Posture & Body Language

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Posture & Body Language


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Contents

Articles

Posture (psychology) 1

Body language 8

Proteans 12

References

Article Sources and Contributors 13

Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors 14

Article LicensesLicense 15


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Posture (psychology)

Young Girl Holding a Letter, circa 1665

In humans, posture can provide a significant amount of important

information on nonverbal communication and emotional cues.

Psychological studies have shown the effects of body posture on

emotions. This research can be traced back to Charles Darwin when he

studied emotion and movement in man and animals.[1] Currently, many

studies have shown that certain patterns of body movements are

indicative of specific emotions.[][] Researchers studied sign language

and found that even non-sign language users can determine emotions

from only hand movements.[] Another example is the fact that anger is

characterized by forward whole body movement.[] The theories that

guide research in this field are the self-validation or perception theory

and the embodied emotion theory.[][][]

Self-Validation theory is when a participants posture has asignificant affect on his or her self-evaluation of their emotions. An

example of this is an experiment where participants had to think and

then write positive qualities of themselves in a confident or doubtful posture.[] Participants then had to

self-evaluate on how good of a job candidate, interviewee, performer, and how satisfied they would be as an

employee. Mood and confidence level were also measured. Results from this study proved in favor of the

self-validation theory. Participants' attitudes in the confident but not doubtful posture, significantly affected their

self-reported attitudes. A similar study showed that participants who were placed in a hunched posture reported

were more likely to feel stressed compared to participants who assumed a relaxed position.[]

Embodied Emotion theory is the idea that mental events can be represented by states of the body.[] In a study

showing embodied emotion, participants were primed with concepts of pride and disappointment by a word

generation task. Researchers hypothesized there would be an observable change in participants' posture based on

the word they were primed with. This hypothesis was confirmed for the diassapointment prime because

participants were more likely to decrease in their vertical height or show slumping behavior.[]

Common methods

Physical posture and emotion have been studied using two similar techniques. The first method involves the

participant viewing videotaped actors performing certain actions and the second method involves having the

participant sit in a certain posture and then self-reporting their emotions. In the first method, actors portray and

record certain body movements. Participants must view the video and decipher the emotion they believe is beingportrayed.[2] In the second method, participants are told to assume a certain body posture and then must complete a

survey on their current affective state.[] Other methods include using neuroscience techniques, such as fMRI's to

determine how posture and emotions expressions can affect brain imaging.[3] Another method that is growing in use

involves using dancers as 'actors' and having participants observe and determine the emotion the dancer is

conveying.[]
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charles_Darwinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nonverbal_communicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3ACaspar_Netscher_-_Young_Girl_Holding_a_Letter_%28detail%29_-_WGA16521.jpg


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Communication expressed posture

In humans, one of the means of communication is the posture of the body, in addition to facial expressions, personal

distances, gestures and body movements.[] Posture conveys information about:

Interpersonal relations

Personality traits such as confidence, submissiveness, and openness.

Social standing

Current emotional states

Characteristics of temperament according to the theory of Hippocrates, Kretschmer, and Sheldon.

Analysis of posture

A portrait of Paul Czanne exhibiting an example of

closed posture.

Posture can signal both the enduring characteristics of a person

(character, temperament, etc.), and his or her current emotions and

attitudes. Therefore, posture can be considered in the context of a

given situation, and independently of it.

Changing factors and posture

Posture as information about the current state of a person's

emotions and attitudes should be analyzed in the context of other

messages, both verbal and nonverbal as well as that person's

cultural and social norms.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Social_normshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nonverbalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3APaul_C%C3%A9zanne_161.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paul_C%C3%A9zannehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_Herbert_Sheldonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ernst_Kretschmerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hippocrateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Temperamenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Social_standinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Submissivenesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Confidencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Trait_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gait_%28human%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gestureshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Personal_spacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Personal_spacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Facial_expressions


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Open and closed body posture

An example of open posture.

Closed posture is a posture in which parts of the body most

susceptible to trauma are obscured. These body parts are:

throat, abdomen and genitals. Damage to the genitals prevents

the transfer of their genes to future generations and is

sometimes seen as being synonymous with death.[4]

Therefore,both humans and animals try to protect these vulnerable body

parts from injury. In humans, certain behaviors may signal

closed posture: Arms crossed on the chest or abdomen, hands

clasped in front of the genitals, and crossing legs. Clothing may

also signal closed posture: a buttoned suit, or a handbag or

briefcase held in front of the person. Closed posture often gives

the impression of detachment, disinterest, and hostility.

