Basics of Reading People's Body Language

Words are universally used in every language to express and communicate with another person, they are known to be the means to describe one's feelings, thoughts or expressions. But some times, people communicate in an unspoken language which is known as body language. Where words fail, body language helps describe a person's feelings, expressions, thoughts and reveal part of their personality. If a child is throwing a tantrum with clenched fists, stomping feet or a sulky face he/she is letting you know that he's not happy. Even adults use such methods when they don't want to say something aloud but want the message to reach across.

Few classic examples of people's body language which can express a lot without uttering a word.

People suffering with insecurity and complex touch themselves in some way consciously or unconsciously as a mean of self defense and self comfort. Gestures like crossing the arms, rubbing forehead or folding hands provide them protection.

If someone is in despair or depressed, their body will be drooping while walking, his eyes and heads will be low and he will be slouching in his steps and this will be a sign of an unhappy person or person in pain. Whereas, positive people reveal their attitudes with an upright stance, a bounce in their steps and their eyes appear lively and engaged. Though, not every bent head means despair. Some times it can mean someone is just thinking or reflecting sitting with a drooping posture. It's up to people around to read such signs.

A rigid expression can mean the person is holding back something he wants to say but can not say aloud or trying to reveal it through physical gestures. Without saying a word you would know they are holding you back or wouldn't let you go. Few of such examples are folded arms, crosses legs, lips pressed together or a finger in front of the mouth.

If you find a person stiff means there is something he wants to say but holding back and revealing it through their bodily gestures. The signs may be subtle but they reveal enough to know a person or a personality.