Body Language

Bodily orientation (the degree to which one interactant’s shoulders and legs are turned toward, rather than away from, the other interactant):

· Standing individuals interact with more direct orientation with those of higher status than with those of lower status.

Open and closed bodily positions (with open positions consisting of knees apart, legs stretched out, elbows away from body, hands not touching, legs uncrossed, etc., and closed positions consisting of legs crossed at either knees or ankles, hands folded on lap, arms crossed, etc.):

· Individuals with open body positions are perceived more positively than those with closed body positions.

· Individuals with open body positions are more persuasive than those with closed body positions.

Trunk lean (the direction in which one interactant positions his or her trunk, forward / toward or backward / away from, in relation to the other interactant):

· Individuals who engage in forward trunk leans increase the verbal output of their interactional partner more than those who do not.

· Individuals tend to engage in more sideways-leans when interacting with lower-status than with higher-status individuals.

Postural positions:

· The adoption (or imitation) of common bodily postures (identified as posture matching) by interactants in pairs or groups tends to enhance rapport between/ among the interactants, because it signals that the interactants are open to and with one another. The adoption of noncongruent postures tends to indicate attitudinal and perceptual differences or relationship distance.

Gestures (hand and arm movements):

· Speakers engage in more manipulative gestures (such as touching self or surroundings) when they are responding to intimate questions and when they are interacting at a close interpersonal distance.

· Individuals’ hand movements – especially vertical one – can indicate a positive interpersonal relationship.

Head movements:

· Listeners who engage in head nodding increase the speech duration of speakers.

· Listeners who engage in head nodding provide positive reinforcements for speakers.

Interpersonal Distances from Various Categories of Interaction

Distance	Type of Encounter	Voice Volume
Close (8 in. to 12 in.)	Highly personal, seldom used in public.	Audible whisper, very confidential
Near (12 in. to 36 in.)	Many dyadic social interactions occur.	Indoors, soft voice;
Neutral (41/2 ft.to 5 ft.)	Most social gatherings and business transactions.	Outdoors, full voice
Public distance (51/2 ft. to 8 ft.)	Business and social discourse more formal. Desks in offices are placed to hold off visitors.	Full voice with slight over loudness
Across the room (8 ft. to 20 ft.)	Used by teachers or speakers at public gatherings.	Loud voice talking to a group
Far distance (20 ft. and more)	Public speaking by public figures.	Hailing distances, public-address systems

This table shows the proximity between the speaker and listener in a conversational setting. It can be used to assist a speaker in determining how far away s/he should be form his/her audience, and to show what volume s/he should use in speaking to the audience.

Proper Climates for Interactions

Defensive Climates	Supportive Climates
Leaning back (possibly with both hands supporting the head) or away	Leaning forward
Positioning body to exclude partner, pointing feet or entire body toward the exit	Positioning body to include partner
Turning face away from partner	Turning face toward partner nodding head vertically (affirmatively)
Shaking head horizontally (negatively)	Nodding head vertically (affirmatively)
Assuming incongruent (dissimilar) body posture	Assuming congruent (similar) body posture
Making excessive postural shifts, fidgeting, tapping or jiggling a foot, maintaining a fixed or rigid body posture	Maintaining a relaxed/involved body posture
Elevating one's self, "standing tall"	Maintaining same elevation as partner
Holding head and/or body erect, tilting head back	Tilting head slightly to the side
Increasing distance between self and partner or invading partner's personal space	Maintaining a close and comfortable distance from the partner
Maintaining a closed body posture (crossing or locking arms/legs or camouflaging body crosses)	Maintaining an open body posture
Crossing legs away from partner	Crossing legs toward partner touching partner
Avoiding tactile contact with partner	Touching partner
Engaging in highly expansive gestures	Engaging in natural gestures

This table illustrates some of the commonly made body posture mistakes

during conversations, known as defensive climates (left column), and provides

the proper body positioning, or supportive climates (right column).

Common Gesture Meanings

Gesture	When in Moderate Form	When Exaggerated
Forward Lean	Friendly feelings	Hostile feelings
Direct eye contact	Friendly feelings	Hostile feelings
Unique dress and hair style	Creativity	Rebelliousness
Upright posture	Expertise; self-confidence	Uprightness; hostility
Variability in voice pitch, rate and loudness	Lively mind	Nervousness; anxiety; insecurity
Smiling	Friendliness; relaxed and secure composure	Masking hostility; submissiveness
Averting gaze	Shyness; modesty	Guilt; unreliability
Knitted brow	Involvement	Hostility
Nodding and reaching out the hands while talking	Self-confidence	Uncertainty
Nonverbal Gestures to Avoid	Common Intrepretations
Hair-twirling	Incompetence and uncertainty
Placing your hand in front of your mouth	Anxiety about your competence
Rubbing your arm or leg	Anxiety about your competence; uncertainty
Wringing your hands; rubbing your fingers	Nervousness; anxiety; uncertainty
Slumped posture	Boredom; alienation

This table describes some common gestures and their associated meanings. Utilizing gestures as a type of body language assists the sender in clearly and effectively translating the message to the listener. Using the appropriate gestures during a conversation will maximize the impact of the message.

Works Cited