Reading activity
Body language refers to the nonverbal signals that we use to communicate. According to experts, these nonverbal signals make up a huge part of daily communication.
From our facial expressions to our body movements, the things we don't say can still convey volumes of information. It has been suggested that body language may account for between 60 to 65% of all communication.
Understanding body language is important, but it is also essential to pay attention to other cues such as context. In many cases, you should look at signals as a group rather than focusing on a single action.
Understanding Body Language and Facial Expressions
By Kendra Cherry
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on September 28, 2019
Body language refers to the nonverbal signals that we use to communicate. According to experts, these nonverbal signals make up a huge part of daily communication.
From our facial expressions to our body movements, the things we don't say can still convey volumes of information. It has been suggested that body language may account for between 60 to 65% of all communication.
Understanding body language is important, but it is also essential to pay attention to other cues such as context. In many cases, you should look at signals as a group rather than focusing on a single action.
Here's what to look for when you're trying to interpret body language:
Think for a moment about how much a person is able to convey with just a facial expression. A smile can indicate approval or happiness. A frown can signal disapproval or unhappiness.
In some cases, our facial expressions may reveal our true feelings about a particular situation. While you say that you are feeling fine, the look on your face may tell people otherwise.
A. Look up the ´following emotions (a - j)` in the dictionary of Cambridge (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/) and then translate it to your own language.
Just a few examples of emotions that can be expressed via facial expressions include:
a) Happiness - …………………………………………………………………………………
b) Sadness - …………………………………………………………………………………
c) Anger - …………………………………………………………………………………
d) Surprise - …………………………………………………………………………………
e) Disgust - …………………………………………………………………………………
f) Fear - …………………………………………………………………………………
g) Confusion - …………………………………………………………………………………
h) Excitement - …………………………………………………………………………………
i) Desire - …………………………………………………………………………………
j) Contempt - …………………………………………………………………………………
The expression on a person's face can even help determine if we trust or believe what the individual is saying.
One study found that the most trustworthy facial expression involved a slight raise of the eyebrowns and a slight smile. This expression, the researchers suggested, conveys both friendliness and confidence.
Facial expressions are also among the most universal forms of body language. The expressions used to convey fear, anger, sadness, and happiness are similar throughout the world.
Researcher Paul Ekman has found support for the universality of a variety of facial expressions tied to particular emotions including joy, anger, fear, surprise, and sadness.
Research even suggests that we make judgments about people's intelligence based upon their faces and expressions.
One study found that individuals who had narrower face and more prominent noses were more likely to be perceived as intelligent. People with smiling, joyful expression were also judged as being more intelligent than those with angry expressions.
The eyes are frequently referred to as the "windows to the soul" since they are capable of revealing a great deal about what a person is feeling or thinking.
As you engage in conversation with another person, taking note of eye movements is a natural and important part of the communication process.
Some common things you may notice include whether people are making direct eye contact or averting their gaze, how much they are blinking, or if their pupils are dilated.
B. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - c.
When evaluating body language, pay attention to the following eye signals:
a. ____________
When a person looks directly into your eyes while having a conversation, it indicates that they are interested and paying attention. However, prolonged eye contact can feel threatening.
On the other hand, breaking eye contact and frequently looking away might indicate that the person is distracted, uncomfortable, or trying to conceal his or her real feelings.
b. ____________
Blinking is natural, but you should also pay attention to whether a person is blinking too much or too little.
People often blink more rapidly when they are feeling distressed or uncomfortable. Infrequent blinking may indicate that a person is intentionally trying to control his or her eye movements.
For example, a poker player might blink less frequently because he is purposely trying to appear unexcited about the hand he was dealt.
c. ____________
Pupil size can be a very subtle nonverbal communication signal. While light levels in the environment control pupil dilation, sometimes emotions can also cause small changes in pupil size.
For example, you may have heard the phrase "bedroom eyes" used to describe the look someone gives when they are attracted to another person. Highly dilated eyes, for example, can indicate that a person is interested or even aroused.
Mouth expressions and movements can also be essential in reading body language. For example, chewing on the bottom lip may indicate that the individual is experiencing feelings of worry, fear, or insecurity.
Covering the mouth may be an effort to be polite if the person is yawning or coughing, but it may also be an attempt to cover up a frown of disapproval.
Smiling is perhaps one of the greatest body language signals, but smiles can also be interpreted in many ways.
A smile may be genuine, or it may be used to express false happiness, sarcasm, or even cynicism.
C. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - d.
When evaluating body language, pay attention to the following mouth and lip signals:
a. ______________ – Tightening the lips might be an indicator of distaste, disapproval, or distrust.
b. ______________ – People sometimes bite their lips when they are worried, anxious, or stressed.
c. ______________ – When people want to hide an emotional reaction, they might cover their mouths in order to avoid displaying smiles or smirks.
d. ______________ – Slight changes in the mouth can also be subtle indicators of what a person is feeling. When the mouth is slightly turned up, it might mean that the person is feeling happy or optimistic. On the other hand, a slightly down-turned mouth can be an indicator of sadness, disapproval, or even an outright grimace.
Gestures can be some of the most direct and obvious body language signals. Waving, pointing, and using the fingers to indicate numerical amounts are all very common and easy to understand gestures.
Some gestures may be cultural, however, so giving a thumbs-up or a peace sign in another country might have a completely different meaning than it does in the United States.
D. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - d.
The following examples are just a few common gestures and their possible meanings:
a. _______________ can indicate anger in some situations or solidarity in others.
b. _______________ are often used as gestures of approval and disapproval.
c. _______________ gesture, made by touching together the thumb and index finger in a circle while extending the other three fingers can be used to mean "okay" or "all right." In some parts of Europe, however, the same signal is used to imply you are nothing. In some South American countries, the symbol is actually a vulgar gesture.
d. _______________, created by lifting the index and middle finger and separating them to create a V-shape, means peace or victory in some countries. In the United Kingdom and Australia, the symbol takes on an offensive meaning when the back of the hand is facing outward.
The arms and legs can also be useful in conveying nonverbal information. Crossing the arms can indicate defensiveness. Crossing legs away from another person may indicate dislike or discomfort with that individual.
Other subtle signals such as expanding the arms widely may be an attempt to seem larger or more commanding while keeping the arms close to the body may be an effort to minimize oneself or withdraw from attention.
E. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - d.
When you are evaluating body language, pay attention to some of the following signals that the arms and legs may convey:
a. _______________ might indicate that a person feels defensive, self-protective, or closed-off.
b. _______________ on the hips can be an indication that a person is ready and in control, or it can also possibly be a sign of aggressiveness.
c. ______________ behind the back might indicate that a person is feeling bored, anxious, or even angry.
d. _______________ can be a sign that a person is bored, impatient, or frustrated.
e. _______________ can indicate that a person is feeling closed off or in need of privacy.
How we hold our bodies can also serve as an important part of body language.
The term posture refers to how we hold our bodies as well as the overall physical form of an individual.
Posture can convey a wealth of information about how a person is feeling as well as hints about personality characteristics, such as whether a person is confident, open, or submissive.
Sitting up straight, for example, may indicate that a person is focused and paying attention to what's going on. Sitting with the body hunched forward, on the other hand, can imply that the person is bored or indifferent.
F. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - b.
When you are trying to read body language, try to notice some of the signals that a person's posture can send:
a. _______________ involves keeping the trunk of the body open and exposed. This type of posture indicates friendliness, openness, and willingness.
b. _______________ involves hiding the trunk of the body often by hunching forward and keeping the arms and legs crossed. This type of posture can be an indicator of hostility, unfriendliness, and anxiety.
Have you ever heard someone refer to their need for personal space? Have you ever started to feel uncomfortable when someone stands just a little too close to you?
The term proxemics, coined by anthropologist Edward T. Hall, refers to the distance between people as they interact. Just as body movements and facial expressions can communicate a great deal of nonverbal information, so can the physical space between individuals.
G. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - d.
Hall described four levels of social distance that occur in different situations.
a. _______________
This level of physical distance often indicates a closer relationship or greater comfort between individuals. It usually occurs during intimate contact such as hugging, whispering, or touching.
b. _______________
Physical distance at this level usually occurs between people who are family members or close friends. The closer the people can comfortably stand while interacting can be an indicator of the level of intimacy in their relationship.
c. _______________
This level of physical distance is often used with individuals who are acquaintances.
With someone you know fairly well, such as a co-worker you see several times a week, you might feel more comfortable interacting at a closer distance.
In cases where you do not know the other person well, such as a postal delivery driver you only see once a month, a distance of 10 to 12 feet may feel more comfortable.
d. _______________
Physical distance at this level is often used in public speaking situations. Talking in front of a class full of students or giving a presentation at work are good examples of such situations.
