Every gesture, posture, and facial expression reveals a story about our emotions, confidence, and intentions. Understanding this silent language helps build stronger relationships, enhances communication, and even boosts success in personal and professional life. Let’s explore what body language truly means, its scientific roots, and the subtle cues that make all the difference.

There’s an even better reason to think about body language: Science shows we pick up on our own nonverbal signals. How we stand, how we sit, and the gestures we make can have a dramatic impact on how we think, feel, and perform.

Fortunately, it’s easy. You don’t have to think about using body language to your advantage all day. Instead, just pick the times when you need a little boost of confidence, of creativity, or just to feel happier.

What is Body Language?

There are many ways to express messages and the most underestimated being body language. It’s a form of nonverbal communication based on how one looks, appear, dress, and behave. And more often than not, it’s done unconsciously.

It’s widely accepted that only 7% of effective communication is verbal; the rest is nonverbal (tone of voice at 38% and body language at 55%). That’s why body language is important.
“It shows how you’re feeling that you’re happy, sad, angry, holding back, telling the truth, lying, likely to say ‘yes’…,” explains Allan Pease.
Flashing the eyebrows, a light touch on the leg, crossing the arms, slouching in the chair, and the eye roll are all ways we subtly communicate

Body Language Definition in Science

While the body language definition in layman is the same as in science, there’s one word used in scientific circles to highlight: kinesics. Its root comes from the Greek word kinesis, meaning “motion.”

It refers to the study of hand, arm, body, and face movements as a form of social interaction. And like its verbal counterpart, there are different types of nonverbal communication:

Gestures

There are three main types:

• Adaptors: touching behaviors and movements often indicating how a person feels internally, like arousal or anxiety.

• Emblems: signs that have a specific agreed-on meaning, like the middle finger or thumbs up.

• Illustrators: cues that don’t have a particular agreed-on meaning and are often used subconsciously, like using hand gestures to show the size or shape of something.

Head Movements and Posture

These are used to acknowledge and show interest or attentiveness. For example, when we pass by someone we know, we may acknowledge them by giving a head nod. And when it comes to posture, it could be when we lean in toward someone we’re interested in.

Eye Contact

This part of the body helps signal when we’re ready to speak or finish up, allows us to interpret other people’s body signals, expresses that we’re interested (or not), and establishes connections.

Facial Expressions

The face is the most expressive part of the body. And when it comes to communicating, there are five universal expressions: happiness, sadness, fear, anger, and disgust.

While kinesics often discuss the types of nonverbal communication separately, it’s important to remember that they all work together to support, modify, or contradict the verbal message conveyed.

Open vs. Closed Body Language

Verbally, there are words to express negative and positive emotions. It’s the same concept with nonverbals, except it’s called open body language and closed body language.

Here are the differences between the two:

How you “speak” with your body sends different messages. So it’s vital to be conscious that what comes out of your mouth is congruent to the movements you make with your body.

Why Is Body Language So Important?

There’s that adage, “Actions speak louder than words.” And the body speaks volumes, helping to reiterate messages or reinforce statements.

Body language is a powerful tool you can use to influence others and to succeed in business and personal relationships.
that is:  Barbara Pease, co-trainer of Mindvalley’s Mastering Body Language: Truth, Lies, Love & Power program

Understanding the basic vocabulary of the unspoken language has a great many benefits. Here are five to highlight:

• Using positive body language can help you appear to be more friendly and likable,

• Decreases the stress hormone, cortisol,

• Improves your emotional intelligence,

• Boost your moods, and

• Helps improve confidence and charisma.

Empaths are more likely to pick up emotions through nonverbal communication. Because they’re highly sensitive to other people’s energies, they can read the other person’s body language and gauge what that person is feeling. In turn, they’re able to reciprocate their cues in kind.

According to Allan, also known as “Mr. Body Language,” this way of communication has such a significant impact that it can influence someone. He explains that when people feel comfortable with you, they can identify with you, that you understand them, and like you, there’s a higher likelihood they’ll want to build a connection with you.

It’s also important to note that the reverse is also true like if someone isn’t able to identify with you, it causes a tilt, and they’re more likely to turn you down.

Want to express yourself better  with words and gestures? Join PlanetSpark’s free demo class today and discover how body language training can make you more confident and articulate. 

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Science Says These 11 Body Language Secrets Will Make You More Successful

1. Want to be more sincere? Use the power of touch.

Touch can influence behavior, increase the chances of compliance, make the person doing the touching seem more attractive and friendly, and can even help you make a sale.
For example, in one experiment the participants tried to convey 12 different emotions by touching another blindfolded participant on the forearm. The rate of accuracy for perceiving emotions such as fear, anger, gratitude, sympathy, love, and disgust ranged from 43 to 83 percent and without a word being spoken.
Say you’re congratulating someone; shaking hands or (possibly better yet, depending on the situation) patting him or her gently on the shoulder or upper arm can help reinforce the sincerity of your words.
The person will feel better about him- or herself and you’ll feel better about yourself, because you will know you made a difference, however small, in another person’s life.

