Body language is the unspoken signals we send through our movements, expressions, and posture, helping us connect with others. At its core, it’s a form of nonverbal communication that complements—and sometimes contradicts—our words. It could be a quick smile, crossed arms, or a confident stance, subtly revealing what someone might be thinking or feeling, frequently without them even realizing it.
Understanding what body language is and its meaning in simple terms can transform how we interpret others and express ourselves, especially in the workplace. When you learn how to read body language, you start gaining insight into the thoughts and feelings behind every gesture.
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Understanding body language psychology
Body language reveals much more than words ever could. It’s an automatic, often subconscious response to our internal thoughts and feelings, shaped by experiences, culture, and personality. “Some people use abundant gestures and facial expressions to emphasize their words,” says career and communication coach Dawid Wiącek. “Others are more reserved, for reasons that can be sociocultural, psychological, medical, or neurodivergent.”
From subtle shifts in posture to fleeting facial expressions, body language offers deep insights into emotions, attitudes, and intentions, frequently acting as the bridge between what people say and what they truly feel. For example, someone might verbally express enthusiasm while their body signals hesitation—like avoiding eye contact or shifting nervously.
However, body language is “just” a form of communication, and like any other language, it can be misunderstood, overlooked, or misconstrued. Misreading these cues can lead to wasted time or incorrect assumptions. “We can acknowledge and accept [people] for who they are and, based on reality, find effective ways to communicate, collaborate, and work together,” Wiącek says.
The role of body language in workplace communication
In professional settings, effective use and interpretation of body language can strengthen relationships, improve collaboration, and even influence career growth. This type of communication doesn’t just add nuance to conversations, it can dominate them.
According to Wiącek, body language is “lightning-fast”—people form assumptions about others as soon as they step into a room, often before they even speak. In the workplace, this can be crucial. “As a former corporate trainer and facilitator, I stood in front of groups all day,” he says. “I intentionally used gestures, posture, and my voice to entertain, inform, and capture attention. My job wasn’t just to share data and spew information—it was to read the body language of the room, gauge their level of attention and interest, and react accordingly.”
Wiącek shares how he adjusts his stance based on context. “If I’m entering a room of loud extroverts or alphas, I might walk in with my head a notch higher, my voice slightly deeper and louder,” Wiącek says. “But authenticity always wins—projecting too much can come off as disingenuous.”
When approaching strangers, he uses a different method. “I avoid sudden moves or making myself appear overly large—I'm not a big guy, but even so,” he says. “Instead, I approach calmly, offer a gentle smile—not a scowl, not a giant grin—and communicate nonverbally that I’m not a threat.”
How to read body language
Body language is powerful, but it’s essential to consider context and individual differences. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most telling cues when decoding body language.
Facial expressions
Facial expressions can reveal emotions before words do. A quick smile can signal friendliness, while furrowed brows might indicate confusion or concern. Unlike the eyes, which communicate subtle signals, the rest of the face often expresses broader emotions.
- Smiling: A genuine smile reaches the eyes and conveys warmth, while a forced smile may seem insincere.
- Raised eyebrows: This expression typically signals surprise, curiosity, or skepticism.
- Tensed jaw: This could indicate stress, anger, or frustration.
Eyes
Eye movements are one of the most revealing body language signals. Consistent eye contact usually signals engagement and confidence, while avoiding it can indicate discomfort, defensiveness, or even dishonesty.
- Sustained eye contact: Direct contact indicates interest, attentiveness, and comfort.
- Rapid blinking: This may signal anxiety or overstimulation.
- Looking away or down: It could suggest discomfort, hesitation, submission, or even lack of interest in the conversation.
Hands and arms
Hand gestures and arm positioning provide clear signals about a person's comfort level and intentions. Open palms, for example, are associated with honesty and receptiveness, while clenched fists or crossed arms may suggest defensiveness or discomfort.
- Open vs. closed palms: Open palms convey trust and openness, while closed fists might indicate tension.
- Arm crossing: This posture is commonly interpreted as defensive, though it could also mean someone is simply cold or comfortable.
- Gestures: Animated gestures can show excitement and emphasize points in conversation, but may overwhelm and distract if excessive.
Legs and feet
People often overlook legs and feet, but they can reveal a lot about someone’s state of mind. For instance, tapping feet might signal impatience or nervousness, while crossed legs can imply comfort or defensiveness, depending on the context.
- Feet pointing toward the door: This might indicate a desire or need to leave the conversation or situation.
- Leg movements: Tapping or shifting can reflect anxiety or restlessness.
- Feet firmly planted: A grounded, steady stance conveys confidence and decisiveness while shuffling feet might suggest uncertainty or hesitation.
Posture and stance
Posture is one of the clearest indicators of confidence or insecurity. Standing tall with shoulders back conveys authority while slouching or shrinking can signal submission, lack of confidence, or disinterest.