Research has also shown that these behaviors usually convey

unpleasant feelings.[] These feelings were evident when the

participant had to observe the closed posture and when he orshe was told to assume the posture.

Open posture is a posture in which the vulnerable parts of the

body are exposed. The head is raised, the shirt may be

unbuttoned at the neck, a bag is held on the shoulder or at the side. Open posture is often perceived as

communicating a friendly and positive attitude. In an open posture the feet are spread and the head is straight. The

palms are up and the hands and fingers are spread.[] Due to this friendly demeanor, research suggests that

participants view counselors who use an open posture as more capable of providing guidance.[]

An important element of closed or open posture of the body are the hands. Showing the palms of the hands can be a

signal of open posture, especially if the hand is relaxed. Showing the back of the hand or clenching hands into fistsmay represent a closed posture. Hands clasped behind the back may also signal closed posture even though the front

is exposed because it can give the impression of hiding something or resistance to closer contact.

Closed and open posture also apply when seated. Crossed legs and arms can signal closed posture. As stated before,

leaning forward or showing the palms of the hands can signal open posture.

Interpersonal attitudes

Interpersonal attitudes are communicated through:

Inclination of the body. During conversation, a person may lean slightly toward another person or tilt slightly

away from him/her. This behavior is usually unconscious. An inclination towards can be an expression of

sympathy and acceptance. Inclining away can signal dislike, disapproval, or a desire to end the conversation.

Different inclinations of the head may carry similar meanings.

Similarity. During the conversation, people have an unconscious tendency to imitate others' behavior. This

happens when the conversation runs seamlessly and is enjoyable for both parties. This approximation of attitudes,

gestures, and body movements can indicate the emergence of a bond and sympathy and is known as stereotyped

behavior as defined by Edwin Ray Guthrie.[] Lack of synchronous behavior may lead to a sense that the contact is

artificial, forced, or unpleasant.

Orientation of the body. Usually people talk directed toward each other, but not squarely face to face, which can

be indicative of a confrontational stance. In conversation, the participants' bodies are usually turned toward each

other at an angle. When a person ignores someone else, they tend to ignore or avoid contact by showing the other

person their side or back.

Closed or Open posture.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edwin_Ray_Guthriehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Genitalshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abdomenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Throathttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3ARichardDysartPotsdamGermanyMay2006.jpg


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An example of a nonchalant posture

Posture communicating social standing

A 'normal' man posing for camera

Posture can signal an individual's position in social hierarchy.
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A comparison of two different postures. On the left is

an example of a more energized attitude; on the right is

an example of a depressed attitude.

If two people of different social standings talk to each other, the

person with a higher position usually takes a more relaxed

attitude. Their posture may be unbalanced, relaxed, and may

appear to be nonchalant. A person with a lower position often

maintains symmetrical posture by placing both hands on their

lap or at their sides. Typically, a person with higher status sits down and talks while

sitting. A person of lower status may stand or they may remain

standing until they are asked to sit.

Wellbeing

Mood influences muscle tone, energy level, and one's internal

sense of well-being. Thus, body posture can reveal a person's

current state of mind. Anger, sadness, and disgust are by far the

most recognized body postures that are indicative of emotions.[]

Stress can affect posture subconsciously; a person under stress

will often have a greater amount of muscle tension, and may

also have shallow, clavicular breathing.

Well-being affects posture by giving it a sense of energy and

balance. A person's spine will be straight and the head raised.

Malaise affects posture with a sense of tiredness. A person's

shoulders may droop, and the head may be bowed down or tilted to the left or right.

Confidence affects posture by the uprightness (or not) of one's body.[][]

Popular literature has come to interpret postures according to the assumptions of psychoanalysis, thinking that

actions such as cross arms over the breasts or crossing legs would be a symptom of a sexual complex.[5]

Thesebeliefs, however, have very limited support in systematic research and experimentation. It is more likely that this

type of behavior reflects a certain style of self-presentation,[6] rather than unconscious conflicts and complexes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Malaisehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mood_%28psychology%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AGutehaltung_desKorbersSchlechteHaltung_desKorpers.gif


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Stable factors and posture

The term posture is also used to refer to the appearance of the body. In psychology, there are several concepts

involving the appearance of the permanent characteristics of individuals. Some habitual positions may also reflect

stable characteristics of an individual.

