07 Dec body language

Words, and the ways they are assembled and interact with each other only constitute one third of meaning transfer in the communication process. Another third comes from context and the other third comes from body language: the facial expressions and arrangements of physical postures and signals. There are many organizations that specialize in teaching people how to understand body language. I borrowed a page from one such organization for this definition: “ChangingMinds.org”. In their site, they offer information on Message Clusters in body language, and I quote:

“Message clusters

Body language comes in clusters of signals and postures, depending on the internal emotions and mental states.  Recognizing a whole cluster is thus far more reliable than trying to interpret individual elements.

• Aggressive Body Language: Showing physical threat.
• Assertive Body Language: Adult expression of desire.
• Attentive Body Language: Showing real interest.
• Bored Body Language: Just not being interested.
• Closed Body Language: Many reasons are closed.
• Deceptive Body Language: Seeking to cover up lying or other deception.
• Defensive Body Language: Protecting self from attack.
• Dominant Body Language: Dominating others.
• Emotional Body Language: Identifying feelings.
• Evaluating Body Language: Judging and deciding about something.
• Greeting Body Language: Meeting rituals.
• Open Body Language: Many reasons for being open.
• Power Body Language: Demonstrating one’s power.
• Ready Body Language: Wanting to act and waiting for the trigger.
• Relaxed Body Language: Comfortable and unstressed.
• Romantic Body Language: Showing attraction to others.
• Sales Body Language: Using your body to sell.
• Submissive Body Language: Showing you are prepared to give in.”