It is also important to note that the level of personal distance that individuals need to feel comfortable can vary from culture to culture.
One oft-cited example is the difference between people from Latin cultures and those from North America. People from Latin countries tend to feel more comfortable standing closer to one another as they interact while those from North America need more personal distance.
While it may be tempting to pick apart signals one by one, it's important to look at these nonverbal signals in relation to verbal communication, other nonverbal signals, and the situation.
You can also focus on learning more about how to improve your nonverbal communication to become better at letting people know what you are feeling—without even saying a word.
Listening activity
H. Listen to the audio above and fill in the gaps in the audio transcript below:
You may not realize it, but you send out silent, non-verbal signals to people every day. This is your body language, and it can reveal how you’re truly feeling when, perhaps, your words don’t.
Body language might include your ________________, your ________________, or your ________________.
Most of the time, it’s unconscious. But there are some clues that can help you to interpret and use it to your advantage. Being aware of other people’s negative body language is particularly useful and can help you to pick up on unspoken problems. For example:
→ If someone you’re speaking to is standing or sitting with his ________________ tightly _______________ his _______________, he’s probably not happy with what you’re saying.
Other negative signs to watch out for include tense facial expressions someone ________________ his body ________________from you or ________________ contact. Your own body language should reinforce what you’re trying to communicate verbally, otherwise, you risk sending mixed signals.
With the right body language, you can convey ________________, ________________, and ________________. For example:
→ You can make a ________________ and ________________ first impression by ________________ an ________________ posture that’s ________________ and ________________ , and by ________________ your ________________ by your sides.
Maintain solid eye contact with the person you’re speaking to and try to ________________ her ________________ a few seconds at a time. This will show her that you’re sincere and alert. Adopting positive body language can also help when you’re speaking in public. For example:
→ You’ll look more confident if you ________________ your ________________ and maintain an ________________ but ________________ posture, keeping your ________________ evenly distributed, with one ________________ slightly ________________ the other.
Hand movements can also help. For example:
→ ________________ your ________________ in ________________ of you, with your ________________ facing slightly ________________ your audience, can indicate a willingness to communicate and share ideas. At the same time, it’s important to maintain control! Too much ________________ movement can distract from what you’re saying.
To find out more about how to interpret body language and use it to your advantage,
⏩ SITE: www.seabraidiomas.com.br
Facial Expressions
Image credit: freepik.com
Think for a moment about how much a person is able to convey with just a facial expression. A smile can indicate approval or happiness. A frown can signal disapproval or unhappiness.
In some cases, our facial expressions may reveal our true feelings about a particular situation. While you say that you are feeling fine, the look on your face may tell people otherwise.
A. Look up the ´following emotions (a - j)` in the dictionary of Cambridge (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/) and then translate it to your own language.
Just a few examples of emotions that can be expressed via facial expressions include:
a) Happiness - …………………………………………………………………………………
b) Sadness - …………………………………………………………………………………
c) Anger - …………………………………………………………………………………
d) Surprise - …………………………………………………………………………………
e) Disgust - …………………………………………………………………………………
f) Fear - …………………………………………………………………………………
g) Confusion - …………………………………………………………………………………
h) Excitement - …………………………………………………………………………………
i) Desire - …………………………………………………………………………………
j) Contempt - …………………………………………………………………………………
The expression on a person's face can even help determine if we trust or believe what the individual is saying.
One study found that the most trustworthy facial expression involved a slight raise of the eyebrowns and a slight smile. This expression, the researchers suggested, conveys both friendliness and confidence.
Facial expressions are also among the most universal forms of body language. The expressions used to convey fear, anger, sadness, and happiness are similar throughout the world.
Researcher Paul Ekman has found support for the universality of a variety of facial expressions tied to particular emotions including joy, anger, fear, surprise, and sadness.
Research even suggests that we make judgments about people's intelligence based upon their faces and expressions.
One study found that individuals who had narrower face and more prominent noses were more likely to be perceived as intelligent. People with smiling, joyful expression were also judged as being more intelligent than those with angry expressions.
The Eyes
Image credit: freepik.com
As you engage in conversation with another person, taking note of eye movements is a natural and important part of the communication process.
Some common things you may notice include whether people are making direct eye contact or averting their gaze, how much they are blinking, or if their pupils are dilated.
B. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - c.
Eye gaze
Pupil size
Blinking
When evaluating body language, pay attention to the following eye signals:
a. ____________
When a person looks directly into your eyes while having a conversation, it indicates that they are interested and paying attention. However, prolonged eye contact can feel threatening.
