dailyplanit Daily PlanIt bluebutton Communication bluebutton Body 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.
 
face 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 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
peace sign  
Head Gestures
        Nods: agreement, "I'm listening"
        Head shake: disagreement, "no" 1
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