Examples of Body Language: Recognize Nonverbal Cues

Positive body language is when your movements and gestures show that you are engaged, interested, approachable, and open. Explore these examples of positive body language and what they communicate to others.

A tilted head demonstrates that a person is listening keenly, or is interested in what is being communicated.

This is a way of communicating that an individual is excited for something or is waiting in anticipation. It can also indicate being cold, so be mindful of the setting.

An open palm is a sign of openness and honesty. It can also be a show of submission. For example, in older days when many people carried weapons, this was used to show that they were not holding one. It can also be a sign of sincerity and innocence. Some people open their palms during worship at church as a sign of submission and respect.

This position shows that a person is feeling confident of himself or herself. It is often accompanied with walking at a brisk stride. Your stance should feel relaxed, yet tall and not rigid.

When one strokes the chin, he or she is communicating deep thought. Such a motion is often used unintentionally when an individual is trying to come to a decision about a matter. It indicates thoughtfulness and interest.

When you want to get closer to someone because you like them, trust them, or are interested in them, you tend to lean your whole body in their direction. For this message to get sent to the person you're speaking with, it’s important not to overlean and invade their space.

Looking someone directly in the eye shows that you are confident and you trust that person. Unwavering direct eye contact can read as creepy or scary, so make eye contact when it’s necessary and take moments to look away or make indirect eye contact to keep it positive.

A simple way to show that you’re listening and agreeable is to nod in acknowledgement of good points or questions that don’t require a verbal answer. Smiling while you nod makes this action even more positive.

A firm, but not painful, handshake indicates self-confidence and respect. If you reach out for the handshake first, it signals your interest.

Negative body language is often called defensive body language. This is when your movements and gestures show you are insecure, closed-off, unapproachable, hostile, or disinterested. Check out these examples of negative body language and what they communicate to others.

This example of body language can indicate that a person is being defensive. It can also demonstrate that the individual with crossed arms disagrees with the opinions or actions of other individuals with whom they are communicating.

Nail biting is a type of habit that can demonstrate stress, nervousness, or insecurity. Oftentimes, people bite their nails without even realizing it.

This example of body language can indicate that a person is lost in thought, or is considering something. Sometimes when the hand is on the cheek, it is accompanied by a furrowed brow, which further demonstrates deep concentration. A person this lost in thought is not paying attention anymore.

Finger-tapping demonstrates that a person is growing impatient or tired of waiting. It’s a sign of boredom.

When someone touches or rubs their nose, it can signify a number of things. It can be a signal of disbelief or rejection, and it can also demonstrate that an individual is being untruthful about what they are saying.

"Steepling" of the fingers, or placing the tips of them together, is a demonstration of control and authority. This type of body language can be used by bosses or authority figures to subtly demonstrate that they are running things.

The head in hands move can demonstrate boredom, or it might show that a person is upset or ashamed and does not want to show their face.

When the ankles are locked together, either while standing or seated, it can communicate nervousness or apprehension.

People often pull the lobes of one of their ears when they are attempting to make a decision but remain indecisive. This motion demonstrates the inability to come to a conclusion.

When a person stands with their hands crossed in front of their genitals, it can symbolize being uneasy or introverted. It’s called the fig leaf pose because it resembles the look of wearing a fig leaf to cover genitals like in the Bible.

When people are nervous or insecure, they might play with rings, watches, or bracelets as a way to shield their bodies without crossing their arms. This can also be a sign of boredom.

There’s a reason this has become a phrase meaning “to be in suspense.” When you sit at the edge of your seat, it signals that you are physically or mentally on edge.

Body language is one example of nonverbal communication. The term “nonverbal communication” refers to any form of communication other than writing or speaking. Sometimes, the information you convey with your body has to speak for you. Often, it says more than the words you speak.

Every part of your body from your eyebrows to your foot position can send a message to others, whether you mean to or not. While it’s important to be yourself on most occasions, it’s also important to understand multiple types of nonverbal communication and what’s acceptable in certain situations, such as in professional settings.

Reading people’s body language is not an exact science. You have to account for things like individual personality or beliefs, the setting, and the circumstances surrounding the communication. You can use these examples as general guidelines.

Paying attention to your body language and the body language of others can improve your personal communication skills. Now that you know about these examples, you can be on the lookout for people using body language in your everyday interactions. Ask trusted friends and family members to share which positive and negative displays of body language you use most often.