Interpreting Body Language - Posture Behavior
- 1. - Mayank Bhardwaj Assistant Professor - Communication Skills 1
- 2. What does the posture reflect? 2
- 4. Closed posture is a posture in which parts of the body most susceptible to trauma are obscured. These body parts are: throat, abdomen and genitals. Damage to either prevents the transfer of their genes to future generations and is sometimes seen as being synonymous with death. Closed Posture 4
- 5. Arms crossed on the chest or abdomen, Hands clasped in front of the genitals, and crossing legs. Clothing may also signal closed posture: a buttoned suit, or a handbag or briefcase held in front of the person. Closed posture often gives the impression of detachment, disinterest, and hostility. Research has also shown that these behaviors usually convey unpleasant feelings. Contd. 5
- 6. Open posture is a posture in which the vulnerable parts of the body are exposed. The head is raised. The shirt may be unbuttoned at the neck, a bag is held on the shoulder or at the side. Open posture is often perceived as communicating a friendly and positive attitude. The feet are spread. The palms are up and the hands and fingers are spread. Open Posture 6
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- 9. Showing the palms of the hands or leaning forward can be a signal of open posture, especially if the hand is relaxed. The back of the hand or clenching hands into fists may represent a closed posture. Hands clasped behind the back may also signal closed posture even though the front is exposed because it can give the impression of hiding something or resistance to closer contact. Closed and open posture also apply when seated. Crossed legs and arms can signal closed posture. Hands – A Critical Indicator 9
- 10. Inclination of the body. During conversation, a person may lean slightly toward another person or tilt slightly away from him/her. This behavior is usually unconscious. An inclination towards can be an expression of sympathy and acceptance. Inclining away can signal dislike, disapproval, or a desire to end the conversation. Different inclinations of the head may carry similar meanings. Interpersonal Attitudes 10
- 11. Similarity. During the conversation, people have an unconscious tendency to imitate others' behavior. This happens when the conversation runs seamlessly and is enjoyable for both parties. This approximation of attitudes, gestures, and body movements can indicate the emergence of a bond and sympathy and is known as stereotyped behavior as defined by Edwin Ray Guthrie. Lack of synchronous behavior may lead to a sense that the contact is artificial, forced, or unpleasant. Contd. 11
- 12. Orientation of the body. Usually people talk directed toward each other, but not squarely face to face, which can be indicative of a confrontational stance. In conversation, the participants' bodies are usually turned toward each other at an angle. When a person ignores someone else, they tend to ignore or avoid contact by showing the other person their side or back. Contd. 12
- 13. If two people of different social standings talk to each other, the person with a higher position usually takes a more relaxed attitude. Their posture may be unbalanced, relaxed, and may appear to be nonchalant. A person with a lower position often maintains symmetrical posture by placing both hands on their lap or at their sides. Typically, a person with higher status sits down and talks while sitting. A person of lower status may stand or they may remain standing until they are asked to sit. Social Standing 13
- 14. Mood influences muscle tone, energy level, and one's internal sense of well-being. Thus, body posture can reveal a person's current state of mind. Anger, sadness, and disgust are by far the most recognized body postures that are indicative of emotions. Influencer - Mood 14
- 15. Stress can affect posture subconsciously; a person under stress will often have a greater amount of muscle tension, and may also have shallow breathing. Well-being affects posture by giving it a sense of energy and balance. A person's spine will be straight and the head raised. Influencer - Wellbeing 15
- 16. Malaise affects posture with a sense of tiredness. A person's shoulders may droop, and the head may be bowed down or tilted to the left or right. Confidence affects posture by the uprightness (or not) of one's body. Contd. 16
- 17. Thank You. 17
Editor's Notes
- #3: Slouched, forehead resting on palm – lost in thoughts possibly concerned about a problem mentioned in the letter or paper shown.
- #4: Closed posture – indicates what – closed thoughts and attitude towards the environment or the person specific present on-spot. Open posture – indicates what – open thought and positive attitude – open behaviour towards and a welcoming attitude to people.
- #5: Death here indicates that the person due to life threatening or image damaging reasons will be closed to others.