2. Want to be more innovative and creative? Lie down.

According to Australian National University professor Darren Lipnicki, lying down can lead to creative breakthroughs.
“It might be that we have our most creative thoughts while flat on our back,” he says. One reason might be that more of the chemical noradrenaline is released while we’re standing, and noradrenaline could inhibit our ability to think creatively.
Sweet: Now we all have a great excuse to lay back, relax, and just think.

3. Want to have greater willpower and determination? Flex your muscles.

Say you’re at the doctor and you need bloodwork. The sight of the needle automatically makes you tense up. Why? That’s your body’s way of trying to minimize pain.
Flexing your muscles also helps you to stay more focused when you hear negative information. And flexing can even increase your ability to resist eating tempting food.
(Sounds like we should be flexing all day.)

4. Want to feel more determined and persistent? Cross your arms.

I know. Crossed arms signal to other people that you’re closed-minded or anxious. It supposedly sends a negative signal.
On the other hand, crossing your arms will make you stick with an “unsolvable” problem a lot longer and will make you perform better on solvable problems. That’s definitely cool, because persistence is a trait most successful entrepreneurs need in abundance.
In addition, crossing your arms can help calm you down if you feel anxious or stressed. (But if you don’t want others to pick up on it, do that in private.)
Whenever you feel stuck, try crossing your arms. And then keep pushing ahead.

5. Want to feel more confident? Do your best impression of Superman.

Harvard professor Amy Cuddy says two minutes of power posing  and standing tall, holding your arms out or toward the sky, or standing like Superman with your hands on your hips that will dramatically increase your level of confidence.
Before you step into a situation where you know you’ll feel nervous, insecure, or intimidated, strike your pose. (Just make sure no one is watching.)
I do it for a few minutes before every speaking gig. It definitely works.

6. Want to reduce stress? Smile.

Frowning, grimacing, and other negative facial expressions signal your brain that whatever you are doing is difficult. So your body responds by releasing cortisol, which raises your stress levels.
Stress begets more stress, begets more stress, and in no time, you’re a hot mess.
Here’s the cure: Make yourself smile. You’ll feel less stress even if nothing else about the situation changes.
And there’s a bonus: When you smile, other people feel less stress too. Which, of course, will reduce your stress levels. So kill two stresses with one smile.
(By the way, smiling also makes exercising easier...)

Ready to turn your conversations into meaningful connections? 

Try PlanetSpark’s free demo class and see how expert-guided sessions can help you own every interaction with confidence.

7. Want to make other people feel more comfortable? Tilt your head forward.

Tilting your head forward slightly when you meet someone shows deference and humility, and can help remove any perceived differences in status.
The next time you meet someone, tilt your head forward slightly, smile, make eye contact, and show you are honored by the introduction.
We all like people who like us, so if I show you I’m genuinely happy to meet you, you’ll instantly start to like me. And, in return, that will help calm my nerves and help me be myself.
Win-win.

8. Want to better understand someone else’s feelings? Mimic their nonverbal expressions.

Research shows that imitating other people’s nonverbal expressions can help you understand the emotions they are experiencing.
Since we all express our emotions nonverbally, copying those expressions affects our own emotions due to an “afferent feedback mechanism.”
In short: Mimic my expressions and you’ll better understand how I feel like which means you can better help me work through those feelings. Plus, mimicking facial expressions makes the other person feel the interaction was more positive.

9. Want to defuse an interpersonal conflict? Stand at an angle.

When tensions are high, standing face to face seems confrontational.
When you know what you say could make another person feel challenged, shift your feet slightly. Stand or sit at an angle.
And if you’re confronted by someone, don’t back away. Just shift to create a slight angle. You’ll implicitly reduce any perceived confrontation and may make an uncomfortable conversation feel less adversarial.

10. Want to improve information retention? Use your hands.

Research shows requiring children to speak while they are learning has no effect on enhancing learning but requiring them to gesture helps them retain the knowledge they gain.
If it works for kids, it will work for us, too. According to one researcher, “Gesturing can thus play a causal role in learning, perhaps by giving learners an alternative, embodied way of representing new ideas.”
Sounds good to me.

11. Want to feel happier and more upbeat? Chew gum.

Granted, chomping on a wad of gum may not look professional. Still, a number of studies show chewing gum can make you more alert.
And improve your reaction times. And improve selective and sustained attention. And improve your disposition.
Here’s a thought: The next time you need to solve a difficult problem, lie down, cross your arms, and pop in a stick of gum. Maybe, just maybe, that will be the winning combination you need to achieve your next breakthrough.

