Body Language

Personality Development and Soft Skills Barun K Mitra

Oxford University Press 2011. All rights reserved.

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.

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Emotions displayed by the body

Aggressive Attentive Submissive

Nervous
Upset Emotions

Relaxed Bored Power Defensive

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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

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Aggressiveness (analysis)

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.

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Submissiveness

Characterized by the following traits:

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

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Submissiveness (analysis)

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.

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Attentiveness

Characterized by the following traits:

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

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Attentiveness (analysis)

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

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Nervousness

Characterized by the following traits:

Visible lack of confidence -unsteady voice -avoiding eye contact -head bent down Being restless or fidgety Biting of nails or gripping the chair tightly

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Nervousness (analysis)

Nervousness should be avoided in all situations. Nervousness shows lack of confidence and preparation. It is thus important to identify ones 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

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Upset
Characterized by the following traits:
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)
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Upset (analysis)

Losing control of ones 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.

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Boredom

Characterized by the following traits:

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

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Boredom (analysis)

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.

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Relaxed

Characterized by the following traits:

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

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Relaxed (analysis)

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

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Power

Characterized by the following traits:

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)

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Power (analysis)

This is an important personality trait and one should be aware of ones 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.

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Defensive

Characterized by the following traits:

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

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Defensive (analysis)

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.

Oxford University Press 2011. All rights reserved.