People use more than just words to communicate. In fact, some researchers claim that less than half
of a spoken message's real meaning is in the words used in the message. They say that most of a
message's meaning comes from understanding how the speaker uses things like tone of voice and
body language.
Body language includes such things as the expression on the speaker's fact, gestures the speaker
makes with his or her hands, and the position of the speaker's body. Just as there are many different
languages spoken around the words, there are many different ways for people to use body languages
too. For example, gestures may imply different meaning in different cultures. Making a "thumbs
up" sign in America means "Great!" However, in Arab cultures, this gesture is extremely offensive.
And in India, if listeners want to show speakers that they understand, the listeners will move their
heads from side to side. In many Western countries, a similar gesture means "no."
Although many gestures can be interpreted differently by different cultures, there are also many
gestures that are almost universally interpreted the same way. For example, by and large a smile is
understood as a sign of friendship or good will around the word. Also, using an open hand to
gesture toward something is viewed as polite or friendly in most cultures.
There are also some forms of body language that can be universally read with the meaning, "I am
interested in you" or " I like you." sometimes this kind of body language is used unconsciously
between two people. These sign of interest include standing or sitting with both feet flat on the
ground, mirroring or using the same gestures as the other person, and turning one's body to fully
face the other person. In addition, a person's pupils will automatically become wider when they
are interested in another person.
Body language that can be read with the meaning, "I am not interested in you" or "I do not like
you," may include the following gestures: looking down or looking in another direction, leaning
away from a person, crossing one's arms or legs, or tapping a foot or finger.
Body language experts point out important thing. The person's culture is only one factor that
can influence his or her use of body language. The time and place where the body language is being
used can have a lot to do with a person's body language. If the person has had a bad day or if a
meeting takes place in a crowded place, the body language a person uses may be very different than
under other circumstances.