Body Language

Knowledge Center

What is Body Language?

Body language is an umbrella term for the major part of nonverbal communication in which physical behaviors, as opposed to words (verbal/linguistic communication), are used to express or convey a message or information. Typical body language categories are: facial expressions, body postures, gestures, eye movements, touch and the use of space. Body language is also called: "kinesics".

Unlike sign languages, body language does not have a grammar system nor is there an absolute meaning corresponding with a certain movement, so its meaning must be interpreted more broadly and it is insofar not a true formal "language". Interpretations of a particular behavior may vary according to the culture, country or region and time.

There is a controversy on whether body language is universal. Some of it is; a bigger part of it probably isn't. Body language certainly a subset of nonverbal communication and complements verbal communication in social interaction. In fact, nonverbal communication is believed to account for a large part of the information and emotions transmitted during interpersonal interactions, although it is more ambiguous.

Breakdown of Body Language Subcategories

Here is a comprehensive list of the existing subcategories of body language. Note that most of these can be used consciously (see: Impression Management) and inconsciously and voluntary and involuntary.

• Facial expressions (combinations of eyes, eyebrow, lips, nose and cheek movements)
• Head and neck signals (nodding, shaking, lowering, raising, tilting of the head)
• Body postures (sitting, standing, posture and movement of chest/shoulders)
• Gestures (movements made with hands, arms, fingers, head, legs)
• Handshakes (typically a greeting ritual)
• Breathing (deeper and slow versus shallower and more rapid)
• Oculesics (eye movement, eye behavior and gaze)
• Haptics (touching, handshakes, holding hands, back slapping, high fives, brushing up against someone, patting someone)
• Proxemics (spatial distances or zones between people as they interact: Edward T. Hall's famous 4 interpersonal zones: Intimate (< 46cm), Personal (46cm - 1,2m), Social (1.2m - 3,7m), Public (> 3,7m))
• Tone of voice (high/low, loud/soft, friendly/angry)
• Attitude (like/dislike, rapport with another person, formal/informal, mirroring and matching)
• Readiness (readiness to take action, agressiveness, physical or social readiness)

Discuss Forum about Body Language. Start a new topic Share your knowledge or ask a question   🔥 NEW Micro-expressions are More Useful to Reading People from Different Cultures than Body Language Body language is used to express or convey a message or information. People have been trying to understand others' thoug... 9   14 comments

Information Sources Various sources of information regarding Body Language. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. Body Language Tips Giving Presentations, Public Speaking, Nonverbal Communication Communication Coach Alex Lyon talks about giving presentations and public speaking. Non verbal communication and body la... Communication Essentials: Non-verbal, Verbal and Listening Skills Communication Skills, Personal Skills, Confidence, Power, Influence, Sincerity, Trust Presentation about communication skills, including non-verbal and verbal communication and listening skills. The present... Facial Expressions: Expressions of our DNA Media, Mirroring, Facial Expressions Dr. David Matsumoto of San Francisco State researched photos of blind and sighted athletes at the 2004 Olympic and Paral... 3 Communication Forms and Their Relevance Communication, Body Language Good communication skills are a key asset for success in business and life. Face to face communication can take place in...

Research Links Automatically jump to further useful sources regarding Body Language. News Videos Presentations Books Academic More

Compare with: Persuasion Techniques  |  Impression Management  |  Johari Window  |  Forced Compliance  |  Cognitive Dissonance  |  Mirroring and Matching

Return to Management Hub: Communication & Skills

More on Management  |  Return to Management Dictionary

This ends our Body Language summary and forum.