Nature

Muscular anatomy of a male human.

Wilhelm Reich, a student of Freud, first drew attention to

the relationship between shallow breathing, blocked

traffic, the difficulty in experiencing sexual pleasure, and

emotional disorders, especially neuroses. This concept

was developed by Alexander Lowen, founder of

bioenergetics. He is also author of the concept of

muscular block. Lowen noted that when people do not

want to experience certain emotions, they tighten certain

muscles.[7] For example, when someone does not want to

cry, they can tighten the jaws, which suppresses tears.Stress and anger tighten the muscles along the spine and

thighs, which can manifest itself in pain in those body

parts, if the stress was prolonged. According to Lowen,

some tensions become chronic: the muscular block

always activated, regardless of the circumstances. This is

called a chronic tension block. Muscular block affects

posture and the way humans move. Certain experiences

influence the formation of specific areas of muscle, and

thus the body's appearance, structure, and attitude.[8]

This idea is reformulated by American psychotherapist

Stephen M. Johnson in his theory of style and character.

According to this theory, there are types of body builds,

which are associated psychological characteristics:[9][][][]

Schizoid nature - in the first months after birth there

are strong tensions in the vicinity of joints, resulting in very stiff and then limp joints. The body gives the

impression of being undernourished, frail, very thin, poorly developed, and often small. There is noticeable

shortness of breath, a very slim chest, and very active diaphragm. Muscular blocks are present in the neck

muscles and in tension around the eyes. These people often have problems with their eyesight and wear glasses. A

person with a schizoid nature, Johnson says, will feel insecure in social situations, having the feeling that he/she is

unwanted by others. They avoid physical contact. They are "detached from the earth," which results in a light way

of walking, as if on tiptoe. Often, such people are creative and have developed abstract thinking.

Oral nature - sunken chest, where the arms bend toward each other, very shallow breathing, sunken abdomen

and stiff knees. Knees are raised up, which means that the legs are bent at the knees. Sometimes the knee

converge toward each other ("x's feet"), with the head pushed forward. Often such persons have poorly developed

teeth and a lower jaw. Oral types tend to relate to extreme dependency. They desire to be close to others. They

behave as if they need continuous assistance, guidance and support from other people, even in small things. At the

same time, they tend to have well-developed social skills.

Narcissistic (psychopathic) nature - weak legs and feet, poor grounding, stomach pulled upwards and chestinflated. These persons are very afraid of humiliation and ridicule. They want to dominate, inspire fear in, and

control other people. They can cope with difficult situations, but are not capable of a long commitment and effort.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Humiliationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bioenergeticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alexander_Lowenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neurosishttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sigmund_Freudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wilhelm_Reichhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AEncyclop%C3%A9die_de_Diderot%2C_plate_1-143.jpg


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They are prone to exploitation of others.

Masochistic nature - very strong legs and thighs, overgrown muscle fat around the thighs, rounded, hunched

backs, bent head, folds of fat on the neck. Masochists have problems with their free will; they feel deprived of

spontaneity and controlled by others. They have a large amount of passive aggression and resistance.

Rigid nature - the body leans slightly forward, shoulders pulled back. The body is rather smooth, but usually has

very tight, "prepared to act" muscles. Such persons are in constant activity, very rarely taking a break, and

frequently trying to outdo others.

Features of temperament

Constitutional theories in psychology (e.g., Sheldon, Kretschmer) emphasize the relationship between body structure

and temperament. These theories have been around since Hippocrates thought that body structure goes hand in hand

with the temperament and susceptibility to certain diseases. Scientific research on relationship of body appearance

and temperament traits was begun in the early twentieth century by German psychiatrist Ernst Kretschmer. He

studied the relationship between body structure and the onset of psychosis. Presented here in brief is the theory of

Phyllis Whitman, William Sheldon, and Ghas Katz.[] These researchers distinguished between different

constitutional variations or physical nature of ones body and psychotic behavior reactions or temperament. The threeconstitutional variations are endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy. The three corresponding psychotic

behavior reactions are affective, heboid, and paranoid.

Endomorphic - These individuals have thick arms, stubby hands, short thick necks, round face, and thick lips.

Endomorphs have a tendency towards seeking comfort and are very sociable.

