Body language is an important concept to be aware of, not just other people but your own too. All too often we focus on what we are saying, without considering the way we are behaving or portraying ourselves. Take a look at some key examples of body language and what they can mean.

1. BODY LANGUAGE
TRANSLATED

2. EAGER
Smiling & nodding excessively
Closing notepad, looking at watch
Leaning into negotiation

3. DOMINANT
Demonstrates control & authority
Hands behind head, leaning back in chair
Remain seated, leaving the other person standing
Piercing eye contact

4. READY TO NEGOTIATE
Loosening tie & undoing top button
Palms open & away from body – nothing to hide
Head tilted – listening & interested
Sliding forward in chair

5. THOUGHTFUL
Stroking chin or
resting in hands
Tugging ear – wants
to hear more
Looking upwards
Dilated pupils –
interested in what they
see

6. NERVOUS
Fidgeting &
changing position
frequently
Drinking water
Gnawing lips
absentmindedly
Using laptop
as shield
Touching hair
or face
Breaking eye
contact

7. BORED
Looking around room
Doodling or tapping pen
Slumped in chair, swinging foot under desk
Not looking at the other party when their talking

8. ANGRY
Tight lips, grinding teeth
Placing glasses down on table
Crossed arms with legs firmly together – holding back
Running finger under collar, red skin around neckline

9. DEFENSIVE
Pursing lips
Holding chin –
not yet convinced
Standing up straight,
back arched, chest out
Linking hand with arm
unnaturally behind back

10. DECEPTIVE
Leaning away
Rubbing side of nose
Avoiding eye contact when challenged
Looking left to recollect an image, then right to reconstruct

11. HOWEVER,
DON’T IGNORE OTHER FACTORS
Just because they look nervous, they could actually just be warm
If they look closed off with arms crossed, they could just be cold
Tiredness could look like boredom
So, don’t take what their body language looks like as president