Daily PlanItCommunicationBody Language--non-verbal
communication
These are some general guidelines for the United States. Cultures vary,
so proceed with care! Also, while crossed arms may mean defensiveness,
they
could simply mean the person is cold.
Facial
Expressions
Smiles and frowns
Eye contact
Avoiding eye contact: anger,
embarrassment
Excessive blinking:
nervousness or guilt
Looking down: unassertive
Eyebrows
Raised: surprise
Raised & drawn together:
fear
Pulled down and together:
anger
Pulled down: disgust or
disapproval, confusion or uncertainty
Drawn together with inner
corners raised and outer corners lowered: sadness
Relaxed: happiness
Hand Gestures
Steepling fingertips:
self-confidence
Jerkiness: nervousness
Palms up, held out:
bewilderness or pleading
Hands thrown in air:
frustration
Clenched fist: aggression or
tension
Hand to nose or mouth:
doubt, "no", or shame (or possibly an itch?)
Stroking chin: thoughtful
Shrugging: uncertainty
Crossed arms: defensiveness,
disagreement Head Gestures
Nods: agreement, "I'm
listening"
Head shake: disagreement,
"no"