Understanding Non-Verbal Communication

Have you ever been in the situation when you really didn't believe what someone was saying? Did you have a sense that something didn't ring true or a gut feeling that all was not right? Perhaps they were saying "Yes" yet their heads were shaking "No"?

The difference between the words people speak and our understanding of what they are saying comes from non-verbal communication, otherwise known as "body language." As you will learn in this article and video, by developing your awareness of the signs and signals of body language, you can more easily understand other people, and more effectively communicate with them.
There are sometimes subtle – and sometimes not so subtle – movements, gestures, facial expressions and even shifts in our whole bodies that indicate something is going on. The way we talk, walk, sit and stand all say something about us, and whatever is happening on the inside can be reflected on the outside.

By becoming more aware of this body language and understanding what it might mean, you can learn to read people more easily. This puts you in a better position to communicate effectively with them. What's more, by increasing your understanding of others, you can also become more aware of the messages that you convey to them.

There are times when we send mixed messages – we say one thing yet our body language reveals something different. This non-verbal language will affect how we act and react to others, and how they react to us.

This article will explain many of the ways in which we communicate non-verbally, so that you can use these signs and signals to communicate more effectively.
Aggressive Body Language: Showing physical threat.
Assertive Body Language: Adult expression of desire.
Attentive Body Language: Showing real interest.
Bored Body Language: Just not being interested.
Closed Body Language: Many reasons are closed.
Confident Body Language: Appearing assured and comfortable.
Deceptive Body Language: Seeking to cover up lying or other deception.
Defensive Body Language: Protecting self from attack.
Dominant Body Language: Dominating others.
Emotional Body Language: Identifying feelings.
Evaluating Body Language: Judging and deciding about something.
Greeting Body Language: Meeting rituals.
Open Body Language: Many reasons for being open.
Power Body Language: Demonstrating one's power.
Ready Body Language: Wanting to act and waiting for the trigger.
Relaxed Body Language: Comfortable and unstressed.
Romantic Body Language: Showing attraction to others.
Sales Body Language: Using your body to sell.
Submissive Body Language: Showing you are prepared to give in.
Trustworthy Body Language: Showing you can be trusted.