Body Language Examples

The thing is, many of us are unaware that our bodies are talking because we weren’t taught how to be conscious about it.

So here are three common life scenarios and body language examples used within them. The next time you find yourself in a similar situation, you’ll be able to recognize them as cues to proceed or to turn the other way.

Examples in Dating

Navigating the dating scene can be a doozy. However, it’s all about body language attraction, and here’s how it can look:

Positive body language: When you’re sharing a personal story with your date, they tilt their head and lean towards you, maintaining eye contact.
Negative body language: When you’re sharing a personal story with your date, they lean back and slouch in the chair with a deadpan look on their face.

Examples in the Workplace

The office is filled with opportunities to pick up on nonverbal cues, whether it’s during a discussion between coworkers or in a presentation. Here’s how it can look:

Positive body language: When you meet a new client, they mirror your handshake.
Negative body language: When you meet a new client, their handshake is limp or too strong.

Examples in Public Spaces

The next time you’re out at a bar, a concert, or any other public place, check out the nonverbals on display.

Positive body language: When you’re at the store, people form a line at the checkout counter and go through the process calmly and respectfully.
Negative body language: When you’re at the store, people are trying to check out in an unorderly manner that can cause chaos and confusion  like the madness that happens during Black Friday.

Unlock your full communication potential! 

Book a free demo session at PlanetSpark and learn how to master both your spoken and unspoken communication skills.

How to Read Body Language Accurately

One crucial mistake that’s often made is interpreting a cue in isolation without considering other gestures, postures, circumstances, or context. It’s like hearing a single word and trying to understand the overall message.

Body language has words, sentences, phrases, and punctuation and that’s what you need to read to get an accurate understanding.

— Allan Pease, co-trainer of Mindvalley’s Mastering Body Language: Truth, Lies, Love & Power program

In their program on Mindvalley, Allan and Barbara Pease highlight three rules that can help you accurately assess others’ signals.

1. Read Nonverbal Cues in Clusters of Three

One movement can have several meanings. For example, if someone scratches their head, it could mean they’re lying or maybe they just have dandruff.

When interpreting movements, do it in clusters of three. (In body language, a “cluster” is the equivalent of a “sentence.”) This helps avoid assumptions and misunderstandings.

2. Read Gestures in Context

Understanding context is important in verbal communication, and it’s no different in nonverbal cues. Context gives meaning and clarity to the message.

Take the “V” sign (holding up the index and middle fingers), for instance.

Fun fact: The “V” sign was originally used to signal victory by Allied nations during World War II.

So remember that always read gestures in context. Without it, cues have no significant meaning.

3. Look for Congruence

In body language, congruence means what you hear (verbal) matches what you see (nonverbal). Both must align or otherwise, it leads to mistrust.

“Research reveals that when the verbal and nonverbal are incongruent, most people that is especially female-brain people and will rely on the nonverbal message and disregard the verbal,” explains Allan.

If there’s no congruence, people will simply not engage, no matter how honest the speaker might be.

Bonus: Be Aware of Cultural Differences

Cultures have unique customs that shape body language. While many cues are universal, some differ dramatically.

Examples include:

• A head nod usually means “yes,” but in Bulgaria, it means “no.”

• A reverse “V” sign is slang for “peace,” but in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, it means “up yours.”

• Pointing with the index finger is normal in many countries, but rude in others.

Allan suggests understanding these cultural differences when visiting other countries.
 

Build More Meaningful Connections: 7 Secret Cues From Mindvalley Experts

Reading body language is one thing, but knowing how to reciprocate is another. Whether you’re naturally charismatic or socially awkward, mastering nonverbal cues can help you build meaningful relationships.

Drawing wisdom from Allan & Barbara Pease and Linda Clemons®, here are seven body language cues, why they’re powerful, and how to use them effectively.

1. Tilting Your Head

Head tilts show you’re interested and engaged. This gesture also exposes your neck that is a sign of trust and vulnerability.

How to use it: When focusing on someone’s words, tilt your head slightly to one side (not too much). It signals empathy and attentiveness.

2. Showing Your Palms

“The use of palms is critical to how people perceive you,” says Allan. There are three key palm positions:

• Palm up: Open and welcoming

• Palm down: Closed off or dominant

• Finger pointing: Authoritative or aggressive

How to use it: When greeting someone, extend your hand with your palm slightly upward. It signals honesty and warmth.

3. Mastering Mirroring

Mirroring helps you build instant rapport. It’s a subconscious way of saying, “I’m like you.”

How to use it: Face the person you’re speaking to and naturally mirror their gestures but wait a few seconds before doing so, to keep it subtle and authentic.

4. Smiling and Laughing

Smiling triggers positive reactions. It lifts mood, reduces stress, and strengthens bonds.

