Experts say nonverbal communication may actually have more sway than spoken words. Studies have found that body language makes up 55 percent of the force of any given response, "paralanguage," which includes sighs, pauses and intonation, accounts for 38 percent, and verbal communication provides a mere 7 percent of the response's emphasis.
Positive Body Language• Strong, firm handshake: Confidence, security
• Leaning forward, eye contact, hand gestures: Sincerity, confidence, interest
• Natural tone, volume, pitch and pace of voice: Secure, confidence
• Eye contact: Openness and honesty
• Altering facial expressions to match what is said (smiling when being friendly, etc.): Secure self-esteem
• Feet on desk, hands behind head: Confident, dominant or superior
• Relaxed upright posture, arms swinging naturally while walking: Confident
• Nodding: Approval
Negative Body Language
• Leaning back and looking down: Lack of confidence, aloof
• Limp, weak handshake: Nervousness
• Leaning in too close: Could be threatening
• Weak, soft voice: Nervousness
• Clearing throat, saying "um, uh," using overly complex sentences: Insecurity, nervousness
• Dropping head and looking down: Untrustworthy
• Staring at other person during silences: Increases tension
• Maintaining eye contact too long (over 7-10 seconds): May cause anxiety or discomfort
• Rigid, stooped posture, feet shuffling: Lack of confidence
• Folded arms, crossed legs, picking lint off clothing: Disinterested, disagreement
• Twiddling thumbs, drumming fingers: Not paying attention, anxiety
• Clenching or wringing hands, playing with jewelry, sitting on edge of chair, jiggling foot: Stress, nervousness, anxiety
• Rubbing hair or back of neck: Frustration
• Touching your face: Nervousness, dishonesty
08/12/06 @ 20:16