What You Should Know About Body Language: Subtle Communication Counts

Topics Covered:
Body Language Basics Body Language Louder Than Words How to Read Body Language How to Improve Your Body Language Reading Up On Body Language Some Common Body Language Signals Universal Body Language Using Body Language in a Job Interview Using Body Language in Business Body Language in American Politics Why Knowing Body Language is Important Why Body Language Isn't an Exact Science Making Money with Body Language

What You Should Know About Body Language Subtle Communication Counts
Body Language Basics
People understand the concept of body language but don't really have a one-stop source for reference. In this article, I will attempt to share body language basics. This article will not be an exhaustive or detailed description of body language basics, but it will be a good reference to turn to when you are trying to figure things out. If you notice a person consistently acting a certain way when you talk to them, but you cannot figure out why, this basic description of body language basics may help. Keep in mind, that when evaluating body language, it is always better to look for a combination of expressions. If you base your evaluation of body language on just one expression you see, you may be entirely wrong in your conclusion. Someone that looks up to the left with their eyes during conversation may not be necessarily lying. The person could be thinking of a creative way to answer a question. Some body language basics: When someone is stroking their chin, this could mean they are making a decision on something. Some people actually stroke their cheek or hair when making a decision. Clasping or putting the hands together upwards as if to pray, has also been used when making a decision. When a person tilts their head, this normally means they are interested in more information. Dogs and robots do this to express they are waiting for more information. My wife and son constantly bite their nails. While this normally means a person is nervous or insecure about something, it could also mean they have a bad habit. When you notice someone pinching their nose (without hands) and/or closing their eyes, this normally means they are reacting negatively to something. I knew a man who would close his eyes when people would talk to him, but he didn't pinch his nose. If you knew him well enough, you would know that he was just trying to tune into a spiritual vibe for direction in the conversation. I hear that when someone touches or slightly rubs their nose, they may be lying or expressing doubt about something. I don't know how true that is. Maybe they just have an itch. One body language basic I believe gets a bad reputation is when someone has their hands clasped behind their back. The idea here is that they are apprehensive or frustrated about something. But in reality, I think if someone is apprehensive or frustrated, they would be in a position of readiness to do something. Instead, I believe when someone has their hands behind their back, it would most likely mean they are relaxed. When people leave the military, they have this habit when feeling at ease. Another body language basic that I believe is misunderstood, is when someone is standing with their hands on their hips. This position is said to mean one is in a state of aggression. But, once again, I believe this could be simply a position of rest or confidence.

Lastly, two more body language basics exist. If you notice someone sitting down with their legs wide open, that means they are comfortable with you. If their palms are exposed to you, that means they mean you no harm and want to connect with you. What are your basic body language expressions telling others?

Body Language Louder Than Words

Think for a few seconds. If you're around people, stop and look around. Take a moment and observe the people walking by you or sitting at the tables near you. Most of the time, you don't need to listen to their conversations or ask them what they're thinking or trying to communicate. Directly or indirectly, everybody's body language speaks louder than words. Take for example, someone that is sad. You can easily tell by their demeanor that they are not happy. Their whole body sulks and they walk about as if a dark cloud follows over them. On the other hand, someone that is happy walks about as if they are sunshine incarnate. They beam with joy and their body radiant with every step. This is body language. Understanding basic body language helps one be a better communicator and person. I know a young boy who cannot for the life of him stay out of social trouble. He's great at starting friendships but not maintaining those relationships. A good reason why he has this trouble is due to his lack of understanding body language. Instead of noticing his friend needs time alone or is not interested in playing at the moment, the boy will press for the friend to do what he or she does not want to do. This quickly creates friction and a verbal or even a physical altercation will then occur. Body language is everywhere and in every facet of life. The next time you are at work talking with your boss or co-worker, remember body language. If you become better attuned to what people are saying with their body, you will quickly be regarded as a very important asset to your company. At home, pay attention to what your spouse is saying beyond words or what your sibling is really feeling. When you can naturally pick up on their physical cues and mirror them accordingly, you will be esteemed as the most tender and understanding member of the family. Understanding body language is not always simple. The person you are trying to read may have other variables involved and assuming you can understand them can lead to frustration. For example, the crossing of arms at the shoulders is widely understood as a physical cue, that the person is opposed to what he or she is hearing. But, in many cases this can also mean the person is seriously thinking about what is being discussed. A third possibility is that the person is simply trying to keep warm. I once heard that body language is really 95% of what we say. Words are only 5%. Our own intentional efforts, to become better communicators by using or restraining body language is, key to being influential or persuasive.