Mesomorphic - These individuals have a strong build with a relatively low waist, flat abdomen, strong arms and

legs muscles. Mesomorhps are known to have good manners, a neat appearance, and can be combative.

Ectomorphic - These individuals have low energy and in general are very fragile and weak. Ectomorphs are

timid, indifferent, and keep to themselves.

Some researchers have argued that Sheldon's findings of a strong relationship between body structure and the type of

temperament are due to methodological shortcomings within his studies, and that the relationship between the two isactually lower than he claims.[10]

Other factors affecting posture

Posture can easily be impacted by poor health and other factors. Thus, anyone using posture to assess personality,

character, or psychology must first rule out possible underlying medical conditions which may be affecting a

person's posture.

Implications in other domains

As stated, the study of postures can give a vast amount of information about emotions and self-perceptions. The

study of posture has also proven beneficial in other fields. Professional counselors, who were the participants, had to

view recorded interactions of counselors and clients and determine the emotions of the client. [] Researchers found

that relying only on verbal communication to determine the emotions of the client resulted in an accuracy of only

66%. High levels of empathy could be misconstrued without the matching positive nonverbal communication. In

similar studies it was noted that the arms and legs were the most important bodily factors in signaling low levels of

empathy.[] Further, researchers suggested that counselors should not only be trained in verbal communication but

also in nonverbal communication.[][]
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References

[4] Buss DM (2001). Evolutionary psychology. Gdask: Gdansk Psychology Publishing.

[5][5] Collins, A. (2003). Gestures, body language and behavior. New York: DKC. ISBN 83-89314-01-0

[6][6] Szmajke A. (1999). Autopresentation. 83-910489-1-8 Masks, poses, expressions. Olsztyn: Ursa Consulting. ISBN 83-910489-1-8

[7] Lowen A. (1991). Spiritual body. New York: Publishing Agency Jacek Santorski & CO.. ISBN 83-85386-00-9

[8] Lowen A. (1992). Introduction to bioenergetics. Santorski & CO. Jacek Publishing Agency.

[9] M. Siems (1992). The body knows the answer. Warszawa: Jacek Santorski & Co. Publishing Agency. ISBN 83-85386-15-7[10][10] Humphreys LG Characteristics of type concepts with special reference to Sheldon's typology. "Psychology Bulletin" 1957, 54, 218-228

Body language

Body language is a form of mental

and physical ability of human

non-verbal communication, consisting

of body posture, gestures, facial

expressions, and eye movements.Humans send and interpret such

signals almost entirely subconsciously.

(Body language, in this sense, should

be distinguished from sign language.)

James Borg states that human

communication consists of 93 percent body language and paralinguistic cues, while only 7% of communication

consists of words themselves;[1] however, Albert Mehrabian, the researcher whose 1960s work is the source of these

statistics, has stated that this is a misunderstanding of the findings[2] (see Misinterpretation of Mehrabian's rule).

Others assert that "Research has suggested that between 60 and 70 percent of all meaning is derived from nonverbal

behavior."[3]

Body language may provide clues as to the attitude or state of mind of a person. For example, it may indicate

aggression, attentiveness, boredom, relaxed state, pleasure, amusement, and intoxication.

Understanding body language

The technique of "reading" people is used frequently. For example, the idea of mirroring body language to put

people at ease is commonly used during interview situations. Body language can show feelings to other people,

which works in return for other people. People who show their body language to you can reveal their feelings and

meanings. Mirroring the body language of someone else indicates that they are understood. [citation needed] It is

important to note that some markers of emotion (e.g. smiling/laughing when happy, frowning/crying when sad) are

largely universal,[4]Wikipedia:Citing sources however in the 1990s Paul Ekman expanded his list of basic emotions,

including a range of positive and negative emotions, not all of which are encoded in facial muscles.[citation needed] The

newly included emotions are:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paul_Ekmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citing_sourceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mirroring_%28psychology%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Substance_intoxicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amusementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pleasurehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Relaxation_%28psychology%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boredomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Attentionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aggressionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Albert_Mehrabian%23Misinterpretationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Albert_Mehrabianhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paralinguistichttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Communicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sign_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eye_movement_%28sensory%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Facial_expressionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Facial_expressionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gesturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Human_positionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Non-verbal_communicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3ABody_Language.svghttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_Buss


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Body language 9

A study in body language.

