The document explains that body language plays a significant role in communication, accounting for 55% of the information received, while verbal communication makes up only 7%. It outlines various body language signals, such as open arms indicating approachability and folded arms suggesting defensiveness. Additionally, it describes gestures like nodding and mirroring as indicators of engagement, while other signs like yawning and closed hands may express boredom or defensiveness.

1. How to Read your
Body Language

2. If the eyes are the windows of the soul, then the
body is the mirror of our feelings.
7% of the information we receive is from what they
actually say.
38% of information we receive is from the tone,
inflection and speed of their voice.
A staggering 55% of the information we receive is
from their body language.

3. Open Arms:
A good way to show you
are approachable, especially
when combined with open
palms
Palms Up – Open Hands:
Defences down
An open heart
Palms on chest
When a person uses
open palms that
occasionally
touch their chest, they are
signalling honesty
Outward, upward hand
movements
This conveys an open
and positive message
Folded arms:
A defence mechanism
that shows the person
is not open to what is
being said or done
May mean rejection
Physically cold
 Stubborn in their
outlook
Hands closed
A closed heart

4. Doodling
Bored
Fist
Anger and to be avoided
Physically cold
Very tense
Defiant or triumphant
when held in air
Yawning
Bored
Tired and that may have
nothing to do with the
situation/conversation
Striding briskly:
An outward display of
confidence
Anger
Ear Tugging
Feet under the chair
A sign of eagerness
Stroking chin
Evaluating
Indecision
Possible deception
Looking around
Wants to get away
Thinking about something else
Bored with situation /
conversation

5. Preening
This shows someone knows they are attractive For eg,
flicking or stroking their hair or adjusting a collar and/or
a tie.
Nodding
The occasional nod from a listener to a speaker is a
positive message. It is an indication they are listening and
are interested.
Too much nodding indicates the listener has lost interest and
may be bored.
Mirroring
This is evidence of two people getting on really well.
Each person copies the other’s body language, usually
subtly.
Mirroring occurs with:
•Breathing, Gestures, Eye movement, Leaning towards each
other at the same time, Crossed or uncrossed legs
Speech pattern, Arm movement, or no arm movement,
Emotive energy such as being excited, relaxed, etc.

6. Body space
Respect for the other person’s body space is crucial in
gaining their trust. Stay at least one arm’s length away
from them.
Gentle leg shaking
The person is mildly stimulated
May need to go to toilet
Vigorous leg shaking
Reveals apprehension and nerves
Desperate to go to the toilet
Raise of eyebrows - express astonishment
Envy or disbelief may be displayed by a
raised eyebrow
We frown – displeasure or confusion
Open our mouth - Shock

7. • Smiling: smiling & frowning are two
major facial expressions.
A genuine smile means ‘I appreciate
you’; ‘I accept your ideas’.
A frown means ‘I find you puzzling’.
• Laughter: Laughter is composed
of a broad range of gesture &
sounds.
 ‘Ha-Ha’ is a genuine laughter.
 ‘He-He’ is a mocking laughter.
 ‘Hee-Hee’ suggests a secret
giggle.
 ‘Ho-Ho’ communicates surprise

8. • Ways of Looking:
 Side long glance is referred to as
stolen look.
 Blank stare depicts boredom.
 Sparkling eyes are an attribute of
those who have ‘magnetic
personalities’.
• Glasses:
 Peering over glass depicts being
judgmental or critical.
 Dark glasses are worn by those who
conceal their genuine feelings.

9. THE HANDS
• The Human hand is a
restless organ
 Limp hands show
boredom.
 Nervous or jittery
person shows restless
hands.
 Clenched hands
often shows
frustration.
 Clapping of hands
shows applause.

10. • Putting objects in mouth is when
they are busy with something.
• Pinching the bridges of nose
indicates a person in deep
thought.
• Nose rub is a sign of rejection.
• Chin stroking is when people are
in deep reflection.
• Slapping the head signifies self
punishment.
• Hands behind the head is used by
professionals who are confident
& dominant.

11. Thank You 