To become better at understanding or using body language, there are many books one can read and find at your local bookstore or library. The internet is also rich with resources both free and for a fee on the subject of body language.

How to Read Body Language

Everyone instinctively knows about body language. People constantly evaluate the body movements and facial gestures of those around them. They might have even heard some tips about identifying certain body language signals. However, it may not be that simple. If you are trying to determine what a person's body language is telling you, consider everything. Try to get an overall picture, not just a snapshot. If you focus on groups of behaviors you are more likely to get an accurate read. Notice their posture first to see if they are sitting in a confident upright position. Or, they could be slouching, showing with their body language that they have little self confidence. Be aware of whether they are leaning toward you in a gesture of intimacy or leaning back reservedly. Take a look at the angle they have set up between the two of you. If it is not side by side or across, it probably means they are uncomfortable with you. Note the position of their head. If it is tilted as you speak, they are showing interest by their body language. If they are looking down, they care little for what you have to say. Pay attention to what they are doing with their limbs. If they are crossing their arms in front of their chest, they might be feeling defensive. If they stand or sit with open palms, their body language displays openness. This feeling can also be presented by sitting with legs apart. The legs can show boredom in their body language when the person crosses the legs and kicks with the foot. If they are apprehensive, the ankles might be locked together. Take in the movements of their eyes. Observe if they are looking at you overly long. This could indicate hostility or flirting, depending on other body language that accompanies it. Notice whether they have trouble maintaining eye contact. This could mean that they are nervous, insecure, or don't like what you're saying. Their body language, in this case, can help you to problem-solve about what the person needs from you. Make yourself aware, through body language, when someone is showing dominance over you. They may do this by standing while you are in a position where you must sit. They may do this by sitting back with their hands clasped behind their head. They may simply do it by the way they shake your hand. Palm down means dominance. If any of these individual body language signals is present, look for more that denote the same. For instance, if a person is touching or rubbing his/her nose, don't assume dishonesty. Instead,

look for other clues to back it up. The person might look up and to the right. They might also have micro-gestures that give them away, such as a nose wrinkle. Looks can be deceiving. It's an old saying, and it can be true for those who try to decipher the body language of others. Reading body language is more complex than identifying a single behavior. It involves thought and consideration.

How to Improve Your Body Language

Sometimes it's not what you say, but how you say it that turns people off. You may be looking to make a sale or to make a friend. If your body language skills are poor, you won't get far. In general, it's good to have a positive attitude. If you have this, your body language will show it naturally. However, you can't possibly be positive every single day. Some days, you must show your overall positive outlook even though that day's attitude isn't good. Also, if you improve your body language, your attitude usually follows. Psychologists know that acting happy will go a long way towards making you happy. It isn't always obvious which comes first. So, use your body language to project the image you want others to see. Don't worry about the "truth." When you use your body language to model behaviors that are positive ones, the truth is, you will become more positive. If, for instance, you feel like walking slowly with your head down, you might be feeling down. Make the effort to walk erect, hold your head up, and go out to face the day. This body language change will initiate a change in your attitude if you are able to do it. You might get the urge, during a college class or a job interview, to impatiently drum your fingers. At times like these, let a feeling of calm wash over you by focusing your body language on relaxing. This might include uncrossing locked ankles or letting the muscles in your hands go soft, for example. If people complain that you don't show enough interest in them, you can remedy this by using body language. The next time they are telling you something they see as important, look at their face as they speak. Look into their eyes, but look away occasionally so as not to stare. You can show more interest by your body language in other ways as well. Lean towards the other person when they are sharing something especially important or intimate. Tilt your head to show that you are listening. You can even mirror their body language behaviors if you do it in a subtle way. All this will show that you are in tune with their ideas. You can improve your body language by studying it. If you are planning to make a presentation before a group of people, you might try it out first in front of a mirror. You could even make a video record of it. Then you could review it at your leisure and take notes about mistakes you are making.