1.1. Amusement

2.2. Contempt

3.3. Contentment

4.4. Embarrassment

5.5. Excitement

6.6. Guilt7.7. Pride in achievement

8.8. Relief

9.9. Satisfaction

10.10. Sensory pleasure

11.11. Shame

Body language signals may have a goal other than communication. People would keep both these two in mind.

Observers limit the weight they place on non-verbal cues. Signalers clarify their signals to indicate the biological

origin of their actions. Verbal communication also requires body language to show that the person you are talking

with that you are listening. These signals can consist of; eye contact and nodding your head to show you understand.

More examples would include yawning (sleepiness), showing lack of interest (sexual interest/survival interest),

attempts to change the topic (fight or flight drivers). Rudolf Laban and Warren Lamb add much to this about

dancers. Mime artists such as Booff Show utilize these techniques to communicate entire shows without a single

word.

Physical expression

Physical expressions like waving, pointing, touching and slouching are all forms of nonverbal communication. The

study of body movement and expression is known as kinesics. Humans move their bodies when communicating

because, as research has shown[citation needed], it helps "ease the mental effort when communication is difficult."

Physical expressions reveal many things about the person using them. For example, gestures can emphasize a point

or relay a message, posture can reveal boredom or great interest, and touch can convey encouragement or caution.[5]

One of the most basic and powerful body-language signals is when a person crosses his or her arms across the

chest.[6] This can indicate that a person is putting up an unconscious barrier between themselves and others.

However, it can also indicate that the person's arms are cold, which would be clarified by rubbing the arms or

huddling. When the overall situation is amicable, it can mean that a person is thinking deeply about what is being

discussed, but in a serious or confrontational situation, it can mean that a person is expressing opposition. This is

especially so if the person is leaning away from the speaker. A harsh or blank facial expression often indicates

outright hostility.

Consistent eye contact can indicate that a person is thinking positively of what the speaker is saying. It can alsomean that the other person doesn't trust the speaker enough to "take their eyes off" the speaker. Lack of eye

contact can indicate negativity. On the other hand, individuals with anxiety disorders are often unable to make eye

contact without discomfort. Eye contact can also be a secondary and misleading gesture because cultural norms

about it vary widely. If a person is looking at you, but is making the arms-across-chest signal, the eye contact

could be indicative that something is bothering the person, and that he wants to talk about it. Or if while making

direct eye contact, a person is fiddling with something, even while directly looking at you, it could indicate that

the attention is elsewhere. Also, there are three standard areas that a person will look which represent different

states of being. If the person looks from one eye to the other, then to the forehead, it is a sign that they are taking

an authoritative position. If they move from one eye to the other, then to the nose, that signals that they are

engaging in what they consider to be a "level conversation" with neither party holding superiority. The last case isfrom one eye to the other and then down to the lips. This is a strong indication of romantic feelings. [citation needed]
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/restlessnesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/restlessnesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anxiety_disorderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eye_contacthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kinesicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nonverbal_communicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Booff_Showhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mime_artisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Warren_Lambhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rudolf_Labanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AJealousy_and_Flirtation.jpg


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Body language 10

Disbelief is often indicated by averted gaze, or by touching the ear or scratching the chin. When a person is not

being convinced by what someone is saying, the attention invariably wanders, and the eyes will stare away for an

extended period.[citation needed]

Boredom is indicated by the head tilting to one side, or by the eyes looking straight at the speaker but becoming

slightly unfocused. A head tilt may also indicate a sore neck, trust or a feeling of safety (part of the neck becomes

uncovered, hence vulnerable; It's virtually impossible to tilt our head in front of someone we don't trust or are

scared of) or Amblyopia, and unfocused eyes may indicate ocular problems in the listener.[citation needed]

Interest can be indicated through posture or extended eye contact, such as standing and listening properly.[citation

needed]

Deceit or the act of withholding information can sometimes be indicated by touching the face during

conversation. Excessive blinking is a well-known indicator of someone who is lying. RecentlyWikipedia:Manual

of Style/Dates and numbers#Chronological items, evidence has surfaced that the absence of blinking can also

represent lying as a more reliable factor than excessive blinking.[7]

Some people use and understand body language differently, or not at all. [citation needed] Interpreting their gestures and

facial expressions (or lack thereof) in the context of normal body language usually leads to misunderstandings and

misinterpretations (especially if body language is given priority over spoken language). It should also be stated thatpeople from different cultures can interpretate body language in different ways.

