posture & body language
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Posture & Body Language
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Contents
Articles
Posture (psychology) 1
Body language 8
Proteans 12
References
Article Sources and Contributors 13
Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors 14
Article LicensesLicense 15
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Posture (psychology) 1
Posture (psychology)
Young Girl Holding a Letter, circa 1665
In humans, posture can provide a significant amount of important
information on nonverbal communication and emotional cues.
Psychological studies have shown the effects of body posture on
emotions. This research can be traced back to Charles Darwin when he
studied emotion and movement in man and animals.[1] Currently, many
studies have shown that certain patterns of body movements are
indicative of specific emotions.[][] Researchers studied sign language
and found that even non-sign language users can determine emotions
from only hand movements.[] Another example is the fact that anger is
characterized by forward whole body movement.[] The theories that
guide research in this field are the self-validation or perception theory
and the embodied emotion theory.[][][]
Self-Validation theory is when a participants posture has asignificant affect on his or her self-evaluation of their emotions. An
example of this is an experiment where participants had to think and
then write positive qualities of themselves in a confident or doubtful posture.[] Participants then had to
self-evaluate on how good of a job candidate, interviewee, performer, and how satisfied they would be as an
employee. Mood and confidence level were also measured. Results from this study proved in favor of the
self-validation theory. Participants' attitudes in the confident but not doubtful posture, significantly affected their
self-reported attitudes. A similar study showed that participants who were placed in a hunched posture reported
were more likely to feel stressed compared to participants who assumed a relaxed position.[]
Embodied Emotion theory is the idea that mental events can be represented by states of the body.[] In a study
showing embodied emotion, participants were primed with concepts of pride and disappointment by a word
generation task. Researchers hypothesized there would be an observable change in participants' posture based on
the word they were primed with. This hypothesis was confirmed for the diassapointment prime because
participants were more likely to decrease in their vertical height or show slumping behavior.[]
Common methods
Physical posture and emotion have been studied using two similar techniques. The first method involves the
participant viewing videotaped actors performing certain actions and the second method involves having the
participant sit in a certain posture and then self-reporting their emotions. In the first method, actors portray and
record certain body movements. Participants must view the video and decipher the emotion they believe is beingportrayed.[2] In the second method, participants are told to assume a certain body posture and then must complete a
survey on their current affective state.[] Other methods include using neuroscience techniques, such as fMRI's to
determine how posture and emotions expressions can affect brain imaging.[3] Another method that is growing in use
involves using dancers as 'actors' and having participants observe and determine the emotion the dancer is
conveying.[]
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Posture (psychology) 2
Communication expressed posture
In humans, one of the means of communication is the posture of the body, in addition to facial expressions, personal
distances, gestures and body movements.[] Posture conveys information about:
Interpersonal relations
Personality traits such as confidence, submissiveness, and openness.
Social standing
Current emotional states
Characteristics of temperament according to the theory of Hippocrates, Kretschmer, and Sheldon.
Analysis of posture
A portrait of Paul Czanne exhibiting an example of
closed posture.
Posture can signal both the enduring characteristics of a person
(character, temperament, etc.), and his or her current emotions and
attitudes. Therefore, posture can be considered in the context of a
given situation, and independently of it.
Changing factors and posture
Posture as information about the current state of a person's
emotions and attitudes should be analyzed in the context of other
messages, both verbal and nonverbal as well as that person's
cultural and social norms.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Social_normshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nonverbalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3APaul_C%C3%A9zanne_161.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paul_C%C3%A9zannehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_Herbert_Sheldonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ernst_Kretschmerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hippocrateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Temperamenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Social_standinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Submissivenesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Confidencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Trait_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gait_%28human%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gestureshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Personal_spacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Personal_spacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Facial_expressions -
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Posture (psychology) 3
Open and closed body posture
An example of open posture.
Closed posture is a posture in which parts of the body most
susceptible to trauma are obscured. These body parts are:
throat, abdomen and genitals. Damage to the genitals prevents
the transfer of their genes to future generations and is
sometimes seen as being synonymous with death.[4]
Therefore,both humans and animals try to protect these vulnerable body
parts from injury. In humans, certain behaviors may signal
closed posture: Arms crossed on the chest or abdomen, hands
clasped in front of the genitals, and crossing legs. Clothing may
also signal closed posture: a buttoned suit, or a handbag or
briefcase held in front of the person. Closed posture often gives
the impression of detachment, disinterest, and hostility.