If you are going to look for a job, you will benefit from practice in job interview skills. The best way to do this, if you have someone to do it with, is to role play. Have someone fake interview you and record it so you can see how you're doing. You will catch body language you never knew you displayed. There are all kinds of ways to improve your body language skills. If you do, you will find that work relationships and personal relationships will be easier. It just takes a little time, effort, and observation.

Reading Up On Body Language

Knowledge about body language can be very important to people in all walks of life. You know some of it instinctively. Some of it is commonly talked about. Yet, if you really want to know the facts about body language, you might like to read some books by some experts in the field. Barbara and Allan Pease have written more than once on the subject of body language. They have written a book entitled, The Definitive Book of Body Language, that is a bestseller internationally. It tells you all you need to know about the nonverbal communication of body language. There are sections that give advice that will help you to survive in the workplace, and the body language you need to get there in the first place. Help is given to those who would like to know about the body language of meeting and dating. There is information you can use in whatever situation you find yourself in. It's all based on study from the fields of biology, medicine, and psychology. Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior-Anytime, Anyplace is a book by Jo-Ellen Demetrius and Mark C. Mazzarella. Demetrius has been a jury consultant on hundreds of trial, including many well-known ones. She knows more about body language than most people ever dreamed possible. In the book, she tells how to size up a person by everything from small purchases they make to obsessive forms of speech. She also explains how to look for systems of body language rather than individual quirks. Her focus is on helping you to evaluate those around you. In Body Language, Susan Quilliam gives some practical information on the subject. She illustrates different body language poses and explains what they might mean. She talks about topics from dating to getting a job. Getting better service is even discussed. This book is full of information you can put to use. Yes, there is a complete idiot's guide to the subject. It is, obviously, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Body Language. Peter Anderson, PhD, is the author. He is a professor at San Diego University and has studied the subject thoroughly.

He tells the usual things about body language, such as what kind of gestures indicate lying and which gestures are best for business situations. He also explains how body language is used in the marketing of products that are being sold. Body Language on the Job, by Patrick W. Miller, is a book meant to not only teach people body language, but completely train them in its use. There are illustrations and suggestions for supervisors. There are review questions for the reader with answers to each one. This is a book for someone who wants to do more than read. This is a book for a student of body language. There are many other books on body language. They include such diverse subjects as the body language of courtship and the body language of animals. No matter what type of body language you want to study, there is probably a book to help you do it.

Some Common Body Language Signals

Everyone is constantly sending nonverbal information to the world through body language. It has been shown that even people blind from birth exhibit complex expressions of body language. Since it is so much a part of the human condition, it is important to know at least a little of this language. Body language tells others how you feel. If you walk briskly and erect, you exude confidence. If you sit back with your hands behind your head and your legs crossed, it can mean confidence too. However, it can also mean that you feel superior or are arrogant. Many different body language cues point to a lack of self confidence. If you are patting your hair or playing with it, you seem less self assured. Most people see nail-biting as a nervous behavior. Yet, it can also suggest a feeling of inferiority. Body language can help a person to tell if you are interested or bored. If you are bored, you might sit with your legs crossed and you might kick one leg slightly. You could rest your head in your hands and look down. This body language would make you appear bored. Your body language can show others if you are thinking. If you hold your hand to your cheek you might be evaluating a situation. If you pinch the bridge of your nose with your eyes closed you might feel a negative evaluation. Making a decision might come when you are stroking your chin. Indecision could be shown by your body language when you tug at an ear. If you stand with your hands on your hips, your body language indicates that you are at the ready, and maybe even aggressive. If you steeple your fingers, you are showing the body language of authority. If you show an open palm, you are signaling sincerity and openness. Sit with your legs apart and you will also show that you are open and relaxed. If you are lying, be aware that you will probably show it with your body language. You will most likely rub or touch your nose. You can hardly help it because lying causes blood to rush

