How to read someone body language – part 2

Body language is a form of nonverbal communication that deals with the way facial expressions and body movements are used to express people’s true feelings.

The ability to understand people’s body language and also be aware of your own nonverbal signals is an extremely valuable asset to have in your arsenal of communication skills.

Your ability in reading body language allows you to become more aware of what someone is trying to tell you, whether they’re intending to tell you that information or not.

Let`s talk about Eyes that lie

You probably grew up hearing, „Look me in the eye when you talk to me!”

People are operating under the assumption that it’s tough to hold someone’s gaze when you’re lying to them, and they are right to an extent.

But that’s such common knowledge that people will often deliberately hold eye contact in an attempt to cover up the fact that they’re lying.

If you’re talking with someone very still and unblinking – something is up and that person might be lying you.

RAISED EYEBROWS SIGNAL DISCOMFORT 

There are three main emotions that make your eyebrows go up:

• surprise
• worry
• fear

Try raising your eyebrows when you’re having a relaxed casual conversation with a friend. It’s hard to do, isn’t it?

If somebody who is talking to you raises their eyebrows and the topic isn’t one that would logically cause surprise, worry, or fear, there is something else going on.

Understanding body language can help you communicate better in any situation. Here are some examples of specific ways awareness of body language can benefit you:

• It makes a better first impression. Someone’s first impression of you can stick with them forever, and using positive body language can help show people you’re sincere, attentive, and trustworthy.
• It improves public speaking. Body language can be used to project confidence, and to hold the attention of your audience.
• It helps you excel at job interviews. In a stressful situation like a job interview, body language can help you appear relaxed, charismatic, and interested, in order to better build a relationship with the interviewer.
• It allows you to move more easily through everyday life.

Being regularly conscious of your own body language signals can actually help you develop a higher level of emotional intelligence, which can create a positive impact on your mental health.