Research has also shown that these behaviors usually convey
unpleasant feelings.[] These feelings were evident when the
participant had to observe the closed posture and when he orshe was told to assume the posture.
Open posture is a posture in which the vulnerable parts of the
body are exposed. The head is raised, the shirt may be
unbuttoned at the neck, a bag is held on the shoulder or at the side. Open posture is often perceived as
communicating a friendly and positive attitude. In an open posture the feet are spread and the head is straight. The
palms are up and the hands and fingers are spread.[] Due to this friendly demeanor, research suggests that
participants view counselors who use an open posture as more capable of providing guidance.[]
An important element of closed or open posture of the body are the hands. Showing the palms of the hands can be a
signal of open posture, especially if the hand is relaxed. Showing the back of the hand or clenching hands into fistsmay represent a closed posture. Hands clasped behind the back may also signal closed posture even though the front
is exposed because it can give the impression of hiding something or resistance to closer contact.
Closed and open posture also apply when seated. Crossed legs and arms can signal closed posture. As stated before,
leaning forward or showing the palms of the hands can signal open posture.
Interpersonal attitudes
Interpersonal attitudes are communicated through:
Inclination of the body. During conversation, a person may lean slightly toward another person or tilt slightly
away from him/her. This behavior is usually unconscious. An inclination towards can be an expression of
sympathy and acceptance. Inclining away can signal dislike, disapproval, or a desire to end the conversation.
Different inclinations of the head may carry similar meanings.
Similarity. During the conversation, people have an unconscious tendency to imitate others' behavior. This
happens when the conversation runs seamlessly and is enjoyable for both parties. This approximation of attitudes,
gestures, and body movements can indicate the emergence of a bond and sympathy and is known as stereotyped
behavior as defined by Edwin Ray Guthrie.[] Lack of synchronous behavior may lead to a sense that the contact is
artificial, forced, or unpleasant.
Orientation of the body. Usually people talk directed toward each other, but not squarely face to face, which can
be indicative of a confrontational stance. In conversation, the participants' bodies are usually turned toward each
other at an angle. When a person ignores someone else, they tend to ignore or avoid contact by showing the other
person their side or back.
Closed or Open posture.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edwin_Ray_Guthriehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Genitalshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abdomenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Throathttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3ARichardDysartPotsdamGermanyMay2006.jpg -
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Posture (psychology) 4
An example of a nonchalant posture
Posture communicating social standing
A 'normal' man posing for camera
Posture can signal an individual's position in social hierarchy.
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Posture (psychology) 5
A comparison of two different postures. On the left is
an example of a more energized attitude; on the right is
an example of a depressed attitude.
If two people of different social standings talk to each other, the
person with a higher position usually takes a more relaxed
attitude. Their posture may be unbalanced, relaxed, and may
appear to be nonchalant. A person with a lower position often
maintains symmetrical posture by placing both hands on their
lap or at their sides. Typically, a person with higher status sits down and talks while
sitting. A person of lower status may stand or they may remain
standing until they are asked to sit.
Wellbeing
Mood influences muscle tone, energy level, and one's internal
sense of well-being. Thus, body posture can reveal a person's
current state of mind. Anger, sadness, and disgust are by far the
most recognized body postures that are indicative of emotions.[]
Stress can affect posture subconsciously; a person under stress
will often have a greater amount of muscle tension, and may
also have shallow, clavicular breathing.
Well-being affects posture by giving it a sense of energy and
balance. A person's spine will be straight and the head raised.
Malaise affects posture with a sense of tiredness. A person's
shoulders may droop, and the head may be bowed down or tilted to the left or right.
Confidence affects posture by the uprightness (or not) of one's body.[][]
Popular literature has come to interpret postures according to the assumptions of psychoanalysis, thinking that
actions such as cross arms over the breasts or crossing legs would be a symptom of a sexual complex.[5]
Thesebeliefs, however, have very limited support in systematic research and experimentation. It is more likely that this
type of behavior reflects a certain style of self-presentation,[6] rather than unconscious conflicts and complexes.