there. You will also tend to look up and to the right. This body language corresponds to thinking about the future, which you are doing as you think up your lie. Doubt or disbelief can be shown through your body language as well. You might find yourself rubbing your eye as if you can't believe what you're seeing. You might also turn your head completely away, or even look down, as if you want no part of this tale. Learning what you do in displaying body language can be very important to you. It can keep you from leaving a bad impression. It can help you to get a point across. Even more than that, it is wise to be aware of the same behaviors in other people. Their body language can alert you to problems before any words can ever come close.

Universal Body Language

All across the planet in every country and in every tribe, there are seven universal body language expressions. The seven expressions are Happiness, Sadness, Boredom, Fear, Anger, Surprise and Disgust. During part of my cross-cultural travels, I have seen each of these non verbal expressions true and consistent. Also, when I expressed these body language signs, I have been understood in cultures that did not know my primary language. My body language spoke loud and clear what I was feeling, experiencing or thinking. The concept of universal body language is easy to understand when you look at the practical non verbal definitions of each of the seven expressions. When someone is happy, they smile, their eyes widen, and they are non-threatening. Laughing or chuckling can be evident. Positive physical touches are made by the person that is happy. Though in some cases I did not understand or hear what was being said of me, I could see that people were happy to see me by these happy universal body language expressions. The same is true with sadness of course. Eyes can become wet and teary, there are no happy signals, and the face can look defeated or devastated. When it was time to leave a village after working on acts of kindness, such as fixing homes, etc., I could see that people had sullen sad body language. They could see my similar expression too as I tried to mirror what they felt, though I was happy internally to be returning home. Boredom can be easily identified. Often, I was responsible for mentoring and teaching my team on certain skills. I could tell when nationals and team members where past the point of receiving by the universal body language of Boredom. When someone is bored, they begin looking at their watches, tapping their fingers of moving their legs. Yawning may take place or a look of distraction settles on the face. You can also tell when someone is distracted due to boredom when they focus or look at other things instead of the speaker.

The universal body language of fear is evident when someone cowers at the object of their fear. They sometimes put their hands up to their face to avoid seeing what it is that makes them afraid. Sometimes, they will also attempt to signal to others to do what they do, and hide or run. Anger is a universal body language that expresses itself with symptoms like a red face, clinched fists, eyes fixed at the object one is mad at, etc. The body is often times in what could be called a, Ready Position. Meaning, the body is posed for a next step. An example of this is if someone is sitting in a chair and is leaning forward with their legs ready to lift their body at any second. Surprise and disgust are almost similar. In both body language expressions, the mouth and eyes can open wide. But, when someone is surprised, it is like a deer caught in the headlights of a car. When someone is disgusted, the body and face reject what their experiencing, be it food or an intangible occurrence.

Using Body Language in a Job Interview

It's rarely easy to go out and find a job. Having a good resume can get you in the door. It can make people ready and willing to meet you. They'll want to discuss your future with their company. However, poor use of body language can lose you the job just when you thought you'd won it. The interviewer doesn't say, "I want a person who can use body language." At least that is probably not their first consideration. They are more likely looking for a person who is honest, confident, and has other qualities that will help them succeed. The body language simply shows the interviewer if you have those qualities. Your job during the interview is to give yourself a fair shake. Display all your attributes with your body language so the interviewer will understand what a good worker you will be. This starts before you walk in the door. You can practice in front of a mirror or videotape yourself in a role-playing situation of a job interview. Study your body language to find meanings you don't intend. Then, be sure to be on time for the interview. From the time you enter the office, someone may be noticing your body language. If you have to wait in a reception area, it's best not to fiddle with notes from a briefcase. Instead, casually look through magazines or brochures to pass the time. Your body language will denote ease and confidence. When someone comes to tell you it's time to go in for the interview, enter the room as if you did it every day. Stride in with your head held high and your body moving with ease and assurance. Don't be apologetic by your body language about the way you do it. Before you start the interview, you should shake the interviewer's hand. Give a firm, but not overpowering, shake. Always shake hands with your palm up. If your palm is down, it will

