I REMEMBER when I was in college, my Psychology professor said that body language speaks a lot. Even experts reported that when we communicate towards others, only seven percent is based on our words uttered and 93 percent is based on our actions. But what does it mean? Why do people say that true feelings can be seen through a person's gestures, facial expressions, eye movements, and postures compared to those speaking?
It is true that understanding body language is essential to avoid miscommunication. People at times hide what they truly feel. When we do not know how to detect signals, we might not be able to understand them truly. We may get the wrong message and more problems may arise.
Here are some of the body languages that I personally always see. By experience, I believe these are also their corresponding meanings. I am sharing this as I just recently found out of a friend's resentment towards me through her body language.
Tone of voice. This is about the volume of the voice when one is speaking. The lower tone is more calming, and the higher tone suggests authority and threatening at times. Hence, the weight of our words whether love and hatred can show in the tone of our voice.
Eyes. When a person is talking to us, but eyes are wandering somewhere else then he or she may not be listening or disinterested in us. The person's attention may be divided -- thinking about someone else or something important. When a person can't look straight into our eyes, the person might be lying or denying something. Eyes indeed speak the unsaid words.
Facial expression. The human face enormously expresses a lot of emotions and it is indeed so difficult to hide it. Whether we are happy, sad, in pain, or uncomfortable -- our face will be its mirror. Our face communicates our innermost attitudes and emotions even without saying it. Our face reflects what's inside us. Let us be kind to what we say without words.
Posture. This reflects attitudes, emotions, and intentions. Closed posture indicates disinterest. When a person is seated with his or her arms folded, or legs crossed while talking to another person, it means something. Open posture connotes interest and readiness to listen. An example is when a person speaks facing the other person with hands apart on the arms of the chair.
Breathing. A person who is experiencing anxiety or nervousness can breathe so quickly. While those who are in a state of anger, fatigue, or relief may manifest a long deep breath to release pent-up emotions. True. breathing is life and life is real -- it cannot lie!
Smile. A person smiling is a good indication that he or she is happy. But there are fake smiles, and we may not be able to distinguish them. A person smiling without the eyes like dancing or sparkling may indicate pain. While, smirking or a partial smile can mean discontent, dislike, or feelings of uncertainty. A smile while staring at the other person for a longer period may mean an attraction.
Sometimes we hide what we truly feel because we intend to hide our true feelings. We want to control the damage it can bring. However, no matter how good we are in keeping our concerns, pains, confusions, and disagreements, it will always show clearly in our body language.