25 Most Interesting Body Language Facts
“Your body language shapes who you are.”
Body language is the unspoken element of communication that we use to reveal our true feelings and emotions. Our gestures, facial expressions and posture, for instance.
When we are able to “read” these signs, we can use it to our advantage. For example, it can help us to understand the complete message of what someone is trying to say to us, and to enhance our awareness of people’s reactions to what we say and do.
We can also use it to adjust our own body language so that we appear more positive, engaging and approachable. Here are some interesting body language facts.
1 A normal, relaxed blinking rate is 6–8 blinks per minute, and the eyes are closed for about 1/10th of a second. People under pressure (such as when they are lying) are likely to dramatically increase their blinking rate.
2 Eye blocking (covering the eyes, delaying opening the eyes, lowering the eyes for a prolonged time) is a very powerful display of consternation, disbelieve, or disagreement.
3 When feeling discomfort, men typically prefer to touch their faces. Women, on the other hand, prefer to touch their necks, clothing, jewelry, arms, and hair.
4 When two people talk to each other, they normally speak toe to toe. If one person turns his feet slightly away or repeatedly moves one foot in an outward direction, this is a strong sign of disagreement, and they want to leave. In fact, the feet and legs are the body parts most likely to reveal a person’s true intentions.
5 People are typically perceived as more attractive when they tilt their heads.
6 When people sit side to side, the direction of the leg crosses become significant. If they are good terms, the top leg crossed over will point toward the other person. If a person is uncomfortable, he will switch the position of the legs so that the thigh becomes a barrier.
7 During high-comfort social interactions, our feet and legs will mirror those of the person with whom we are talking(also known as isopraxism).
8 When a foot suddenly begins to kick, it is usually a good indicator of discomfort. This is seen in people being interviewed as soon as a question is asked that they don’t like.
9 A sudden crossing of the arms during a conversation often indicates discomfort. Or a businessperson may suddenly decide to button his or her jacket when talking to someone disagreeable, only to undo the jacket once the conversation is over.
10 A partial shoulder shrug indicates that the speaker is not committed to what was just said. A more honest and true response causes both shoulders to rise fully, sharply, and equally. When only one side rises, the message is dubious.
11The “hooding affect” is a powerful territorial display among humans. Interlaced hands behind the head are indicative of comfort and dominance. Usually the senior person at a meeting will pose or “hood” this way.
12 One of the best ways to establish rapport with someone is to touch that person on the arm somewhere between the elbow and shoulder (though it is always wise to first assess the person’s personal and cultural preferences).
13 Hand-steepling may be the most powerful high-confidence hand gesture. It involves touching the spread fingertips of both hands in a gesture similar to praying hands, but the fingers are not interlocked and the palms may not be touching. In the U.S., women tend to steeple low (at the waist), while men tend to steeple at chest level.
14 Thumbs can be a powerful form of body language. Often seen with high-status individuals, the thumb sticking out of the pocket is a high-confidence display. Generally when individuals carry their thumbs high, it is a sign they think highly of themselves or are confident.
15 Children who are born blind will cover their eyes when they hear bad news.
16 Research suggests that liars tend to gesture less, touch less, and move their arms and legs less than honest people.
17 People who smile without actually feeling happy can make themselves feel happier.
18 The “thumbs-up” sign means “good” to Westerners, “one” to Italians, “five” to Japanese, and “up yours” in Greece. In Iran, it represents a penis.
19 Men who stand up straight, square their shoulders, plant their feet slightly more than shoulder width apart, and display their hands are seen as more fertile.
20 Note a woman and her purse. If a woman is feeling uncomfortable or not attracted to someone, she will either clutch her bag tightly or place it in front of her to cover her body. When she is attracted to a man, she will move it aside — she literally does not want anything in her way.
21 Folding your arms during an interview makes you seem unfriendly and closed off from the interviewer.
22 Perhaps one of the most offensive gestures we possess is finger pointing. It has negative connotations around the globe.
23 In Asia, kissing is considered an intimate act and not permissible in public, even as a social greeting.
24 When he gently kisses you on the lips and takes his time enjoying the moment of being with you, it means he values your love. He loves you and wants to have a chance with you. It’s a sure sign of love and you should take it if you are also in love with him.
25 Eight of the most common lying gestures include 1) the mouth cover, 2) the nose touch, 3) incongruous nodding, 4) the eye rub, 5) the ear grab, 6) the neck scratch, 7) the collar pull, and 8) fingers in the mouth.
So readers! here are some interesting body language facts. And if you like my work, don’t forget to clap.
Thank You.
