Universal Body Language
All across the planet in every country and in every tribe, there are seven universal body language expressions. The seven expressions are Happiness, Sadness, Boredom, Fear, Anger, Surprise and Disgust. During part of my cross-cultural travels, I have seen each of these non verbal expressions true and consistent. Also, when I expressed these body language signs, I have been understood in cultures that did not know my primary language. My body language spoke loud and clear what I was feeling, experiencing or thinking.
The concept of universal body language is easy to understand when you look at the practical non verbal definitions of each of the seven expressions. When someone is happy, they smile, their eyes widen, and they are non-threatening. Laughing or chuckling can be evident. Positive physical touches are made by the person that is happy. Though in some cases I did not understand or hear what was being said of me, I could see that people were happy to see me by these happy universal body language expressions.
Some Common Body Language Signals
Everyone is constantly sending nonverbal information to the world through body language. It has been shown that even people blind from birth exhibit complex expressions of body language. Since it is so much a part of the human condition, it is important to know at least a little of this language.
Body language tells others how you feel. If you walk briskly and erect, you exude confidence. If you sit back with your hands behind your head and your legs crossed, it can mean confidence too. However, it can also mean that you feel superior or are arrogant.
Many different body language cues point to a lack of self confidence. If you are patting your hair or playing with it, you seem less self assured. Most people see nail-biting as a nervous behavior. Yet, it can also suggest a feeling of inferiority.
Body language can help a person to tell if you are interested or bored. If you are bored, you might sit with your legs crossed and you might kick one leg slightly. You could rest your head in your hands and look down. This body language would make you appear bored.
Body Language Louder Than Words
Think for a few seconds. If you’re around people, stop and look around. Take a moment and observe the people walking by you or sitting at the tables near you. Most of the time, you don’t need to listen to their conversations or ask them what they’re thinking or trying to communicate. Directly or indirectly, everybody’s body language speaks louder than words.
Take for example, someone that is sad. You can easily tell by their demeanor that they are not happy. Their whole body sulks and they walk about as if a dark cloud follows over them. On the other hand, someone that is happy walks about as if they are sunshine incarnate. They beam with joy and their body radiant with every step. This is body language.
Understanding basic body language helps one be a better communicator and person. I know a young boy who cannot for the life of him stay out of social trouble. He’s great at starting friendships but not maintaining those relationships. A good reason why he has this trouble is due to his lack of understanding body language. Instead of noticing his friend needs time alone or is not interested in playing at the moment, the boy will press for the friend to do what he or she does not want to do. This quickly creates friction and a verbal or even a physical altercation will then occur.
Tips For Women On Flirting Through Body Language
Some people might think that all women know everything there is to know about flirting. After all, it’s true that women send out five times as much sexual information in the form of body language as men do. However, a woman may not be getting the responses she is hoping for. It could mean that she needs a fine tuning on her body language skills.
For example, when you enter a bar or a party, do you just plop down and expect men to automatically come to you? You need to give them a little incentive. One important factor is to emphasize the fact that you are female.
You can do this right away by arranging your purse and other feminine articles in front of you. You can do a little preening. Toss your hair, adjust your clothing, or use any other body language you can think of to get your point across. Of course, you should do all this in very casual way.
How Men Can Use Body Language In Flirting
Men don’t seem to be as aware of their body language in flirting as women are. Women go through a whole dance of behaviors designed to attract a male. Yet, even if they aren’t aware of it, men are giving away their feelings through their body language. They might as well use it to their advantage.
Setting up your territory is an important part of the flirting process. When you enter the place where you will look for women, make it your own. Set your keys, your cell phone, and any other personal items in front of you. This gives you the body language of a person who is comfortable and at ease.
After you’re settled, you can begin to look out across the room for women who are making eye contact. If they hold eye contact with you longer than is normal in most situations, they might be interested. However, if they are truly attracted, they will follow this by lowering their eyes. Those who look left or right afterwards are not encouraging you with their body language.