Body language

Body Language

Personality Development and Soft Skills
Barun K Mitra
© Oxford University Press 2011. All rights reserved.

What is Body Language?

Body language is a form of non-verbal communication,
which is expressed through body posture, gestures, facial
expressions, and eye movements.
To understand and inculcate good body language one must
be aware of the various emotions displayed by the body in
response to various situations.


Emotions displayed by the
body
Aggressive
Submissive

Attentive

Nervous
Upset

Emotions

Relaxed
Bored
Power

Defensive


Aggressiveness

Characterized by the following traits:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Tightened jaws
Stiff facial muscles
A sombre face
Straight staring eyes
Thumping on a table
Raised voice
Animated gestures


Aggressiveness (analysis)

• Aggressive behaviour is an undesirable
characteristic especially in professional settings
such as interviews and group discussions
• Controlled aggression is a useful tool to cultivate
and execute in team meetings, negotiations, etc.


Submissiveness

•
•
•
•
•

Head down
Slack jawed
Frequent nods of agreement
Poor eye contact
Constricted body posture


Submissiveness (analysis)

• Submissiveness is also a negative emotion and
should be avoided in all situations.
• The more desirable characteristic of being flexible
should be cultivated and practiced.


Attentiveness

• Looking straight at the speaker
• Mild nods of head at periodic intervals
• Chin and body slightly bent forward towards the
speaker


Attentiveness (analysis)

• This is a crucial attribute and should be developed
consciously.
• Attentiveness in interviews, meetings, and
discussions with superiors is appreciated and goes a
long way in creating a favourable impression


Nervousness

• Visible lack of confidence
-unsteady voice
-avoiding eye contact
-head bent down
• Being restless or fidgety
• Biting of nails or gripping the chair tightly


Nervousness (analysis)

• Nervousness should be avoided in all situations.
• Nervousness shows lack of confidence and preparation.
• It is thus important to identify one’s abilities and cultivate
them as strengths.
• Practicing on your hand and body movements, voice,
diction, etc, will help you to be more confident in an
interview or while giving a presentation


Upset
•
•
•
•

Tightened jaws
Deliberate frown on the forehead
Prolonged disapproving nods
Walking impatiently at the back or side of
the room, with head down facing the ground,
and annoyed face
• Eyes closed occasionally
• Not having eye contact with others or having
a very cold stare
• Unstable or losing control over emotions (e.g., voice
shaking, out-of control gestures)

Upset (analysis)

• Losing control of one’s emotions, especially in a
professional situation is always undesirable.
• This is one attribute that is tested during a stress
interview and the ability to remain calm under
duress is a valuable asset.


Boredom

•
•
•
•
•
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Prolonged or frequent yawns
Eyes shut for a long duration
Looking around aimlessly
Checking watch/mobile phone
Blank stares
Body bent back to a significant degree


Boredom (analysis)

• Boredom is another negative characteristic
that quickly creates a poor impression on
an interviewer.
• One should concentrate on the task at
hand and develop an interest by taking
notes and coming up with logical
questions.


Relaxed

•
•
•
•

head straight, chest upright and balanced body
no folds or frown on the forehead
easy and quiet breathing
arms hanging loosely or confidently placed in the
pocket
• gentle smile showing on the face
• calm eyes


Relaxed (analysis)

• This is a positive trait and creates a
favourable impression on the
interviewer or supervisor.
• It conveys confidence and the ability to
handle a task effectively
• Relaxedness should however not be
misconstrued as lack of interest or
inattentiveness

Power

• outstretched arms while doing a handshake to
disallow the other person from coming too close
or having a firm grip
• confident look (accompanying a firm and deep
voice)
• evaluative looks and demeanor (questioning
speakers)


Power (analysis)

• This is an important personality trait and one should be
aware of one’s power to influence.
• However, it is easy to get carried away and misuse
power. Judicious and subtle use of power is accepted
and appreciated in professional setups.


Defensive

•
•
•
•

Tightly folded arms
Crossed legs
Frown on the face
Showing nervousness (while giving excuses)


Defensive (analysis)

• Defensiveness is a negative emotion and should be
avoided
• It generally arises out of a sense of insecurity and
being overly sensitive, both of which are negative
emotions.


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