imply that you are dominant. The interviewer will not be happy with this. Say your name so the interviewer will identify you with it. Sit in the seat offered. If it is left up to you, sit in a seat beside or across from the interviewer so they will benefit from your use of body language. Try to determine how close the person is comfortable with you being. This is often obvious because of the arrangement of the furniture. Try to avoid unacceptable body language. If you cross your arms across your chest, the interviewer will think you are being defensive. If you rub your nose, you might be seen as being dishonest. If you put your hands in your pockets, you may be judged as someone who is ill-at-ease or even someone with something to hide. These are types of body language you can easily get away from. There is much to be learned about the body language of job interviews. There are many websites to find more information. Forbes has one such page. The Wall Street Journal devotes a webpage to it as well. The more you know about body language, the closer you are to getting that job.

Using Body Language in Business

Starting in the first ten seconds a business associate or client meets you, he/she has already begun to form an opinion of you. This occurs through not only what they hear, but also every little detail that they see. Your body language is very powerful in business. In fact, body language can give others an image of your power, too. If you are in a room with business associates and you wish to appear powerful, you can stand during the meeting. This gives the impression of power. Moving around makes you seem even more powerful, and others might feel threatened by your body language. This might go too far. You can still give an image of power and confidence if you are sitting; just use up as much space as possible. Stretch out your legs, open up your arms, do anything to make yourself seem bigger. Showing confidence is as important in business as showing power. One way to show confidence through your body language is to keep from moving your head around too much. If your head is always in motion, it makes you appear to be the kind of person who seeks approval. Your eyes can help you to show confidence through your body language. If you maintain eye contact a good portion of the time, you will feel confident and honest as well. Blink too much and you will appear to have a lack of confidence, so try not to blink excessively. The body language of your eyes is critical.

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Negotiating a sale or other type of business deal can go more smoothly if you know a little about body language. To make a customer or business associate feel more at ease during negotiations, you can try mirroring. Mirroring is a type of body language in which you subtly mimic the movements of the other person. This makes them feel comfortable with you and more willing to follow your lead. Once they are at that point, you can try a method called tracking. In tracking, you start out mirroring. Then, you gently guide the person by making more and more open and positive body language movements. If the person follows your lead, you will be in a good position to make a sale or to complete the negotiations in your favor. If a person starts out with a closed posture he/she might be hard to deal with at first. The signs are folded arms, crossed legs, and maybe a turning away from you. If you mirror and then use tracking, you may begin to see a change. His/her body language might change to an open position. This usually means your methods are working. If you are trying to make a sale and your customer is always touching his/her hand to his/her face, you need to give this body language your attention. It usually means that they want to buy if only they can resolve some issue they have with the purchase. If you don't step in at this point, the customer may just walk away never quite knowing why he/she didn't buy. If you try to help them figure it out, you will probably make a sale. In business, things aren't always what they seem. You need to be able to project the image that is conducive to the type of business you are trying to do. You need to be able to identify your business associates' attitudes. With a working knowledge of body language, you can do this.

Body Language in American Politics

Body language plays a big part in all communication. We can hardly say anything without expressing more through the movements of our faces and bodies. It's no wonder, then, that body language has been displayed in American Politics. When George Washington crossed the Delaware, according to the famous painting, he was showing a body language stance of confidence. He did this by standing erect with his hands on his hips. There is evidence of the same stance by Woodrow Wilson during a time when he was lecturing at a university and by Walter Mondale during his presidential campaign. Many presidents and presidential hopefuls have shown body language signs of confidence and dominance. In the 1992 presidential debates, much of this was going on. Former President Bill Clinton, Ross Perot, and former President George Bush were all showing a palms down gesture that symbolized their belief in their superiority.

