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What is Body Language?<\/h2>\n
Body language is communication without words<\/a>. It is the movement of facial features or body parts, which intentionally or unintentionally express thoughts and attitudes<\/strong>. Here are three key types:<\/p>\n Below, you will learn about essential types of body language<\/strong> that English speakers use, organized by theme. At the end of the list we will provide an exercise to help you practice<\/strong> and master English body language.<\/p>\n Sometimes people fail to express themselves clearly with words. Sometimes people intentionally say the opposite of what they mean.<\/p>\n Therefore, learning a few common body gestures that indicate a contradiction, sarcasm or confusion can be helpful to avoiding misunderstandings.<\/p>\n Most people roll their eyes to show disapproval or annoyance, as in this clip from the American TV Show “30 Rock.”<\/a><\/p>\n English speakers will also roll their eyes when they feel skeptical about something<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For example, if your friend rolls her eyes while saying “I wonder if my brother is going to be on time,” she is probably implying that she thinks he will be late as usual.<\/p>\n Many English speakers roll their eyes while using the sarcastic phrase\u00a0yeah, right<\/em>. This actually means “I doubt it” or “probably not.”<\/p>\n “He told me he is dating a movie star.”<\/p>\n [Eye roll] “Yeah, right.”<\/p>\n In the English-speaking world, people often make this gesture, where they move their index fingers and middle fingers of both hands up and down<\/a>. They do this to stress a word or phrase, mainly because they do not think it is the right word to use in that situation. Air quotes usually connote sarcasm.<\/strong><\/p>\n “My roommate said that she could not come because she is [air quotes] working.”<\/p>\n In this case, the speaker thinks the roommate is not actually working. Maybe she has a habit of using this excuse when she does not want to leave the house.<\/p>\n If someone crosses his\/her arms, it often means that he\/she disagrees with what is being said.<\/p>\n For example, imagine you are arguing with a colleague because you think the team should do a task differently. He says, \u201cI hear the basis of your arguments,” but his arms are crossed over his chest. Despite his words, he probably does not agree with your idea at all.<\/p>\n In the English-speaking world, head shaking typically indicates disagreement or disappointment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Often, you might ask someone a question and instead of answering with words, he\/she will simply shake his\/her head back and forth. That means, “no.”<\/p>\n Other times, English speakers will shake their head while speaking to emphasize their point.<\/p>\n “Do you think our boss was right to give us extra hours this weekend?”<\/p>\n [Head shaking] “No way! So unfair!”<\/p>\n When you are using English online, you might encounter the internet slang\u00a0smh<\/em>. That means “shaking my head,” and it indicates disapproval.<\/p>\n Sometimes, you feel like people do not pay enough attention to what you are saying. Your listeners might be distracted by a notification on their phones or something else on their minds.<\/p>\n It is useful to be able to read body language that indicates confusion and distraction. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n The frequency and intensity of eye contact depends on a person’s cultural background and personality. However, in the English-speaking world, a person often holds eye contact when he\/she converses with others. If you detect a lack of gaze, it could mean that your listener is:<\/p>\n If someone is avoiding eye contact with you, just smile and check in with them verbally. Some common expressions to do this include:<\/p>\n If you are explaining a new project to your teammate and he keeps scratching his face or chin, it is likely that he does not fully understand. He is confused.<\/p>\n When you see such body language, you can use one of the expressions above<\/strong>\u00a0to draw attention and encourage your listener to seek clarification.<\/p>\n Both of these gestures indicate that someone is bored and distracted. If you are telling your friend about your weekend biking trip, but she keeps playing with her hair, she probably has something else on her mind, like what to cook for dinner.<\/p>\n Understanding body language also helps when you talk. You can show your confidence not only with words, but also with the right body language.<\/p>\n If you remember from above, shaking one’s head shows disagreement. Nodding<\/em> (moving your head up and down) is the opposite. It expresses that you agree with someone.<\/p>\n Therefore, make sure to nod your head when you say, \u201cthat is an excellent idea\u201d to show your friend that you genuinely agree with her.<\/p>\n A smile makes you appear friendly and encourages others to open up to you. When you ask for feedback about your project, add a smile to this question:\u00a0\u201cWhat do you think of it?\u201d<\/p>\n You will come across as being confident about your work and willing to hear any feedback.<\/p>\n Move your hands widely and decisively, and you will show others your ownership of the space and the topic.<\/p>\n For example, you can extend your arms to the sides and turn the palms up, moving them slightly left and right in sync with the rhythm of your speech. This movement is particularly helpful if you are presenting something to your team.<\/p>\n However, avoid doing it too extensively<\/strong> as it might distract from the content of your presentation.<\/p>\n It is essential to stand or sit up straight. It makes you look taller and seem more important. So make sure you stand up straight when you introduce yourself with this sentence, for example:<\/p>\n \u201cMy name is Lila and I am the new marketing assistant.\u201d<\/p>\n An open stance in your shoulders and arms indicates that you are open to suggestions, ideas and even constructive feedback. Do not crouch or bend\u2014this makes you look insecure.<\/p>\n Make sure to stand with an open position when you search for input from someone with a question like, \u201cWhat do you think we can do better?\u201d<\/p>\n While learning the English language takes a lot of work, from mastering grammar<\/a> to perfecting\u00a0pronunciation<\/a>, body language requires the same attention and investment.<\/p>\n What makes it even more challenging is that body language varies from culture to culture, as we mentioned earlier. (Did you know that in Bulgaria, people nod their heads up and down to mean “no?”<\/a>)<\/p>\n Therefore, you need to learn body language from real English native speakers. But how can you practice if you are not currently living with English-speakers or in an English-speaking region?<\/p>\n With the internet, of course!<\/p>\n There are many different places to find videos to use for this.<\/p>\n For example, the FluentU<\/a> program has authentic English videos with interactive captions that you can watch to learn body language. FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n <\/p> \r\n You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \n
How to Use English Body Language<\/h2>\n
Body Language for Disagreement\/Sarcasm<\/h3>\n
Eye rolling<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Air quotes<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Arms crossed defensively<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Head shaking<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Body Language Showing Distraction\/Confusion<\/h3>\n
Avoiding eye contact<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Scratching face\/rubbing nose<\/b><\/h4>\n
Resting head in hands\/playing with hair<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Body Language to Appear Confident<\/h3>\n
Nodding<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Smiling<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Gesturing with hands<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Standing\/sitting up straight<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Open shoulders<\/strong><\/h4>\n
How to Practice English Body Language\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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