Prevalence of non-verbal communication in humans

Some researchersWikipedia:Avoid weasel words put the level of nonverbal communication as high as 80 percent of

all communication when othersWikipedia:Avoid weasel words state the figures could be at or around 50-65 percent.

Different studies have found differing amounts, with some studies showing that facial communication is believed 4.3

times more often than verbal meaning, and another finding that verbal communication in a flat tone is 4 times more

likely to be understood than a pure facial expression.[citation needed] Albert Mehrabian is noted for finding a

7%-38%-55% rule, supposedly denoting how much communication was conferred by words, tone, and non-verbal

language (facial expression in this case). However he was only referring to cases of expressing feelings or attitudes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoid_weasel_wordshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoid_weasel_wordshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cultureshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neurotypicalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_itemshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_itemshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amblyopiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boredomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Attentionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Itchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ear


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Body language 11

Diagram of Edward T. Hall's personal reaction bubbles (1966), showing radius in feet

Proxemics

Introduced by Edward T. Hall in 1966,

proxemics is the study of measurable

distances between people as they

interact with one another.[8] The

distance between people in a social

situation often discloses information

about the type of relationship between

the people involved. Proximity may

also reveal the type of social setting

taking place.

1. Intimate distance ranges from

touching to about 18 inches (46 cm)

apart, and is reserved for lovers,children, as well as close family

members and friends, and also pet

animals.

2.2. Personal distance begins about an

arm's length away; starting around

18 inches (46 cm) from the person

and ending about 4 feet (122 cm) away. This space is used in conversations with friends, to chat with associates,

and in group discussions.

3.3. Social distance ranges from 4 to 8 feet (1.2 m - 2.4 m) away from the person and is reserved for strangers, newly

formed groups, and new acquaintances.4. Public distance includes anything more than 8 feet (2.4 m) away, and is used for speeches, lectures, and theater.

Public distance is essentially that range reserved for larger audiences.[9]

Proximity range varies with culture.

Unintentional gestures

Beginning in the 1960s, there has been huge interest in studying human behavioral clues that could be useful for

developing an interactive and adaptive human-machine system.[10] Unintentional human gestures such as making an

eye rub, a chin rest, a lip touch, a nose itch, a head scratch, an ear scratch, crossing arms, and a finger lock have been

found conveying some useful information in specific contextsWikipedia:Avoid weasel words. Some researchersWikipedia:Avoid weasel words have tried to extract such gestures in a specific context for educational

applications.[citation needed] In poker games, such gestures are referred to as "tells" and are useful to players for

detecting deception clues or behavioral patterns in opponents.

There is also a huge interest in learning to avoid any unintentional gesture that might leave a negative impression on

the onlookers. A large number of people are starting to attend special sessions on controlled body behaviour and take

advice from expert sociologists. Learning good body-language, such as living styles of foreign people, is important

during interaction in any sort of global community.[citation needed]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tell_%28poker%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pokerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoid_weasel_wordshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoid_weasel_wordshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Physical_intimacyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Proxemicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_T._Hallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3APersonal_Space.svghttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Radiushttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_T._Hall


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Body language 12

References

[1][1] Borg, James. Body Language: 7 Easy Lessons to Master the Silent Language. FT Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0-13-700260-3

[3][3] Engleberg,Isa N. Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies. My Communication Kit Series, 2006. page 133

[4][4] Markku Haakana 2001. Laughing Matters: A Conversation Analytical Study of Laughter in Doctor - Patient Interaction. Department of

Finnish Language, University of Helsinki

[5][5] Engleberg,Isa N. Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies. My Communication Kit Series, 2006. page 137

[8][8] ^ Hall, Edward T. (1966). The Hidden Dimension. Anchor Books. ISBN 0-385-08476-5[9][9] Engleberg,Isa N. Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies. My Communication Kit Series, 2006. page 140-141

External links

Body language is of particular importance in large groups (http://cogprints.org/4444/) by Tarnow, E. published

1997

Hess Pupil Dilation Findings: Sex or Novelty? (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3852/is_199801/

ai_n8807489) Social Behavior and Personality, 1998 by Aboyoun, Darren C, Dabbs, James M Jr

Understanding body language (http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/ss/

understanding-body-language_8.htm)

A lecture discussing scientific studies on how one's own body language influences oneself. (http://www.ted.

com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.html)

Proteans

Proteans (or the Proteus effect) are unpredictable, subtle, often subconscious, flirting signals, such as a woman's

touching of her hair when first meeting a man. The term was coined by Humphries and Driver in 1970[1] for

unpredictable behaviour exhibited by prey animals. It was used in the context of human courtship behaviour by

Grammer et al. in 2000.[2]

The researchers named the ritual for the shape-shifting Greek God because of the ambiguity of the signals. The name

also suggests a first impression, or something that precedes actual flirting. Because of the unconscious nature of

proteans, they are not overt invitations to proceed, but more akin to "tells" in a poker game.

