Body Language Magic : Reading The Signs

Chapter 1

Reading the Signs

We use body language everyday in our lives to get our message across, to achieve positive feedback in our lives, and to get whatever we want.

We use this language all the time, but we may not be aware of it.

Moreover, this language doesn't only involve the mouth but the whole body as well.

Could you even imagine the awesome power of applying it? 

With it, you'll be able to interpret other people's inner emotions even if they're not directly expressing it.

You'll also be able to modify your behavior to fit the situation.

You'll get them to like and trust you. What words cannot do, body language can.

In this chapter, we shall explore the various body gestures or movements conveyed by people in different scenarios. Let’s begin.

Suggesting Interest

It is important to know if people are interested in what you are saying; otherwise, you are just wasting your time.

Just imagine you are a chemistry teacher.

You have always been interested in chemistry, so you assume that your students feel the same way as you do.

But are they really interested?

Are your teaching methods good enough to arouse their interest?

Unless you can recognize the different body signals your students are conveying, you would never know how they are adapting to the subject matter.

And unless you find out if staring continuously at you without blinking the eyes is a sign of interest or an indication of being in dreamland, you simply could not take the necessary steps to adjust to their learning needs.

Here are some of the movements exhibited by people who are interested in what you are saying:

• They maintain eye contact more than 60% of the time.The more wide-opened the eyes are, the more interested the person is. In fact, a person maintains eye contact more when listening than when talking. 
• Their heads are inclined forward.
• They are nodding their heads. Such action means that they're agreeing with you. That means they're attentive and listening.
• Their feet are pointing towards you.
• They smile frequently. But take note, not all smiles convey the same feeling. An oblong smile is not genuine.It is used to show courtesy, but not necessarily happiness or friendliness. The lips are withheld completely back from the upper and lower teeth, forming the oblong shape. This is usually the smile that many people exhibit when they feign to enjoy a lame joke.

Indications That They're More Open to Agree with You

When you were a young child, have you ever tried to decode what your parents’ facial expressions mean when you ask them to buy you a new toy or to take you to Disneyland?

A frown would likely be a “No!”

But a nod would make you jump with joy.

As you grow older, it has become a necessity to be able to detect if other people will agree with your decision or proposal.

This is an ability that will truly help negotiators, employees, and even lovers to succeed in their ventures because they would be able to change their approach early enough to adjust to a specific situation. 

There are certain hints to indicate if people are more receptive in accepting your ideas.

Some of these are:

• Their hands are flat on the table.
• Their palms are open.
• If they're stroking their chin, they're thinking. They may agree with you after careful evaluation.
• Their heads are inclined forward.
• They are nodding their heads.
• Their legs are spaced out from each other.
• They smile frequently.
• They unbutton their jackets. This indicates friendliness and willingness to collaborate with you.  
• Their hands are open. This also indicates genuineness.
• They place their hands in their chest. This signifies openness and conveys sincerity, honesty, or dedication. However, a woman putting her hands in her breast is a defensive position and may indicate that she is surprised or astonished.

Indications That They are Thinking

People think all the time.

But different individuals make different body movements based on the type and intensity of their thinking.

Some of their actions are written below:

• They’re stroking their chin. This means they are assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal/idea being presented.
• They take their glasses off, after which they may either (1) clean them, or (2) put the tip of the frame in their mouth. They are buying themselves some time to think things over. A frame in the mouth would also likely indicate that they need more details and they are willing to listen.
• They are pinching the bridge of the nose most likely with eyes closed. People doing this are engaged in very deep thought. They may be involved in a difficult situation, where they are aware of the consequences that may occur as a result of making crucial decisions.
• They put a palm below the chin, index finger pointed and extended along the cheek, while other fingers placed beneath the mouth. This gesture more likely indicates thoughts that are criticizing or antagonizing other people.
• They walk with the head down and hands behind the back. People who walk this way are probably worried about their problems, and they are thinking of ways to solve them.