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Posture (psychology) 6
Stable factors and posture
The term posture is also used to refer to the appearance of the body. In psychology, there are several concepts
involving the appearance of the permanent characteristics of individuals. Some habitual positions may also reflect
stable characteristics of an individual.
Nature
Muscular anatomy of a male human.
Wilhelm Reich, a student of Freud, first drew attention to
the relationship between shallow breathing, blocked
traffic, the difficulty in experiencing sexual pleasure, and
emotional disorders, especially neuroses. This concept
was developed by Alexander Lowen, founder of
bioenergetics. He is also author of the concept of
muscular block. Lowen noted that when people do not
want to experience certain emotions, they tighten certain
muscles.[7] For example, when someone does not want to
cry, they can tighten the jaws, which suppresses tears.Stress and anger tighten the muscles along the spine and
thighs, which can manifest itself in pain in those body
parts, if the stress was prolonged. According to Lowen,
some tensions become chronic: the muscular block
always activated, regardless of the circumstances. This is
called a chronic tension block. Muscular block affects
posture and the way humans move. Certain experiences
influence the formation of specific areas of muscle, and
thus the body's appearance, structure, and attitude.[8]
This idea is reformulated by American psychotherapist
Stephen M. Johnson in his theory of style and character.
According to this theory, there are types of body builds,
which are associated psychological characteristics:[9][][][]
Schizoid nature - in the first months after birth there
are strong tensions in the vicinity of joints, resulting in very stiff and then limp joints. The body gives the
impression of being undernourished, frail, very thin, poorly developed, and often small. There is noticeable
shortness of breath, a very slim chest, and very active diaphragm. Muscular blocks are present in the neck
muscles and in tension around the eyes. These people often have problems with their eyesight and wear glasses. A
person with a schizoid nature, Johnson says, will feel insecure in social situations, having the feeling that he/she is
unwanted by others. They avoid physical contact. They are "detached from the earth," which results in a light way
of walking, as if on tiptoe. Often, such people are creative and have developed abstract thinking.
Oral nature - sunken chest, where the arms bend toward each other, very shallow breathing, sunken abdomen
and stiff knees. Knees are raised up, which means that the legs are bent at the knees. Sometimes the knee
converge toward each other ("x's feet"), with the head pushed forward. Often such persons have poorly developed
teeth and a lower jaw. Oral types tend to relate to extreme dependency. They desire to be close to others. They
behave as if they need continuous assistance, guidance and support from other people, even in small things. At the
same time, they tend to have well-developed social skills.
Narcissistic (psychopathic) nature - weak legs and feet, poor grounding, stomach pulled upwards and chestinflated. These persons are very afraid of humiliation and ridicule. They want to dominate, inspire fear in, and
control other people. They can cope with difficult situations, but are not capable of a long commitment and effort.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Humiliationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bioenergeticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alexander_Lowenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neurosishttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sigmund_Freudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wilhelm_Reichhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AEncyclop%C3%A9die_de_Diderot%2C_plate_1-143.jpg -
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Posture (psychology) 7
They are prone to exploitation of others.
Masochistic nature - very strong legs and thighs, overgrown muscle fat around the thighs, rounded, hunched
backs, bent head, folds of fat on the neck. Masochists have problems with their free will; they feel deprived of
spontaneity and controlled by others. They have a large amount of passive aggression and resistance.
Rigid nature - the body leans slightly forward, shoulders pulled back. The body is rather smooth, but usually has
very tight, "prepared to act" muscles. Such persons are in constant activity, very rarely taking a break, and
frequently trying to outdo others.
Features of temperament
Constitutional theories in psychology (e.g., Sheldon, Kretschmer) emphasize the relationship between body structure
and temperament. These theories have been around since Hippocrates thought that body structure goes hand in hand
with the temperament and susceptibility to certain diseases. Scientific research on relationship of body appearance
and temperament traits was begun in the early twentieth century by German psychiatrist Ernst Kretschmer. He
studied the relationship between body structure and the onset of psychosis. Presented here in brief is the theory of
Phyllis Whitman, William Sheldon, and Ghas Katz.[] These researchers distinguished between different
constitutional variations or physical nature of ones body and psychotic behavior reactions or temperament. The threeconstitutional variations are endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy. The three corresponding psychotic
behavior reactions are affective, heboid, and paranoid.
