication weaknesses and gives you a clear insight into the feelings of those around you. The trick is not to let the other person know through your own body language that you are trying to read theirs, because that makes them uncomfortable.

 

Tips for interpreting body language

 

1. eyes

Dilated pupils: the person is interested in the subject or in you

They say the eyes are the window to the soul. If you know what to look for, you can actually read a lot of information in the eyes. Depending on the situation, the same signal can often be interpreted in different ways.

If the gaze is averted to the side, this is a sign of a guilty conscience.

 

2. hands

Open palms: the person is relaxed and open.

Hands express a variety of different emotions. Generally, open palms mean that the person is at ease.

 

3. imitation

If, when talking to you, the other person mimics your gestures, it means that they are interested in you and what you have to say and feel comfortable in the situation. Looking down signals a sense of shame.

 

4. arms

The two most important expressions with the arms are folded or open arms. Crossed arms mean that the person is annoyed, angry or disagrees. Open arms are inviting and honest.

 

5. chin rub

If someone rubs their chin, it usually means they are lost in thought or thinking about something tricky.

 

6. feet

The position of the feet expresses a lot about comfort and discomfort and interest. When the feet are facing you, it signals comfort and concentration on you and what you are saying.

If the tips of the feet point away from you, the person is not concentrating on you. Nodding and agreeing are most likely accompanied by a fake smile. It shows disinterest and perhaps even discomfort.

 

7. legs

Legs reveal how confident someone is. Shoulder-width foot position shows that one is relaxed. More than shoulder-width stance is a sign of great self-confidence and control of the situation.

Crossed legs when standing indicates shyness. Crossed legs when sitting is a sign of self-protection, usually together with folded arms.

Open legs when sitting means the person is relaxed.

 

8. finger

A pointing finger can be an expression of anger. Curled fingers are often a sign of asking for something. Drumming the fingers expresses frustration and boredom. The faster the fingers drum, the more tense the person is.

 

9. eyebrows

Raised eyebrows signal shock or surprise. The more surprise, the more the brows are raised.

 

Interpreting body language takes some practice. Over time, you will learn to interpret other people's gestures and facial expressions without them noticing.