These signals often indicate that the sender is trying to decide whether he/she is interested in the "receiver".

However, some individuals, instead of playing along, will overestimate the sender's interest and do something more

obvious, like asking for a phone number. This can be clumsy and confusing to both parties, and understanding the

concept of protean signals is useful for avoiding such missteps. Misinterpreting those cues and responding to them

overeagerly is commonly said to happen to men more than women, although both can suffer when this happens.[3]

References[3] Daily Times, Pakistan Mar 17 2003: Solved: flirting code that baffles the boys (http://www.dailytimes.com. pk/default.

asp?page=story_18-3-2003_pg9_17)

External links

New Scientist - Girl talk (http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn420)Review of an Austrian study of

similar phenomena
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Austriahttp://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn420http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_18-3-2003_pg9_17http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_18-3-2003_pg9_17http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pokerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tell_%28poker%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Proteushttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Courtshiphttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Flirtinghttp://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.htmlhttp://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.htmlhttp://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/ss/understanding-body-language_8.htmhttp://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/ss/understanding-body-language_8.htmhttp://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3852/is_199801/ai_n8807489http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3852/is_199801/ai_n8807489http://cogprints.org/4444/


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Article Sources and Contributors 13

Article Sources and ContributorsPosture (psychology) Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=546076741 Contributors: AOC25, Alborzagros, Avwezel, Bearcat, Bodysurfinyon, Charley sf, Clegs, Clumsily,

Ewawer, JaGa, Jonadin93, Katharineamy, Lova Falk, Lyrelle Everyne, Mandarax, Mobell2012, Nature0rNurture, NawlinWiki, Omnipaedista, Pamejudd, Penbat, ReneVenegas95, Sansvase,

Smallman12q, Sun Creator, Tinton5, Tobby72, 25 a nonymous edits

Body language Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=543732978 Contributors: 2001:630:C0:101:0:0:0:2, 2D, A little insignificant, A3 nm, AAA765, Aaron Brenneman,

AbigwikiFan, Accius, AgMoNaK, Agentsmith123, Ahoerstemeier, Airmanedwards, Alansohn, AlbertBickford, Alex43223, Alfio, Altenmann, Altg20April2nd, AmyStar67, AnakngAraw,

Andres, Andrew Maiman, Andrewbsc, Andy Lee Graham, Andycjp, Anser, Ariedartin, Arthena, BMF81, Bagatelle, Barek, Barticus88, Bemuzed, Bender235, Bgiro1, Bhadani, BigHairRef,Bigtophat, Bikeable, BlackAndy, Blue520, Bodylanguage, Bodylanguageguide, BradBeattie, Bre ttdhg, Brighterorange, C.Ronaldo2003-2010, Cairo med, Can't sleep, clown will eat me,

Capricorn42, CaptainMorgan, CarbonUnit, Casliber, Cbdorsett, Cdf333fad3a, Celestianpower, Charles Matthews, Chester Markel, Chester polarbear, Cheyvonne, Chiwawa35, ChrisGualtieri,

Christopherphilip, Cmonday, Colonel Warden, Covalent, Cyopst, DARTH SIDIOUS 2, DBOLTSON, DVD R W, DVdm, Dance Scholar, Dark Mage, DarkArcher, Darkfred, David Shankbone,

Deanjl, Deli nk, Delnex, Delta759, Dez82, Dillard421, Dina, Discospinster, Docu, DoriSmith, Download, Dpr, Dprabon, DrDaveHPP, Durin, EagleFan, ElinorD, Encephalon, Epbr123,

Everyking, Ewawer, Exit2DOS2000, Falcon8765, Fayte, Fieldday-sunday, Firien, Foant, Frosted14, Fyyer, F, Gadfium, Gaia Octavia Agrippa, Gaius Cornelius, Gaius Octavius Atellus,

