Working Life > Competences > Skills > Communication > Body Language

Reading and Understanding the Body Language

Unlike language, non-verbal communication, also called body language, is mainly expressed by bearing, gestures, expression and behaviour. Even without words, body language provides information about an individual. Hands, eyes, corners of the mouth, the posting of head, arms and legs give information about thoughts, moods or anxieties. Appearance defined by build, hairstyle, clothes, self-presentation also belongs to the factors of body language. These factors send out signals that reveal some statements as being lies. In a job it is very important to know about these factors and to recognize, understand and evaluate them properly. Especially when it comes to negotiations and presentations, or general communication with seniors, colleagues or customers, these skills have a major impact on success and career. Body talk provides information about the soft skills such as self-confidence or sociableness as well as the ability to respect others.

Body language is subject to intercultural differences. Children often copy their parent’s behaviour without knowing it. But adults also take on the behaviour of an idol without notice. Due to education and socialisation these body signals will be understood intuitively. One can quickly identify lies even without knowing why the heard statement appears to be wrong. Body language shows frictions between the said statement and the original thought.

• Act certainly and systematic
• Use eye contact when talking to somebody
• Respect the so-called intimate zones which you are only allowed to discover by special authorization. In Europe this zone is approximately 50 cm – circa one arm length. Personal dialogues are done by holding a distance of about 1 – 1.5 metres. The zone of sense is about 3 metres. Do not come to close!
• Be careful when it comes to body contact. While they might appear natural among southerners or in close relationships, they might be regarded as uncomfortable or even sexual harassment in other constellations
• When it comes to speeches or presentations, it is important to make an open and self-confident impression on the audience. Do not flounder. Stand calmly and upright. Avoid everything which could lead the audience´s attention away from your presentation
• Accept applause. Do not run away. This will be interpreted as insecurity
• Use your hands consciously. Avoid entangled arms, keep your hands out of your pockets or away from your back, avoid showing the back of your hands. These signals are being regarded as negative. Underline your statements positively by hand gestures above your waistline. However, there is one exception: hand gestures in your face are being regarded as negative
• Smile. This has positive effects on one’s own mood and the mood of others. However: Avoid unreal smiling and a pout
• Meet your audience with a friendly, open-minded look. Show interest and curiosity through your eyes. This invites your audience to applaud and show agreement
• Sniffing signalises animosity and causes negative mimics
• blinking can have various meanings, depending on the situation: Irony, doubts or familiarity with the audience or the counterpart
• General tips:
  • Practice the interpretation of non-verbal communication and exchange your experiences with others
  • Be aware of the fact that interpretation can vary heavily, depending on cultural background, gender (men and women have different interpretations), age, social background and, last but not least, practice
  • Look into the topic of body language, its signals and interpretations. Check which gestures or mimics are understood in which way in different situations. Practice your skills by watching body language professionals such as clowns or pantomimes
  • Be careful when using body language consciously. It might be regarded as being unfitted or cattish. Trust your intuitive body language. Especially in job interviews, you should remain yourself and play no role. Do not try to pretend skills you do not have by using body language
  • Affect your body language by attitudes: if you talk to an individual in a friendly, open, trustful and open-minded manner and with respect and interest, this will certainly have an impact on your body language, gestures and mimics
  • Practice in front of a mirror and evaluate yourself
  • Develop a natural self-confidence. Be aware of your skills, but do not show off. Modesty will avoid arrogance