Happiness, defined by rounded eyes, raised cheeks and a big smile. Sadness, which is visible in the areas of the eyes and mouth. Disgust, which includes lowered eyebrows and eyelids, a raised upper lip and wrinkled nose. Surprise, which shows in the wide open eyes, raised brow and open mouth. Anger surfaces in a lowered brow and penetrating, persistent stare. Fear shows itself in the area around the eyes and an open mouth.
If this amount of eye contact makes you uncomfortable or feels awkward, practice speaking while making eye contact with family or friends. Be aware of your blink rate. Excessive blinking is usually means that you are uncomfortable or feeling stress.
Lip biting can indicate stress, anxiety or feelings of worry. Pursed lips can indicate distaste or disapproval. Covering of the mouth, other than for covering a cough, can indicate that one is concealing a smirk or smile. Curving of the corners of the mouth can be used to perceive emotion. When the corners of the mouth curve up, this can indicate happy or positive feelings. The curving down of the corners of the mouth can be indicate feelings of sadness or disapproval.
With outreached arms and palms facing up, this communicates openness, acceptance and trustworthiness. If there is a movement of the arms in jerking motion, this is a statement that the person is feeling powerless. With outreached arms and palms facing down, this portrays a sense of authority. If this action takes place during a conversation, it typically means the person you are communicating with is firm in their belief of what is being said. Placement of a hand over the heart means that the comments being made are heartfelt and the speaker wants to be believed. Finger pointing is used as an authoritative gesture, however when used when talking to a peer, it can imply a confrontational spirit and arrogance. Rubbing hands together typically indicates excitement and anticipation of a positive nature. Putting hands together in a steeple fashion portray feelings of self-assurance and confidence.
Observe other signs that cast you in a thoughtful light. Look away in a contemplative manner after being as a question, then make eye contact when you are answering. Tilting your head, with your eyes focused in an upward manner, is also a sign of reflection. [3] X Research source
Crossed arms can be indicative of a person feeling defensive or closed off. Standing with hands placed on the hips can be a sign of confidence and control or, on the negative side, a sign of aggressiveness. The clasping of hands behind one’s back can be a sign of anxiety, boredom or anger. Tapping of fingers on a desk or surface can relay feelings of boredom or frustration.
Crossed legs and shifting them a way from a particular person can indicate a closed off feeling, or distaste for another. A crossing of the ankles, typically in men (as this gesture is considered ladylike in women) can be perceived as holding back information.
Keep your back straight, with relaxed shoulders. Be sure not to look rigid. Position your body parallel to the person with who you are speaking, to show that you are engaged. Lean in slightly, to show your interest. Try to match the body language of the person you are speaking with. This will indicate you are sincere and amiable to what is being said.
Clenched fists can be a sign of harmony or agreement; on the negative side, it can signal anger, or aggression. Displaying a thumbs up or thumbs down is common for conveying that all is good, or alternatively, bad. In America, the “okay” sign is a universal positive sign that all is good. The V-sign is also a positive sign for peace. [5] X Research source