On the other hand, breaking eye contact and frequently looking away might indicate that the person is distracted, uncomfortable, or trying to conceal his or her real feelings.
b. ____________
Blinking is natural, but you should also pay attention to whether a person is blinking too much or too little.
People often blink more rapidly when they are feeling distressed or uncomfortable. Infrequent blinking may indicate that a person is intentionally trying to control his or her eye movements.
For example, a poker player might blink less frequently because he is purposely trying to appear unexcited about the hand he was dealt.
c. ____________
Pupil size can be a very subtle nonverbal communication signal. While light levels in the environment control pupil dilation, sometimes emotions can also cause small changes in pupil size.
For example, you may have heard the phrase "bedroom eyes" used to describe the look someone gives when they are attracted to another person. Highly dilated eyes, for example, can indicate that a person is interested or even aroused.
The Mouth
Image credit: freepik.com
Mouth expressions and movements can also be essential in reading body language. For example, chewing on the bottom lip may indicate that the individual is experiencing feelings of worry, fear, or insecurity.
Covering the mouth may be an effort to be polite if the person is yawning or coughing, but it may also be an attempt to cover up a frown of disapproval.
Smiling is perhaps one of the greatest body language signals, but smiles can also be interpreted in many ways.
A smile may be genuine, or it may be used to express false happiness, sarcasm, or even cynicism.
C. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - d.
Covering the mouth
Turned up or down
Pursed lips
Lip biting
When evaluating body language, pay attention to the following mouth and lip signals:
a. ______________ – Tightening the lips might be an indicator of distaste, disapproval, or distrust.
b. ______________ – People sometimes bite their lips when they are worried, anxious, or stressed.
c. ______________ – When people want to hide an emotional reaction, they might cover their mouths in order to avoid displaying smiles or smirks.
d. ______________ – Slight changes in the mouth can also be subtle indicators of what a person is feeling. When the mouth is slightly turned up, it might mean that the person is feeling happy or optimistic. On the other hand, a slightly down-turned mouth can be an indicator of sadness, disapproval, or even an outright grimace.
Gestures
Image credit: freepik.com
Gestures can be some of the most direct and obvious body language signals. Waving, pointing, and using the fingers to indicate numerical amounts are all very common and easy to understand gestures.
Some gestures may be cultural, however, so giving a thumbs-up or a peace sign in another country might have a completely different meaning than it does in the United States.
D. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - d.
The V-sign
A thumbs up and down
The ´Okay`
A clenched fist
The following examples are just a few common gestures and their possible meanings:
a. _______________ can indicate anger in some situations or solidarity in others.
b. _______________ are often used as gestures of approval and disapproval.
c. _______________ gesture, made by touching together the thumb and index finger in a circle while extending the other three fingers can be used to mean "okay" or "all right." In some parts of Europe, however, the same signal is used to imply you are nothing. In some South American countries, the symbol is actually a vulgar gesture.
d. _______________, created by lifting the index and middle finger and separating them to create a V-shape, means peace or victory in some countries. In the United Kingdom and Australia, the symbol takes on an offensive meaning when the back of the hand is facing outward.
The Arms and Legs
Image credit: freepik.com
The arms and legs can also be useful in conveying nonverbal information. Crossing the arms can indicate defensiveness. Crossing legs away from another person may indicate dislike or discomfort with that individual.
Other subtle signals such as expanding the arms widely may be an attempt to seem larger or more commanding while keeping the arms close to the body may be an effort to minimize oneself or withdraw from attention.
E. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - d.
Rapidly tapping fingers or fidgeting
Crossed legs
Crossed arms
Clasping the hands
Standing with hands placed
Standing with hands placed
When you are evaluating body language, pay attention to some of the following signals that the arms and legs may convey:
a. _______________ might indicate that a person feels defensive, self-protective, or closed-off.
b. _______________ on the hips can be an indication that a person is ready and in control, or it can also possibly be a sign of aggressiveness.
c. ______________ behind the back might indicate that a person is feeling bored, anxious, or even angry.
d. _______________ can be a sign that a person is bored, impatient, or frustrated.
e. _______________ can indicate that a person is feeling closed off or in need of privacy.
Posture
Image credit: freepik.com
How we hold our bodies can also serve as an important part of body language.
The term posture refers to how we hold our bodies as well as the overall physical form of an individual.
Posture can convey a wealth of information about how a person is feeling as well as hints about personality characteristics, such as whether a person is confident, open, or submissive.
