While communicating with others we generally ignore our own body language. What our tongue says that does not match with the expression of our body. The receiver can easily notice these non verbal behaviors and misinterprets the meaning of our message. Most of the time talented candidates are not selected in the interviews because of poor body language.

If we give a little attention towards our own body language as well as that of the listener, then we can make a very powerful communication. Here I have mentioned some common body expressions and how they are interpreted by the receiver. Please remember these characteristics can vary with the personality and the culture.

Gestures:

Types                                         Significance

Open palms                          Positive personality
Eye to eye confrontation      honest and direct
Smile                                      Open personality

Handshakes:

Type                                               Significance

Equal handshake                       Equal in behavior and attitude 
Tight grasp                                  Superiority complex
Limp handshake                        Inferiority complex
Informal handshake                  Informal behavior and attitude

The Gazes:

Type                                               Significance

Eyes to forehead                         Official interaction
Forehead to lips                          Social interaction
Head to toe                                   Call for intimacy
Shifty eye                                       Lack of concentration
Evasive eye                                   Lack of credibility
Stammering eye                          Lack of confidence

Smiles:

Type                                           Significance
Felt smile                                 Happy with the interaction
Miserable smile                      Dissatisfied
False smile                              Sarcastic/ dangerous

Walking Styles:

Type                                                      Significance
Hands in pocket                                 Macho image/ shy/ critical
Walk disorganized, head bent        Depressed
Eyes focusing on ground                 Lost in thought
Eyes focusing in the air                    Looking for solutions

Hand Movement:

Type                                                          Significance
Hugging of self                                       Lack of confidence
Clasping of hands behind the neck   Aristocratic gesture
Scratching of head                                 Perplexity
Stroking of the chin                                Careful consideration
Hands on hip                                          Signals authority
Rubbing of hands                                  Excitement/ enthusiasm

Voice Modulation:

Type                                                    Significance
Slow speed, low pitch                      Depression
High pitch                                           Enthusiasm
Ascending tone                                 Astonishment
Abrupt speech                                   Defensive
Monotonous voice                             Bored

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