Endomorphic - These individuals have thick arms, stubby hands, short thick necks, round face, and thick lips.
Endomorphs have a tendency towards seeking comfort and are very sociable.
Mesomorphic - These individuals have a strong build with a relatively low waist, flat abdomen, strong arms and
legs muscles. Mesomorhps are known to have good manners, a neat appearance, and can be combative.
Ectomorphic - These individuals have low energy and in general are very fragile and weak. Ectomorphs are
timid, indifferent, and keep to themselves.
Some researchers have argued that Sheldon's findings of a strong relationship between body structure and the type of
temperament are due to methodological shortcomings within his studies, and that the relationship between the two isactually lower than he claims.[10]
Other factors affecting posture
Posture can easily be impacted by poor health and other factors. Thus, anyone using posture to assess personality,
character, or psychology must first rule out possible underlying medical conditions which may be affecting a
person's posture.
Implications in other domains
As stated, the study of postures can give a vast amount of information about emotions and self-perceptions. The
study of posture has also proven beneficial in other fields. Professional counselors, who were the participants, had to
view recorded interactions of counselors and clients and determine the emotions of the client. [] Researchers found
that relying only on verbal communication to determine the emotions of the client resulted in an accuracy of only
66%. High levels of empathy could be misconstrued without the matching positive nonverbal communication. In
similar studies it was noted that the arms and legs were the most important bodily factors in signaling low levels of
empathy.[] Further, researchers suggested that counselors should not only be trained in verbal communication but
also in nonverbal communication.[][]
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Posture (psychology) 8
References
[4] Buss DM (2001). Evolutionary psychology. Gdask: Gdansk Psychology Publishing.
[5][5] Collins, A. (2003). Gestures, body language and behavior. New York: DKC. ISBN 83-89314-01-0
[6][6] Szmajke A. (1999). Autopresentation. 83-910489-1-8 Masks, poses, expressions. Olsztyn: Ursa Consulting. ISBN 83-910489-1-8
[7] Lowen A. (1991). Spiritual body. New York: Publishing Agency Jacek Santorski & CO.. ISBN 83-85386-00-9
[8] Lowen A. (1992). Introduction to bioenergetics. Santorski & CO. Jacek Publishing Agency.
[9] M. Siems (1992). The body knows the answer. Warszawa: Jacek Santorski & Co. Publishing Agency. ISBN 83-85386-15-7[10][10] Humphreys LG Characteristics of type concepts with special reference to Sheldon's typology. "Psychology Bulletin" 1957, 54, 218-228
Body language
Body language is a form of mental
and physical ability of human
non-verbal communication, consisting
of body posture, gestures, facial
expressions, and eye movements.Humans send and interpret such
signals almost entirely subconsciously.
(Body language, in this sense, should
be distinguished from sign language.)
James Borg states that human
communication consists of 93 percent body language and paralinguistic cues, while only 7% of communication
consists of words themselves;[1] however, Albert Mehrabian, the researcher whose 1960s work is the source of these
statistics, has stated that this is a misunderstanding of the findings[2] (see Misinterpretation of Mehrabian's rule).
Others assert that "Research has suggested that between 60 and 70 percent of all meaning is derived from nonverbal
behavior."[3]
Body language may provide clues as to the attitude or state of mind of a person. For example, it may indicate
aggression, attentiveness, boredom, relaxed state, pleasure, amusement, and intoxication.
Understanding body language
The technique of "reading" people is used frequently. For example, the idea of mirroring body language to put
people at ease is commonly used during interview situations. Body language can show feelings to other people,
which works in return for other people. People who show their body language to you can reveal their feelings and
meanings. Mirroring the body language of someone else indicates that they are understood. [citation needed] It is
important to note that some markers of emotion (e.g. smiling/laughing when happy, frowning/crying when sad) are
largely universal,[4]Wikipedia:Citing sources however in the 1990s Paul Ekman expanded his list of basic emotions,
including a range of positive and negative emotions, not all of which are encoded in facial muscles.[citation needed] The
newly included emotions are:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paul_Ekmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citing_sourceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mirroring_%28psychology%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Substance_intoxicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amusementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pleasurehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Relaxation_%28psychology%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boredomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Attentionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aggressionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Albert_Mehrabian%23Misinterpretationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Albert_Mehrabianhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paralinguistichttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Communicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sign_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eye_movement_%28sensory%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Facial_expressionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Facial_expressionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gesturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Human_positionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Non-verbal_communicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3ABody_Language.svghttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_Buss -
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Body language 9
A study in body language.
