The prof. Marcos Tadeu Cardoso, author of several books and cultural projects by the Ministry of Culture, creates design for conducting surveys of cities, states and regions. HAVE A HISTORY OF YOUR CITY IN A BOOK! The desire of the research is to publish books, publishing your city / state / region, culture, accents, traditions, festivals and etc. Proposals may be either public or private companies, university professors, colleges, mayors or even institutions. Those interested should contact the teacher by e-mail or phone. E-mail: marcostcj@yahoo.com.br NOTE .: Due to the large number of cultural projects that the teacher monitors, meetings and proposals must be scheduled!

Prof. Marcos Tadeu expande pesquisas a países de Língua portuguesa O prof. Marcos Tadeu Cardoso, autor de vários livros, cria projeto para realização de pesquisas em países estrangeiros (podendo ser realizado em países de outro idioma, contudo deve oferecer interprete)o projeto prioriza países que falam a língua portuguesa, como Portugal, Ilha da Madeira, Arquipélago dos Açores, Moçambique, Angola, Guiné-Bissau, Cabo Verde e São Tomé e Príncipe. O desejo da pesquisa é pesquisar e publicar livros (de seu país, estado ou cidade)direcionados tanto ao elemento histórico quanto do comportamento humano ou seja da Linguagem Corporal. As propostas podem ser tanto de empresas públicas ou privadas, professores universitários ou mesmo instituições. Os interessados devem entrar em contato com o professor pelo seu e-mail ou mesmo telefone. E-mail: marcostcj@yahoo.com.br Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcostcj The prof. Marcos Tadeu Cardoso, author of several books, creates project to conduct research in foreign countries (which is done in countries with languages​​, but must provide interpreter) project prioritizes countries that speak Portuguese as Portugal, Madeira, Azores Archipelago, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe. The desire of the research is to research and publish books (of your country, state or city) directed both the historical element as human behavior ie the Body Language. Proposals may be either public or private companies, university professors or institutions. Those interested should contact the teacher by e-mail or phone. E-mail: marcostcj@yahoo.com.br Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcostcj Gāi jiàoshòu. Mǎ kēsī tǎ dé wū kǎ duō zuǒ, jǐ běnshū de zuòzhě, chuàngjiàn xiàngmù jìnxíng yánjiū, zài guó wài (zhè shì yǔ yǔyán de guójiā jìnxíng, dàn bìxū tígōng fānyì) xiàngmù dì yōuxiān shùnxù shì jiǎng pútáoyá yǔ pútáoyá, mǎ dé lā qúndǎo guójiā, yà sù ěr qúndǎo, mòsāngbǐkè, āngēlā, jǐnèiyǎ bǐ shào, fú dé jiǎo hé shèng duō měihé pǔ lín xī bǐ. Gāi yánjiū de yùwàng shì yánjiū hé chūbǎn de shūjí (nín suǒzài de guójiā, zhōu huò chéngshì) zhídǎo shuāngfāng de lìshǐ yuánsù, jí rén de shēntǐ yǔyán xíngwéi. Jiànyì kěyǐ shì gōnggòng huò sīyíng gōngsī, dàxué jiàoshòu huò jīgòu. Yǒu xìngqù zhě yìng tōngguò diànzǐ yóujiàn huò diànhuà liánxì lǎoshī. Diànzǐ yóuxiāng: Marcostcj@yahoo.Com.Br Facebook de: Https://Www.Facebook.Com/marcostcj

Body language signs and attraction Body language is an integral part of our daily lives as human beings. Understanding body language signs is not only important in personal relationships, but it can also be helpful for professional relationships too. Becoming observant of – and learning to understand – non-verbal communication increases your emotional intelligence. Maybe you’ve landed here on this page as you’re keen to uncover the body language signs of physical attraction (see list further down). It can be really hard sometimes to figure out if someone ‘fancies’ you or not! Understanding body language is obviously very useful if you’re dating, but you might be here for professional reasons. Either way, there’s lots of advice on this page to get you started! Nonverbal communication As well as reading this page on body language signs, be sure to have a look at Types of Non-Verbal Communication. Body language signs can be the cause much confusion and miscommunication, so I hope to bring some clarity. Spotting body language signs and responding to them It’s only with years of experience that I’ve learned to pick up on signs that I need to pay attention to. As a counsellor I have found over time what to look for, what to do with it, how much attention to give to it, and how and when to respond. You are faced with a completely different situation. So, with the knowledge I’ve gained, I hope to be able to help you to understand other people's messages a little better. It’ll prepare you for more fruitful conversations with the people around you - be they friends, family, business associates or students. Though I will focus on you and your partner in particular. How to avoid making mistakes It’s not helpful to attach a ‘fixed meaning’ to any particular movements as a 'sign' of something. It’s best to avoid ‘interpreting’ non-verbal signs without other ‘evidence’. Reading body language can be a complicated business, even though we all have a natural ability to do it. People who are deaf and have learned to use sign language rely on several ways to communicate clearly. They use hand signals, mouth the words, sign the ‘space’ they place people and objects in and move their bodies. Body language signs missing in text messages and emails I used to work as a school counsellor. Youngsters would frequently get into trouble with their friends - all too often they would try to restore the peace with by electronic messages of one kind or another. So, to get the point across I often demonstrated the many different meanings of just this sentence: "Where were you last night?" Try it for yourself shifting the emphasis to different words. Whilst we’re on the subject of caution - when you’re reading about body language signs, remind yourself of any texts or emails you have sent recently. How would the meaning of that text or email have