Body language is the language we use every day, unconsciously. It is a language that can be very useful in communicating with other people.
What is body language? Definition of the term
Body language is all forms of nonverbal communication. It includes all body movements, facial expressions, posture and gestures. It can be a conscious or unconscious communication of information. It is often more reliable than words because it is hard to hide or manipulate. Body language can be used to express emotions, intentions, internal states and thoughts. It can also help develop and maintain relationships. It is one of the most important elements of interpersonal communication. Scientists believe that about 55-60% of all human communication is body language. So it is a very important form of communication that is worth learning about and can help you communicate better.
Division of body language
There are many types of body language. Gestures can be made consciously or unconsciously. We can also understand them in different ways, depending on context and culture. Here are some examples of types of body language:
- Conscious gestures: e.g., clapping or tapping someone on the shoulder to summon them.
- Unconscious gestures: e.g., shaking your legs or touching your face.
- Emotional gestures: e.g. squeezing someone tightly to show them that we are happy with them.
- Communicative gestures: e.g., nodding or shaking our head to indicate that we understand.
- Expressive gestures: e.g. waving our hands to show that we are upset.
As we can see, there are many different types of body language. It is worth paying attention to them, as they can help us better communicate with other people.
What can we read from body language?
Reading body language is a skill that can help us in our personal and professional lives. We get to know someone when we talk to them, but also when we look at them. Body language can tell us more than words. That is why it is worth observing it.
One of the elements of body language is gesture. Gestures are movements of the hands and arms. They are often used to express emotions and feelings. For example, when someone is happy, he may wave his arms up. When someone is angry, he may shout and wave his arms.
Another element is body posture. Body posture can show what someone’s attitude is toward the interlocutor. For example, when someone is interested in what the other person is saying, he or she may stand straight and direct all attention to the interlocutor. When someone is bored or uninterested, they may lean back or turn away from the interlocutor.
Learning about body language can help us better understand people. We can learn when someone is sincere, when they are lying or when they are anxious. We can also better communicate with other people.
Is it possible to control body language?
Body language is one of the most important elements of communication. Through it we can express our emotions, intentions and thoughts. Unfortunately, it is often unconscious and can lead to misunderstandings. Therefore, it is worth learning to control it.
This can be done in several ways. The simplest is to carefully observe your own body language and try to control it. It is also worth learning to use it in the right way. For example, when we want to convince someone of our point of view, we can reach for a gesture or facial expression that will facilitate this.
Let’s remember that body language is as important as words. Through it we can express our emotions, intentions and thoughts. So it is worth learning to control it.