1.1. Amusement
2.2. Contempt
3.3. Contentment
4.4. Embarrassment
5.5. Excitement
6.6. Guilt7.7. Pride in achievement
8.8. Relief
9.9. Satisfaction
10.10. Sensory pleasure
11.11. Shame
Body language signals may have a goal other than communication. People would keep both these two in mind.
Observers limit the weight they place on non-verbal cues. Signalers clarify their signals to indicate the biological
origin of their actions. Verbal communication also requires body language to show that the person you are talking
with that you are listening. These signals can consist of; eye contact and nodding your head to show you understand.
More examples would include yawning (sleepiness), showing lack of interest (sexual interest/survival interest),
attempts to change the topic (fight or flight drivers). Rudolf Laban and Warren Lamb add much to this about
dancers. Mime artists such as Booff Show utilize these techniques to communicate entire shows without a single
word.
Physical expression
Physical expressions like waving, pointing, touching and slouching are all forms of nonverbal communication. The
study of body movement and expression is known as kinesics. Humans move their bodies when communicating
because, as research has shown[citation needed], it helps "ease the mental effort when communication is difficult."
Physical expressions reveal many things about the person using them. For example, gestures can emphasize a point
or relay a message, posture can reveal boredom or great interest, and touch can convey encouragement or caution.[5]
One of the most basic and powerful body-language signals is when a person crosses his or her arms across the
chest.[6] This can indicate that a person is putting up an unconscious barrier between themselves and others.
However, it can also indicate that the person's arms are cold, which would be clarified by rubbing the arms or
huddling. When the overall situation is amicable, it can mean that a person is thinking deeply about what is being
discussed, but in a serious or confrontational situation, it can mean that a person is expressing opposition. This is
especially so if the person is leaning away from the speaker. A harsh or blank facial expression often indicates
outright hostility.
Consistent eye contact can indicate that a person is thinking positively of what the speaker is saying. It can alsomean that the other person doesn't trust the speaker enough to "take their eyes off" the speaker. Lack of eye
contact can indicate negativity. On the other hand, individuals with anxiety disorders are often unable to make eye
contact without discomfort. Eye contact can also be a secondary and misleading gesture because cultural norms
about it vary widely. If a person is looking at you, but is making the arms-across-chest signal, the eye contact
could be indicative that something is bothering the person, and that he wants to talk about it. Or if while making
direct eye contact, a person is fiddling with something, even while directly looking at you, it could indicate that
the attention is elsewhere. Also, there are three standard areas that a person will look which represent different
states of being. If the person looks from one eye to the other, then to the forehead, it is a sign that they are taking
an authoritative position. If they move from one eye to the other, then to the nose, that signals that they are
engaging in what they consider to be a "level conversation" with neither party holding superiority. The last case isfrom one eye to the other and then down to the lips. This is a strong indication of romantic feelings. [citation needed]
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/restlessnesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/restlessnesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anxiety_disorderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eye_contacthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kinesicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nonverbal_communicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Booff_Showhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mime_artisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Warren_Lambhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rudolf_Labanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AJealousy_and_Flirtation.jpg -
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Body language 10
Disbelief is often indicated by averted gaze, or by touching the ear or scratching the chin. When a person is not
being convinced by what someone is saying, the attention invariably wanders, and the eyes will stare away for an
extended period.[citation needed]
Boredom is indicated by the head tilting to one side, or by the eyes looking straight at the speaker but becoming
slightly unfocused. A head tilt may also indicate a sore neck, trust or a feeling of safety (part of the neck becomes
uncovered, hence vulnerable; It's virtually impossible to tilt our head in front of someone we don't trust or are
scared of) or Amblyopia, and unfocused eyes may indicate ocular problems in the listener.[citation needed]
Interest can be indicated through posture or extended eye contact, such as standing and listening properly.[citation
needed]
Deceit or the act of withholding information can sometimes be indicated by touching the face during
conversation. Excessive blinking is a well-known indicator of someone who is lying. RecentlyWikipedia:Manual
of Style/Dates and numbers#Chronological items, evidence has surfaced that the absence of blinking can also
represent lying as a more reliable factor than excessive blinking.[7]
Some people use and understand body language differently, or not at all. [citation needed] Interpreting their gestures and
facial expressions (or lack thereof) in the context of normal body language usually leads to misunderstandings and
misinterpretations (especially if body language is given priority over spoken language). It should also be stated thatpeople from different cultures can interpretate body language in different ways.
