Body Language

© Oxford University Press 2011. All rights reserved.

Body Language

Personality Development and Soft SkillsBarun K Mitra


What is Body Language?

Body language is a form of non-verbal communication,

which is expressed through body posture, gestures, facial

expressions, and eye movements.

To understand and inculcate good body language one must

be aware of the various emotions displayed by the body in

response to various situations.


Emotions displayed by the body

EmotionsEmotions

AggressiveAggressiveSubmissiveSubmissive

AttentiveAttentive

NervousNervous

UpsetUpset

BoredBored

RelaxedRelaxed

PowerPower DefensiveDefensive


Aggressiveness

Characterized by the following traits:• Tightened jaws• Stiff facial muscles• A sombre face• Straight staring eyes• Thumping on a table• Raised voice• Animated gestures


• Aggressive behaviour is an undesirable

characteristic especially in professional settings

such as interviews and group discussions

• Controlled aggression is a useful tool to cultivate

and execute in team meetings, negotiations, etc.

Aggressiveness (analysis)


Characterized by the following traits:

• Head down• Slack jawed• Frequent nods of agreement• Poor eye contact• Constricted body posture

Submissiveness


• Submissiveness is also a negative emotion and

should be avoided in all situations.

• The more desirable characteristic of being flexible

should be cultivated and practiced.

Submissiveness (analysis)



• Looking straight at the speaker• Mild nods of head at periodic intervals• Chin and body slightly bent forward towards the

speaker

Attentiveness


• This is a crucial attribute and should be developed

consciously.

• Attentiveness in interviews, meetings, and

discussions with superiors is appreciated and goes a

long way in creating a favourable impression

Attentiveness (analysis)



• Visible lack of confidence

-unsteady voice

-avoiding eye contact

-head bent down• Being restless or fidgety• Biting of nails or gripping the chair tightly

Nervousness


• Nervousness should be avoided in all situations.

• Nervousness shows lack of confidence and preparation.

• It is thus important to identify one’s abilities and cultivate

them as strengths.

• Practicing on your hand and body movements, voice,

diction, etc, will help you to be more confident in an

interview or while giving a presentation

Nervousness (analysis)



• Tightened jaws• Deliberate frown on the forehead• Prolonged disapproving nods• Walking impatiently at the back or side of

the room, with head down facing the ground, and annoyed face

• Eyes closed occasionally• Not having eye contact with others or having

a very cold stare• Unstable or losing control over emotions (e.g., voice

shaking, out-of control gestures)

Upset


• Losing control of one’s emotions, especially in a

professional situation is always undesirable.

• This is one attribute that is tested during a stress

interview and the ability to remain calm under

duress is a valuable asset.

Upset (analysis)



• Prolonged or frequent yawns• Eyes shut for a long duration• Looking around aimlessly• Checking watch/mobile phone• Blank stares• Body bent back to a significant degree

Boredom


• Boredom is another negative characteristic

that quickly creates a poor impression on

an interviewer.

• One should concentrate on the task at

hand and develop an interest by taking

notes and coming up with logical

questions.

Boredom (analysis)


• head straight, chest upright and balanced body• no folds or frown on the forehead• easy and quiet breathing• arms hanging loosely or confidently placed in the

pocket• gentle smile showing on the face• calm eyes

Relaxed



• This is a positive trait and creates a

favourable impression on the

interviewer or supervisor.

• It conveys confidence and the ability

to handle a task effectively

• Relaxedness should however not be

misconstrued as lack of interest or

inattentiveness

Relaxed (analysis)


• outstretched arms while doing a handshake to disallow the other person from coming too close or having a firm grip

• confident look (accompanying a firm and deep voice)

• evaluative looks and demeanor (questioning speakers)

Power



• This is an important personality trait and one should be

aware of one’s power to influence.

• However, it is easy to get carried away and misuse

power. Judicious and subtle use of power is accepted

and appreciated in professional setups.

Power (analysis)



• Tightly folded arms• Crossed legs• Frown on the face• Showing nervousness (while giving excuses)

Defensive


• Defensiveness is a negative emotion and should be

avoided

• It generally arises out of a sense of insecurity and

being overly sensitive, both of which are negative

emotions.

Defensive (analysis)

Documents

Body Language