Kinesics: An Interpretation Of Body Language

Body Language Human beings use body language for a variety of important reasons. Being able to interpret body language helps protect us, adds depth to a conversation, and gives us clues as to how others are feeling. For humans non verbal communication is a huge part of how we communicate and some body language is recognizable around the world. Janine Driver, a body language expert, can even be quoted from a documentary for the History channel saying that ninety three percent of what we communicate to others is non verbal (Millar, 2008). Body language is also often called kinesics, as that is a more proper term for it. Body language can show leadership, confidence, aggression and fear in ways that will be expanded upon later. Kinesics, or body language, involves facial expressions, how the body is positioned, gestures, eye movement, touching, and proximity. There are six main …show more content…
Waving is usually seen as an open and friendly gesture,while making a fist usually means someone is angry or trying to be threatening. Pointing is usually used as emphasis or to direct peoples attention somewhere, and when a person places their hand over their heart it is seen as a gesture of sincerity or surprise. Having open and uplifted palms is a submissive gesture that can be used to signal either innocence, uncertainty, or to try and make an appeal to someone (Straker, 2007a).
Eye movement is yet another factor in body language. When one looks up they are likely to be thinking or bored, and when someone is looking down they likely are either feeling guilty or being submissive. When a person looks side to side they tend to either be lying, or doing something shady and looking for an escape route or to make sure no one is around. If someone does not make eye contact often and they are not lying then it is probable that they are feeling