Prevalence of non-verbal communication in humans
Some researchersWikipedia:Avoid weasel words put the level of nonverbal communication as high as 80 percent of
all communication when othersWikipedia:Avoid weasel words state the figures could be at or around 50-65 percent.
Different studies have found differing amounts, with some studies showing that facial communication is believed 4.3
times more often than verbal meaning, and another finding that verbal communication in a flat tone is 4 times more
likely to be understood than a pure facial expression.[citation needed] Albert Mehrabian is noted for finding a
7%-38%-55% rule, supposedly denoting how much communication was conferred by words, tone, and non-verbal
language (facial expression in this case). However he was only referring to cases of expressing feelings or attitudes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoid_weasel_wordshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoid_weasel_wordshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cultureshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neurotypicalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_itemshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_itemshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amblyopiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boredomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Attentionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Itchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ear -
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Body language 11
Diagram of Edward T. Hall's personal reaction bubbles (1966), showing radius in feet
Proxemics
Introduced by Edward T. Hall in 1966,
proxemics is the study of measurable
distances between people as they
interact with one another.[8] The
distance between people in a social
situation often discloses information
about the type of relationship between
the people involved. Proximity may
also reveal the type of social setting
taking place.
1. Intimate distance ranges from
touching to about 18 inches (46 cm)
apart, and is reserved for lovers,children, as well as close family
members and friends, and also pet
animals.
2.2. Personal distance begins about an
arm's length away; starting around
18 inches (46 cm) from the person
and ending about 4 feet (122 cm) away. This space is used in conversations with friends, to chat with associates,
and in group discussions.
3.3. Social distance ranges from 4 to 8 feet (1.2 m - 2.4 m) away from the person and is reserved for strangers, newly
formed groups, and new acquaintances.4. Public distance includes anything more than 8 feet (2.4 m) away, and is used for speeches, lectures, and theater.
Public distance is essentially that range reserved for larger audiences.[9]
Proximity range varies with culture.
Unintentional gestures
Beginning in the 1960s, there has been huge interest in studying human behavioral clues that could be useful for
developing an interactive and adaptive human-machine system.[10] Unintentional human gestures such as making an
eye rub, a chin rest, a lip touch, a nose itch, a head scratch, an ear scratch, crossing arms, and a finger lock have been
found conveying some useful information in specific contextsWikipedia:Avoid weasel words. Some researchersWikipedia:Avoid weasel words have tried to extract such gestures in a specific context for educational
applications.[citation needed] In poker games, such gestures are referred to as "tells" and are useful to players for
detecting deception clues or behavioral patterns in opponents.
