Body language
Introduction
Body language is a type of nonverbal communication in which physical behaviors, as opposed to words, are used to express or convey information. Such behavior includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch and the use of space. Body language exists in both animals and humans, but this article focuses on interpretations of human body language. It is also known as kinesics.
History
The study of body language is also known as kinesics (a term coined by anthropologist Ray L. Birdwhistell), which is a branch of anthropology. Birdwhistell, considered the founder of this area of study, concluded that nonverbal communication accounts for 60-70% of human communication. He also concluded that it can be learned and honed, much like a language.
Types of Body Language
Body language can be divided into several types:
Facial Expressions
Facial expressions are the most universal forms of body language. They convey emotions and thoughts. Paul Ekman's research on facial expressions had a major influence on how researchers view the importance of facial movements in conveying emotions.
Gestures
Gestures are movements made with body parts (e.g. hands, arms, fingers, head, legs) and they may be voluntary or involuntary. Desmond Morris, a British zoologist and ethologist, noted that there are certain gestures that can be understood in all cultures.
Postures
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.
Eye Contact
Eye contact, an important channel of interpersonal communication, helps regulate the flow of communication and signals interest in others. Furthermore, eye contact with audiences increases the speaker's credibility.
Haptics
Haptics is the study of touching as nonverbal communication, and includes everything from handshakes to patting a colleague on the back to pushing someone out of the way.
Proxemics
Proxemics is the study of the cultural, behavioral, and sociological aspects of spatial distances between individuals.
Cultural Differences
Body language has different meanings in different cultures. How we perceive these gestures might be vastly different across cultures, and could lead to misunderstandings.
Body Language in Different Contexts
Body language signals may have different meanings in different situations, so it's important to take the following factors into consideration when trying to understand body language.
Business
In the business world, understanding body language can be useful in interpreting the feelings and attitudes of colleagues and/or business partners.
Law Enforcement
In law enforcement areas, it can help in determining the truth of statements during interrogations.
Relationships
In relationships, body language can be used to gauge a person's interest and involvement.
Decoding Body Language
Decoding body language correctly can help in understanding the full meaning of what is being communicated by the speaker.
Conclusion
Understanding body language can go a long way in enhancing interpersonal communication and in interpreting others' thoughts and feelings.