Body Language Guide

If you wanna to be a people watcher, ya gotta know what you're watchin' for. Here are ten stellar tips for observing people's body language (most of the time people aren't even aware that they're doing these things). Memorize them and you'll be an expert in no time!

1. Beware of arm crossing!
   This is a classic defensive position that many people use when they disagree with what they are hearing. A good way to break the position is to ask the other person to write something down. After their arms are uncrossed they will be more willing to hear another point of view.
2. Are you copying me?
   Watch for people who are mirroring one another’s movements; one may be standing with his legs apart, so the other stands with his legs apart or one scratches his head and then the other scratches her head. These are signs that two people like one another or that they are in agreement with one another. And guess what? Lots of animals do the same thing!
3. Pay attention to “lint pickers”.
   If someone picks imaginary fuzzies from their clothes while looking at the floor, chances are they are uncomfortable with what they are hearing and feel like there is no room for their point of view.
4. I’m SO bored.
   These are pretty obvious. If someone is looking at their watch or picking their fingernails, they would rather be someplace else.
5. Got something to hide?
   Shifting from foot to foot shows that you are worried about getting found out. It also shows that you are anxious to be someplace else and that you are trying to avoid making guilty expressions.
6. Ready and willing.
   Standing with one hand on a hip is a way of showing an openness to someone or to their idea. It is often used as a way to flirt and to get someone’s attention.
7. Got a headache?
   Rubbing the back of the head is a way for someone to comfort themselves when they are saddened. It can also show impatience.
8. Turn those blinkers off!
   Rapid eye blinking is a tell-tale sign that a person is feeling a lot of stress.
9. I wanna hold my hand.
   Hand clasping or hands placed one over the other communicate calmness and humility (a comfort with oneself and not needing to be in control of a situation physically).
10. Liar, liar.
    Some signs that a person is lying include a lack of eye contact, sweating, excessive hand movements, biting fingernails, and chewing the inside of the mouth.

Body Language

If you wanna to be a people watcher, ya gotta know what you're watchin' for. Check out these top ten tips to keep you on your toes.

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