There is also a huge interest in learning to avoid any unintentional gesture that might leave a negative impression on
the onlookers. A large number of people are starting to attend special sessions on controlled body behaviour and take
advice from expert sociologists. Learning good body-language, such as living styles of foreign people, is important
during interaction in any sort of global community.[citation needed]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tell_%28poker%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pokerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citation_neededhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoid_weasel_wordshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoid_weasel_wordshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Physical_intimacyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Proxemicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_T._Hallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3APersonal_Space.svghttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Radiushttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_T._Hall -
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Body language 12
References
[1][1] Borg, James. Body Language: 7 Easy Lessons to Master the Silent Language. FT Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0-13-700260-3
[3][3] Engleberg,Isa N. Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies. My Communication Kit Series, 2006. page 133
[4][4] Markku Haakana 2001. Laughing Matters: A Conversation Analytical Study of Laughter in Doctor - Patient Interaction. Department of
Finnish Language, University of Helsinki
[5][5] Engleberg,Isa N. Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies. My Communication Kit Series, 2006. page 137
[8][8] ^ Hall, Edward T. (1966). The Hidden Dimension. Anchor Books. ISBN 0-385-08476-5[9][9] Engleberg,Isa N. Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies. My Communication Kit Series, 2006. page 140-141
External links
Body language is of particular importance in large groups (http://cogprints.org/4444/) by Tarnow, E. published
1997
Hess Pupil Dilation Findings: Sex or Novelty? (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3852/is_199801/
ai_n8807489) Social Behavior and Personality, 1998 by Aboyoun, Darren C, Dabbs, James M Jr
Understanding body language (http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/ss/
understanding-body-language_8.htm)
A lecture discussing scientific studies on how one's own body language influences oneself. (http://www.ted.
com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.html)
Proteans
Proteans (or the Proteus effect) are unpredictable, subtle, often subconscious, flirting signals, such as a woman's
touching of her hair when first meeting a man. The term was coined by Humphries and Driver in 1970[1] for
unpredictable behaviour exhibited by prey animals. It was used in the context of human courtship behaviour by
Grammer et al. in 2000.[2]
The researchers named the ritual for the shape-shifting Greek God because of the ambiguity of the signals. The name
also suggests a first impression, or something that precedes actual flirting. Because of the unconscious nature of
proteans, they are not overt invitations to proceed, but more akin to "tells" in a poker game.
These signals often indicate that the sender is trying to decide whether he/she is interested in the "receiver".
However, some individuals, instead of playing along, will overestimate the sender's interest and do something more
obvious, like asking for a phone number. This can be clumsy and confusing to both parties, and understanding the
concept of protean signals is useful for avoiding such missteps. Misinterpreting those cues and responding to them
overeagerly is commonly said to happen to men more than women, although both can suffer when this happens.[3]
References[3] Daily Times, Pakistan Mar 17 2003: Solved: flirting code that baffles the boys (http://www.dailytimes.com. pk/default.
asp?page=story_18-3-2003_pg9_17)
External links
New Scientist - Girl talk (http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn420)Review of an Austrian study of
similar phenomena
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Austriahttp://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn420http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_18-3-2003_pg9_17http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_18-3-2003_pg9_17http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pokerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tell_%28poker%29http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Proteushttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Courtshiphttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Flirtinghttp://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.htmlhttp://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.htmlhttp://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/ss/understanding-body-language_8.htmhttp://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/ss/understanding-body-language_8.htmhttp://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3852/is_199801/ai_n8807489http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3852/is_199801/ai_n8807489http://cogprints.org/4444/ -
