During my certification as a professional coach, I was introduced to the topic "Interpreting Body Language" and received training on how to watch for these signs. Often we tend to overlook this area when we lead, teach, coach or manage people. Although in International business meetings body language can have different meanings (we should familiarize ourselves with when conducting business meetings with people of different cultural background), nevertheless, in our day to day meetings, addressing an audience, performing reviews or evaluations, or just meeting one on one with a subordinate, we can learn to interpret body language and strive for a positive outcome in any situation.
Here are a few common hands, facial and body gestures:
- Raised eyebrows and slight smile ----------------- Encouragement
- Open expression and tilted head ------------------- Shows interest
- Upright posture/demeanor --------------------------- Alertness
- Shoulders hunched /no eye contact----------------- Low level of concentration, low self confidence
- Clenched fist, head lowered----------------------------- Displeased, angry
- Arms folded, avoids eye contact---------------------- Boredom
- Hand pointing aggressively----------------------------- Provocation, heckler (as stated in my previous post)
- Hand pushing up against head------------------------- Lack of motivation
- Fingers cupping chin/eye contact--------------------- Desire to learn or know more
- Tapping fingers or restlessness------------------------ Lack of enthusiasm or a "don't care attitude"
- Eye contact/open body language--------------------- Attentiveness
- Wide eyed/raised eyebrows-------------------------- Annoyance, irritation
- Averted gaze/touching ear, squeezing eyes --------- Disbelief
- Open hand gestures-------------------------------------- Enthusiasm
Note: Closed posture denotes hunched shoulders and no eye contact.
Open posture denotes arms and hands relaxed, sitting or standing in an upright position.
If you can watch out for these signs (not limited to this list), you can respond appropriately, or take the necessary corrective action to control a situation.
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