- Power posture: An open, upright stance shows confidence and competence.
- Leaning forward: Demonstrates engagement and interest in the conversation.
- Hunched shoulders: Typically suggest insecurity or withdrawal.
Cultural differences in body language
Body language can be interpreted differently across cultures. These variations aren’t just fascinating—they’re crucial for building effective relationships in our increasingly globalized world.
What might be seen as confident or polite in one culture could come across as intrusive or disrespectful in another. For instance, in many Western cultures, steady eye contact signals confidence and attentiveness, while in some Asian cultures, prolonged eye contact might be viewed as confrontational. Similarly, a thumbs-up gesture that conveys approval in the U.S. or Europe might carry offensive connotations in certain parts of the Middle East.
So how can you navigate these differences? “While it’s helpful to be mindful of cultural differences, there’s also value in being unapologetically yourself—provided you’re open-minded, curious, and respectful,” Wiącek says. “Social media and the internet have made cross-cultural experiences more common, and most people know how to handle, welcome, or at least accept cultural differences in communication on some basic level.”
Wiącek, who has worked with clients from nearly every continent, says that when traveling to a new country or working with remote clients, preparation is key: “Ask from a place of respectful curiosity—what type of communication method and frequency do they prefer?,” he says. “What’s their approach to designing and delivering presentations or workshops? What management style do they thrive within?”
Authenticity also plays an important role in bridging cultural gaps. “If my gestures seem exaggerated, I might say, ‘You may have noticed I use my hands a lot—it’s part of my culture and personality. If it distracted you from anything I said, let me know so I can clarify,’” he says. “Notice I’m not apologizing or offering to change; instead, I’m ensuring the other person feels heard and that I am understood.”
Common mistakes when reading body language
When it comes to the interpretation of body language, many of us are prone to making mistakes—especially when we overanalyze. “Sometimes we read too much into why the person said or did, or moved in a certain way,” Wiącek says. “We infer the reason based on why we would do something similar, but that introduces bias and the risk of being very, very wrong.”
For example, crossed arms can be interpreted as defensiveness, but in many cases, it simply signals that someone is comfortable or cold. The key is to ask questions and get clarification before making assumptions.
Another mistake is misunderstanding nonverbal cues. For instance, a person who fidgets during a meeting may appear anxious, but they could simply be waiting for a turn to speak or processing information. Misinterpreting these cues can lead to poor decisions.
To avoid these common mistakes, be mindful of the context in which body language occurs. Not every gesture has the same meaning in every situation. Pay attention to the larger context and the person’s overall behavior, so you can avoid over- or under-interpreting their body language.
Ultimately, the best way to navigate the complexities of body language is to stay curious and open. Sometimes, the simplest explanation is that the person was just adjusting their posture or dealing with a small physical discomfort—like not wearing their contact lenses that day!
How to improve your ability to read body language
Improving your ability to read human body language and what it means is a valuable skill, both for personal growth and effective communication in the workplace. Like any skill, it requires practice, awareness, and continuous learning. Here are some strategies to help you enhance reading gestures and other forms of body language.
Train your eye to recognize cues
One of the most effective ways to learn body language is through observation. Start by observing the people around you in various settings—whether in meetings, social gatherings, or casual interactions. Pay attention to how they move, their posture, facial expressions, and hand gestures. The more you practice, the sharper your ability will become to recognize nonverbal cues.
You can also observe a person’s reactions to different situations. Notice how their posture and facial expressions change with varying emotions, such as surprise, excitement, or discomfort. A different exercise is watching TV shows or movies without sound. This forces you to focus on the characters' body language to interpret their emotions and actions.
Pay attention to your own body language
While learning body language is essential, it’s equally important to understand how your own nonverbal signals are perceived. Self-reflection is a crucial part of this process. Think about how your body language communicates your feelings or intentions in different situations. Are you inadvertently sending mixed signals? For example, does your posture convey openness, or do you appear closed off by crossing your arms? Reflecting on your actions helps you become more intentional about how you use body language.
Getting feedback from colleagues or mentors can also be incredibly valuable. Ask trusted individuals to observe your interactions and provide insights on how your body language might be interpreted. Their observations can offer valuable perspectives that you may not have noticed on your own.
See the total picture
Understanding body language is a powerful tool for improving communication and fostering stronger relationships, both in the workplace and in personal interactions. By learning to recognize the subtle cues people give off through their posture, gestures, and facial expressions, you can better gauge their emotions and intentions, leading to more empathetic and effective conversations.
To truly master body language, practice is key. Make a conscious effort to observe how others communicate nonverbally, and reflect on your own body language as well. The more you integrate these observations into your interactions, the more intuitive it will become to read and respond to nonverbal signals. With time, this skill will not only enhance your professional growth but will also enrich your relationships.