How to use it: Smile genuinely and laugh with others, not at them. It builds comfort and approachability.

5. Dressing to Attract

This follows Neil Strauss’s “peacock theory” that is dressing in a way that stands out.

How to use it: Wear bright, attractive colors (especially on top). Clothes that can be “unwrapped,” like a jacket or cardigan, can spark curiosity.

6. Speaking With Your Eyes

“The eyes are the windows to the soul,” and prolonged eye contact builds connection and but too much can cause discomfort.

A 2016 study found the ideal gaze time before discomfort sets in is around three seconds.

How to use it: In professional settings, keep your eyes above the other person’s nose line. In romantic contexts, glance below it occasionally.

7. Positioning Your Body

Your body’s direction and distance reveal interest. Facing away signals unease or disinterest.

How to use it: Face the person directly, lean slightly in, and respect personal space. “Face-to-face, heart-to-heart,” as Linda Clemons® says, is the key to authentic connection.

Let Your Body (Language) Do the Talking

If you’re “catchin’ every third word,” as Blake Shelton sings, then learning to read and use body language gives you a big advantage that in love, work, and everyday life.

While reading helps, learning directly from experts like Allan and Barbara Pease or Linda Clemons® can take your understanding much further.

Start with these Mindvalley programs:

• Mastering Body Language: Truth, Lies, Love & Power to Decode others and master your own cues.

• Body Language for Dating & Attraction that is  Especially for women, to embrace charisma and sensuality.

With their expert guidance, you can unlock the subtle, powerful world of nonverbal communication and let your body speak volumes.

Why Join PlanetSpark for Learning Personality Development

Learning body language is not just about gestures or posture that it’s about expressing confidence, understanding emotions, and building meaningful connections. At PlanetSpark, students go beyond theory. They learn how to use body language in real situations like presentations, interviews, debates, and daily communication.

1. Personalised Learning Programmes
PlanetSpark offers customised lessons based on each student’s comfort level and learning pace. This ensures that students understand and practise body language skills, like posture, facial expressions, and gestures, step by step, building confidence naturally over time.

2. Interactive and Engaging Classes
The platform uses fun, activity-based online sessions that make learning body language exciting. Role-plays, storytelling, and virtual games encourage active participation, helping students apply non-verbal communication skills in real-life situations.

3. Expert Mentors for Real Guidance
PlanetSpark’s trained mentors provide one-on-one feedback and personal attention. They help students correct non-verbal cues, refine their presentation style, and understand how body language influences first impressions and communication outcomes.

4. Practical Exercises and Progress Tracking
Every lesson includes hands-on exercises, like mirror practice or video feedback, to help students track improvements. Regular progress reviews and body language assessments ensure steady growth and measurable learning results.

5. Building Confidence and Presence
Beyond just learning gestures, PlanetSpark helps students express confidence and authenticity. With improved eye contact, posture, and self-awareness, students learn to communicate clearly and make lasting impressions in classrooms, interviews, or public speaking events.

Conclusion

Body language is the silent language that speaks louder than words. Whether it’s a confident handshake, a warm smile, or maintaining eye contact that every gesture carries meaning. Learning to read these cues helps you connect, empathize, and communicate more effectively in every setting should be it at work, with friends, or in relationships. When your body language aligns with your words, you naturally come across as genuine and trustworthy. With practice, awareness, and emotional intelligence, you can master the art of nonverbal communication and let your body do half the talking for you.

FAQs

1. What is body language?
Body language refers to nonverbal signals such as gestures, posture, facial expressions, and tone of voice that communicate emotions and intentions without words.

2. Why is body language important in communication?
It adds depth and clarity to spoken words, helping you understand others’ true feelings and build stronger relationships both personally and professionally.

3. How can I improve my body language?
Start by observing yourself and maintain eye contact, smile genuinely, and keep an open posture. Practicing mindfulness and mirroring others’ gestures can also help.

4. What are some common negative body language signs?
Crossed arms, lack of eye contact, slouching, or fidgeting often signal disinterest, defensiveness, or discomfort.

5. Can body language differ across cultures?
Yes, cultural context matters a lot. For instance, a nod may mean “yes” in one culture but “no” in another. Always consider the local norms when interpreting cues.

6. How does body language affect confidence?
Positive body language  like standing tall, smiling, and using open gestures that can make you feel more confident and also appear more credible to others.

7. How does PlanetSpark help students improve body language?
At PlanetSpark, students learn through real-life scenarios, stage exposure, and interactive speaking sessions that build both verbal and nonverbal communication confidence.

8. What makes PlanetSpark’s approach unique?
Unlike traditional learning, PlanetSpark focuses on personality development and emotional expression through storytelling, role plays, and feedback-based learning, making communication natural and impactful.