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Another nonverbal cue of body language is a way you tilt your head back and hold it there. This has shown up in speeches by Mussolini, Roosevelt, George Wallace, and even Al Gore. It symbolizes a feeling of being disdainful, arrogant, and superior. Sometimes, body language shows how uncomfortable a politician is. In 1988, former Vice President Dan Quayle was speaking in a televised debate. His opponent came out with a rather cutting remark, and Quayle's response was an immediate "Adam's apple jump." This is a classic sign of nervousness. The angle that you put yourself in relationship to others is a part of body language. Former President Richard Nixon was known for being uncomfortable around people. This was shown in the way he set himself at a ninety degree angle to others he was dealing with. Much has been made of a 1988 Time magazine cover photo. It shows Jesse Jackson, who was making a run for president at the time. He is standing with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Some say this is a classic defensive pose. This may or may not be a correct interpretation of his body language. A tense, pouting mouth can show uncertainty, frustration, and sadness. Photos were taken of former President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky ordeal. In them he is often displaying such a form of body language. Former President Ronald Reagan and the Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev had important matters to discuss at summit. There were times when they didn't agree. However, when they did agree, their body language showed it. At such times, they would face each other. They would also sit in similar postures. A Republican pollster, R. Teeter, did an experiment about body language in politics. He showed people visual footage of politicians campaigning. They were doing their usual speech-making, hand shaking, and the rest. There was no sound, only video. As it turned out, those who had only the body language of the candidates to read rated them the same way as those who knew their politics and views. It was shown that a lot is determined about choice of candidate by body language alone. Body language has played a part in American politics and will continue to do so. As long as Americans can see who they're voting for, they will watch as much as they will listen. Thanks to body language, leaders are easier to judge.

Why Knowing Body Language is Important

Some people are aggravating with their comments about your body language. It seems that they only use these observations to make you feel uncomfortable or inferior. These people make knowing body language seem like an obnoxious habit. However, there are some very important reasons why it is good to know about body language.

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One reason to know body language is to evaluate situations. For one thing, it's good to know when you are being lied to. Sometimes the person wants to avoid telling you an unpleasant truth. At these times, you may find it necessary to get to the bottom of things. It would be a good time to know body language to determine if the person is being honest. At other times, the lie poses some sort of threat to you. When this happens, you need to sort out fact from fiction so you will know how to protect yourself. Body language will help you to do this. In any kind of business, it is necessary to size up the competition. It is also essential to know the attitude of your customer. Usually these people won't tell you what's on their minds. The rival will hide this to dominate you, while the customer might not really know his/her own mind. If you know body language in these situations, you will get much further than if you don't. The opposition can't blind-sight you. You'll be ready for him/her because you understand the situation. You will be able to work with the customer since you can tell when the person has reservations. Knowing how to speak the body language of animals can keep you safe. If you give the right gestures, you can signal to an animal that you are friendly and will not harm them. This can save you from being bitten. If you project dominance too soon with your body language, you may be repaid with an attack. Creating a good first impression can be aided by knowing a few things about body language. This can help you in any situation where you meet people. It may be in a job interview. Your body language may help you land the job. You could meet people at a party. You could even meet new people at church or a club. Whenever you do, attention to body language can leave them with a favorable impression. If you are placed in a position of responsibility for other people, knowing body language can again come to your aid. You can try methods of converting body language into a posture of authority and confidence. Projecting these attributes is important in leading people. The dance of meeting, courting, and love all revolve around body language. You can attract a certain person using the right gestures and body movements. You can show what you want to show them about your feelings if you have the body language skill. Every aspect of life is filled with expressions of body language by you and those around you. It's important to understand both the world and the feelings you are displaying towards it.

Why Body Language Isn't an Exact Science

You might be told that you are expressing something through body language that you haven't said. Maybe you don't agree that you were saying that, even nonverbally. Many mistakes can be made when trying to interpret body language.