Gandalfxviv, Gareth Griffith-Jones, Geeoharee, George100, Gioto, Glenn, Glover, Gogo Dodo, GoingBatty, GooAnn, Granf, Grayshi, Gregers, H. sanat, Hajatvrc, HalfShadow, Handanalysis,

HarlandQPitt, Hephaestos, Hurricane111, Iam, Ian Pitchford, IanMcGreene, Igoldste, Ihcoyc, Immunize, IsaacSapphire, Ixfd64, J.delanoy, JD554, JNW, Jahiegel, Jakeperyer, JamesBWatson,

Jasmine100, Javier Carro, Jeff G., Jeronim, Jesseica, JimCollaborator, Jiy, Jlitz77, Jmrowland, Johnkarp, Johnnygrogan, Johnuniq, Jorgesilvera, Joyburst, Judithseegers, Jwalling, KGun10,

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Mandarax, Markeilz, Marokwitz, MattGiuca, Matthew Stannard, Mauls, Maurice Carbonaro, Mcld, Meaghan, Melaen, Memorymentor, Memotrace, Mentifisto, Michael.Urban, Mikebent2007,

Millahnna, Mindmatrix, Minghong, Mo-Al, Mogism, Monty845, Moyda, Mr. Blake, Mr.Z-man, MrOllie, Mufka, Mwanner, MyNameIsNotBob, NLPepa, Nairb905, Nasser750gx,

Nature0rNurture, NawlinWiki, Neamar, Nevit, NewEnglandYankee, Niceguyedc, NinjaKid, Noble-savage, Ntennis, Olv 26, Otro, P-trick123, Palpalpalpal, PauAmma, Paul Magnussen,

Peaceduck, Pearle, Pea seinternational, Penbat, Pendragon39, Perl, Philip Trueman, Philips2009, Piano non troppo, Picus viridis, Plasmanine, Platinumpositivity, Pne, Pointillist, Pontificake,

Puellanivis, Quaeler, Quiddity, Qwe, R Lowry, R'n'B, Radagast83, RandomStringOfCharacters, RandomXYZb, Rbchristiansen, RedWolf, Renzut, Rich Farmbrough, Richmcl, Ricky81682,

Righteousskills, Rikeus, Riteshtovictor, Rjanag, Rlest, Rmhermen, Robert dorling, Ronhjones, RoyBoy, Rrburke, Russell8623, S charette, S.rvarr.S, Samsara, SangerRainsford, SchuminWeb,

Seductionreport.com, Seglea, Sfgiants1995, Shubinator, SiobhanHansa, Skeeter08865, SkyWalker, Skysmith, Slur.exe, Solomaxwell, Some jerk on the Internet, Someguy1221, Soulkeeper,

Sparkleyone, Spline101, Squidwina, Stefan64, Steveprutz, Storkk, Suicidalhamster, SummerWithMorons, SuperN, Synchronism, TIY, TUF-KAT, Taak, Tanuki Z, Taranet, Tgeairn, The High Fin

Sperm Whale, The Thing That Should Not Be, TheAMmollusc, TheRanger, Theloniousa, Thryduulf, Thsd blge 3211, Tide rolls, Toddst1, TomCerul, Tommy2010, Tpbradbury, Trans2011,Trevor MacInnis, Trixt, Twinsday, UnaIrene, Valentiin8053, Vanished user 9i39j3, Vaughan, Versus22, Vodnokon4e, WAS 4.250, WLU, Waggers, WatermelonPotion, Wayne S lam,

West.andrew.g, Westsider, Wiki alf, Wikiarif, Wikid77, Wikisud, Wintonian, WojciechSwiderski, Woohookitty, Woshioyy, Xme, Y2kcrazyjoker4, Yama moto Ichiro, Yermishkina, Yidisheryid,

Yoursmile, Zanimum, Zapvet, Zigger, , 793 anonymous edits

Proteans Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=542920728 Contributors: Alignmeme, Ayamityndall, Causa sui, Evanh2008, Hackerb9, Lova Falk, M.arunprasad, Meclee,

Micromesistius, PamD, PauAmma, Repku, SidP, Squidfryerchef, Steveprutz, Zuimuss, 10 anonymous edits


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Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors 14

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsFile:Caspar Netscher - Young Girl Holding a Letter (detail) - WGA16521.jpg Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Caspar_Netscher_-_Young_Girl_Holding_a_Letter_(detail)_-_WGA16521.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Bukk, Longhairadmirer,

Mattes

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Tamba52, Wst

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