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Article Sources and Contributors 13
Article Sources and ContributorsPosture (psychology) Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=546076741 Contributors: AOC25, Alborzagros, Avwezel, Bearcat, Bodysurfinyon, Charley sf, Clegs, Clumsily,
Ewawer, JaGa, Jonadin93, Katharineamy, Lova Falk, Lyrelle Everyne, Mandarax, Mobell2012, Nature0rNurture, NawlinWiki, Omnipaedista, Pamejudd, Penbat, ReneVenegas95, Sansvase,
Smallman12q, Sun Creator, Tinton5, Tobby72, 25 a nonymous edits
Body language Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=543732978 Contributors: 2001:630:C0:101:0:0:0:2, 2D, A little insignificant, A3 nm, AAA765, Aaron Brenneman,
AbigwikiFan, Accius, AgMoNaK, Agentsmith123, Ahoerstemeier, Airmanedwards, Alansohn, AlbertBickford, Alex43223, Alfio, Altenmann, Altg20April2nd, AmyStar67, AnakngAraw,
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Capricorn42, CaptainMorgan, CarbonUnit, Casliber, Cbdorsett, Cdf333fad3a, Celestianpower, Charles Matthews, Chester Markel, Chester polarbear, Cheyvonne, Chiwawa35, ChrisGualtieri,
Christopherphilip, Cmonday, Colonel Warden, Covalent, Cyopst, DARTH SIDIOUS 2, DBOLTSON, DVD R W, DVdm, Dance Scholar, Dark Mage, DarkArcher, Darkfred, David Shankbone,
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Gandalfxviv, Gareth Griffith-Jones, Geeoharee, George100, Gioto, Glenn, Glover, Gogo Dodo, GoingBatty, GooAnn, Granf, Grayshi, Gregers, H. sanat, Hajatvrc, HalfShadow, Handanalysis,
HarlandQPitt, Hephaestos, Hurricane111, Iam, Ian Pitchford, IanMcGreene, Igoldste, Ihcoyc, Immunize, IsaacSapphire, Ixfd64, J.delanoy, JD554, JNW, Jahiegel, Jakeperyer, JamesBWatson,
Jasmine100, Javier Carro, Jeff G., Jeronim, Jesseica, JimCollaborator, Jiy, Jlitz77, Jmrowland, Johnkarp, Johnnygrogan, Johnuniq, Jorgesilvera, Joyburst, Judithseegers, Jwalling, KGun10,
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Logan, LookingYourBest, Lorcan, Lova Falk, Lsi john, Lucidish, Luckylakshmanan, LvivBudapest, Lydiaandbrifolyfe, Lyrelle Everyne, MER-C, MYT, Macherin, MafiaCapo, Maino22,
Mandarax, Markeilz, Marokwitz, MattGiuca, Matthew Stannard, Mauls, Maurice Carbonaro, Mcld, Meaghan, Melaen, Memorymentor, Memotrace, Mentifisto, Michael.Urban, Mikebent2007,
Millahnna, Mindmatrix, Minghong, Mo-Al, Mogism, Monty845, Moyda, Mr. Blake, Mr.Z-man, MrOllie, Mufka, Mwanner, MyNameIsNotBob, NLPepa, Nairb905, Nasser750gx,
Nature0rNurture, NawlinWiki, Neamar, Nevit, NewEnglandYankee, Niceguyedc, NinjaKid, Noble-savage, Ntennis, Olv 26, Otro, P-trick123, Palpalpalpal, PauAmma, Paul Magnussen,
Peaceduck, Pearle, Pea seinternational, Penbat, Pendragon39, Perl, Philip Trueman, Philips2009, Piano non troppo, Picus viridis, Plasmanine, Platinumpositivity, Pne, Pointillist, Pontificake,
Puellanivis, Quaeler, Quiddity, Qwe, R Lowry, R'n'B, Radagast83, RandomStringOfCharacters, RandomXYZb, Rbchristiansen, RedWolf, Renzut, Rich Farmbrough, Richmcl, Ricky81682,
Righteousskills, Rikeus, Riteshtovictor, Rjanag, Rlest, Rmhermen, Robert dorling, Ronhjones, RoyBoy, Rrburke, Russell8623, S charette, S.rvarr.S, Samsara, SangerRainsford, SchuminWeb,
Seductionreport.com, Seglea, Sfgiants1995, Shubinator, SiobhanHansa, Skeeter08865, SkyWalker, Skysmith, Slur.exe, Solomaxwell, Some jerk on the Internet, Someguy1221, Soulkeeper,
Sparkleyone, Spline101, Squidwina, Stefan64, Steveprutz, Storkk, Suicidalhamster, SummerWithMorons, SuperN, Synchronism, TIY, TUF-KAT, Taak, Tanuki Z, Taranet, Tgeairn, The High Fin
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West.andrew.g, Westsider, Wiki alf, Wikiarif, Wikid77, Wikisud, Wintonian, WojciechSwiderski, Woohookitty, Woshioyy, Xme, Y2kcrazyjoker4, Yama moto Ichiro, Yermishkina, Yidisheryid,
Yoursmile, Zanimum, Zapvet, Zigger, , 793 anonymous edits
Proteans Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=542920728 Contributors: Alignmeme, Ayamityndall, Causa sui, Evanh2008, Hackerb9, Lova Falk, M.arunprasad, Meclee,
Micromesistius, PamD, PauAmma, Repku, SidP, Squidfryerchef, Steveprutz, Zuimuss, 10 anonymous edits
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Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsFile:Caspar Netscher - Young Girl Holding a Letter (detail) - WGA16521.jpg Source:
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Mattes
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Tamba52, Wst
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License 15
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