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The most notorious mistake people make is to tell someone that he/she is showing defensive body language because he/she is crossing the arms over the chest. While that may be true, there could be other explanations that could be just as accurate. It may just mean that the air in the room is cold. Or, he/she may simply be more comfortable with the arms in that position, especially if there are no arms on the chair the person is sitting in. What's more, if you tell a person that he/she is being defensive, his/her body language will definitely become so. Eye contact is another shady area when it comes to body language. Most people assume that you should engage the other person with as much eye contact as possible. While eye contact is important, it can be overdone. Staring is considered an aggressive move. However, it may just mean that the person is being overzealous at trying to keep eye contact. Another instance of trying to interpret the body language of eye contact is to determine honesty. It seems obvious that a person who is lying to you will not be able to look you square in the eye. The truth is that there are many reasons why a person might feel the need to look away. These might include their shyness or a feeling that you are being aggressive in your body language. The body language of a person who is actually lying to you may be quite different than what you expect. Since most people have heard that lying people look away, a person who is lying will often stare. Obviously, they don't want to get caught and they will use what they know about body language to help them. If a person pinches the bridge of the nose with the eyes closed, people who pay attention to body language will most likely explain that this person is demonstrating a negative evaluation. However, the person could just have a headache. How many times have you seen a person who has a migraine in just this posture? Eye-rubbing is usually seen as some form of doubt or disbelief. There are really several reasons why a person would rub an eye. The person might have something in the eye. They might be sleepy. Or, they might be suffering from allergies. The body language may simply be a physical reaction, in other words. Putting your hands and fingers in a steeple or pyramid shape is often thought to convey an attitude of authority and confidence. Sometimes, that's just what it is. Sometimes, though, the person is only trying to project these images even if they are not true. If a person knows a little about body language, they can certainly confuse things. Probably the best way to identify the meaning of body language is to look for overall patterns. While one behavior may point you towards a belief that the person has one attitude, patterns tell more. A group of behaviors appearing together will give you a better read on someone's body language.

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Making Money With Body Language

Learning and understanding body language has really become popular in the past few years. Employers now hire professionals to teach body language skills to their employees. Take for instance, sales people. It behooves the sales professional to learn body language skills. This will help them better communicate from their end and also teach them how to pick up buying signals from their prospective customer. Motivational speakers and corporate trainers can make money with body language. For those in law enforcement, the need to know when someone is lying or being deceptive is imperative. This market is in great need for books, videos, etc on understanding the body language of a person that is lying and being deceptive. Select professionals in law enforcement may have the skills necessary, but these tools can be equally useful and needed on a managerial level at any institution. There are plenty of situations when a supervisor needs to confront or question workers. Understanding lying and deceptive body language will help the supervisor be more efficient in his investigative work. There are hundreds of internet websites, books and video resources on the subject of using body language in romantic relationships. Society eats this stuff up. One can make money with body language in relation to flirting and attracting people. I believe there are not enough video type resources to demonstrate body language in real live action, when trying to attract and keep the opposite sex. Reading on the subject is one thing, but watching someone model the skills of body language is another level of assimilation. This is one area where making money with body language is almost guaranteed. I believe young people who love baseball wish they understood the body language that takes place on teams during games. If a book or resource was available to teach the dynamics of how to develop body language in baseball, the author of said resources could make a lot of money. Not only will individual boys beg their parents for a book like this, but little league coaches, dads, school coaches, etc will want it too. Making money with body language can be had in the field of parenting and family building. Most families want to have a peaceful and fluid home. Anything that creates barriers in communication and progress is an opportunity for making money. The need for parents to understand the body language of their children or spouses is so important. I myself have purchased two books on communication but have found that a small percentage focuses on body language. There are lots of opportunities to make money with body language. I don't think I've seen one resource on How to Understand Your Dog's Body Language. Imagine the spin off opportunities for other animals like cats, horses, etc. Resources should include all reasons for body language. There are many variables to why the body does express itself without words. But, it is possible to make money with body language and help meet real needs.

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