Sitting up straight, for example, may indicate that a person is focused and paying attention to what's going on. Sitting with the body hunched forward, on the other hand, can imply that the person is bored or indifferent.
F. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - b.
Closed posture
Open posture
When you are trying to read body language, try to notice some of the signals that a person's posture can send:
a. _______________ involves keeping the trunk of the body open and exposed. This type of posture indicates friendliness, openness, and willingness.
b. _______________ involves hiding the trunk of the body often by hunching forward and keeping the arms and legs crossed. This type of posture can be an indicator of hostility, unfriendliness, and anxiety.
Personal Space
Image credit: freepik.com
Have you ever heard someone refer to their need for personal space? Have you ever started to feel uncomfortable when someone stands just a little too close to you?
The term proxemics, coined by anthropologist Edward T. Hall, refers to the distance between people as they interact. Just as body movements and facial expressions can communicate a great deal of nonverbal information, so can the physical space between individuals.
G. The WORDS below have been REMOVED from the text. Put the right word in the gaps a - d.
Social Distance: 4 to 12 feet
Intimate Distance: 6 to 18 inches
Public Distance: 12 to 25 feet
Personal Distance: 1.5 to 4 feet
a. _______________
This level of physical distance often indicates a closer relationship or greater comfort between individuals. It usually occurs during intimate contact such as hugging, whispering, or touching.
b. _______________
Physical distance at this level usually occurs between people who are family members or close friends. The closer the people can comfortably stand while interacting can be an indicator of the level of intimacy in their relationship.
c. _______________
This level of physical distance is often used with individuals who are acquaintances.
With someone you know fairly well, such as a co-worker you see several times a week, you might feel more comfortable interacting at a closer distance.
In cases where you do not know the other person well, such as a postal delivery driver you only see once a month, a distance of 10 to 12 feet may feel more comfortable.
d. _______________
Physical distance at this level is often used in public speaking situations. Talking in front of a class full of students or giving a presentation at work are good examples of such situations.
It is also important to note that the level of personal distance that individuals need to feel comfortable can vary from culture to culture.
One oft-cited example is the difference between people from Latin cultures and those from North America. People from Latin countries tend to feel more comfortable standing closer to one another as they interact while those from North America need more personal distance.
A Word From Verywell
Understanding body language can go a long way toward helping you better communicate with others and interpreting what others might be trying to convey.
While it may be tempting to pick apart signals one by one, it's important to look at these nonverbal signals in relation to verbal communication, other nonverbal signals, and the situation.
You can also focus on learning more about how to improve your nonverbal communication to become better at letting people know what you are feeling—without even saying a word.
Listening activity
H. Listen to the audio above and fill in the gaps in the audio transcript below:
Welcome to Mind Tools’ video learning series.
You may not realize it, but you send out silent, non-verbal signals to people every day. This is your body language, and it can reveal how you’re truly feeling when, perhaps, your words don’t.
Body language might include your ________________, your ________________, or your ________________.
Most of the time, it’s unconscious. But there are some clues that can help you to interpret and use it to your advantage. Being aware of other people’s negative body language is particularly useful and can help you to pick up on unspoken problems. For example:
→ If someone you’re speaking to is standing or sitting with his ________________ tightly _______________ his _______________, he’s probably not happy with what you’re saying.
Other negative signs to watch out for include tense facial expressions someone ________________ his body ________________from you or ________________ contact. Your own body language should reinforce what you’re trying to communicate verbally, otherwise, you risk sending mixed signals.
With the right body language, you can convey ________________, ________________, and ________________. For example:
→ You can make a ________________ and ________________ first impression by ________________ an ________________ posture that’s ________________ and ________________ , and by ________________ your ________________ by your sides.
Maintain solid eye contact with the person you’re speaking to and try to ________________ her ________________ a few seconds at a time. This will show her that you’re sincere and alert. Adopting positive body language can also help when you’re speaking in public. For example:
→ You’ll look more confident if you ________________ your ________________ and maintain an ________________ but ________________ posture, keeping your ________________ evenly distributed, with one ________________ slightly ________________ the other.
Hand movements can also help. For example:
→ ________________ your ________________ in ________________ of you, with your ________________ facing slightly ________________ your audience, can indicate a willingness to communicate and share ideas. At the same time, it’s important to maintain control! Too much ________________ movement can distract from what you’re saying.
To find out more about how to interpret body language and use it to your advantage,
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