changed if you had 'said' it with a smile or with a cheeky sense of humour? What would it have meant if you said it in an angry voice, still using the same words? How would it have sounded in a gently challenging tone of voice, or if you had delivered in a 'straight to the point- no nonsense' kind of way? The meaning of a face-to-face communication depends to a large extend on your body language and how you use your voice. You do have control over your part of the ‘electronic’ communication… but the receiver may read your message in a way you did not intend! Bearing this in mind, why not go back over some of your recent messages, just out of interest. Have a look at my page on how to write romantic text messages too. What does your face say about you? Your face communicates a great deal about how you're feeling... and often you might not even be aware of the signs you're giving off. To further understand body language, join me in Part 2 - where there's also a fascinating video that explores just what your face might be saying... It can be tricky to understand body language - but I hope my tips and advice here will help you to get started. This is the second part of this article, so do make sure you have a look at the Body Language Signs in Part 1 before you carry on here. All about the head, face and neck Here's a list of all the body language signs you might want to take notice of. They are within your field of vision when you’re having a conversation: General movement in facial muscles - involuntary or deliberate, for example grimacing, twitching, smiling or frowning. Lifting or dropping of the eyebrows may indicate surprise, questioning, wondering or disbelief. Frowning - it can mean: discomfort, physical pain (why exactly at that moment, you might ask yourself or indeed your partner), anger, suspicion or listening intently Smiling – but notice which facial muscles are moving. Is it a real smile that involves all the facial muscles? An artificial smile would involve only the muscles around the mouth. It leaves no trace of any pleasure and it could be an attempt to hide displeasure, disagreement and/or discomfort. Nodding - this can mean all kinds of things. It could simply be an encouragement for you to say more, or an agreement. It could also be masking negative feelings, even though you might think it implies agreement. It could even be an automatic movement - implying 'I am listening', but the listener has really switched off. Eye contact and movement of the eyes - avoiding your gaze at one end of the scale and staring at the other. Both could mean the same: "I am uncomfortable, but I don't want to let on". Looking away can be a way of discouraging communication. It’s well-known, though, that couples in love maintain eye contact for longer than average. We all know about the lifting of eyes to the ceiling too: "Oh for goodness sake" - usually with along with a bit of 'tutting' Winking – which is sometimes hardly noticeable. Winking may simply be a habit someone has developed to communicate comfort or kindness. It can also mean "you and I know what’s going on" or "I like you" Size of the pupils - abnormally large may mean shock or absolute terror. It can also be associated with medication or drug use Neck – you’ll see someone swallowing when they are anxious. What you can't see is that it’s because their mouth is dry. When someone is feeling uncomfortable they may stroke their neck to soothe themselves. Covering the windpipe can be seen as a defensive movement, implying protection of the self Studies have shown that sleep deprivation reduces facial expressiveness, even though there is no reduction in emotions felt*. Just think about what any lack of such important body language signs can have on personal relationships. Lust or love - what your face says about you Here’s a video clip of an interview with biological anthropologist Dr Helen Fisher. Helen is an adviser for Chemistry.com and is the author of the book: "Why We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love" Signs of physical attraction There are other body language signs displayed by people who are physically attracted to someone: Lips become engorged when someone is sexually aroused, making kissing all that more pleasurable. Sitting across from a woman who is playing with her mouth and licking her lips? You may be in luck. If she’s moving her head closer to you, perhaps tilting her head, you’ve had sufficient body language signs to know that she is physically attracted to you, and to have a chance of kissing her! Couples in love scan each other's faces more. Couples also maintain eye contact for longer as they are attracted to each other. Gazing into each other's eyes is desired, whereas in other circumstances that would feel intrusive. Couples in love act as a team and their body movements are often synchronised – much like a dance Once committed, their bodies are often intertwined - their arms wrapped around each other, legs over each other - whatever they feel they can get away with! Early on, they may 'accidentally' touch each other, reducing their interpersonal space for someone they feel physically attracted to. Paradoxically, early on they may actually avoid looking at each other or touching each other so as not to give away how much they think of the other. Helen Fisher's book, "Why We Love" is one of my favourites, as she backs up all that detail about chemistry between two individuals with a scientific explanation. It’s fascinating read. Actually, so is "Why Him, Why Her". Do check them out! It also struck me recently that the body language portrayed in some music videos overemphasises what tends to happen naturally in a relationship. I wonder to what extent that shapes the viewers’ perceptions and expectations of communication. In particular children, who are perhaps more impressionable and are frequently exposed to raunchy music videos. Want to improve your emotional intelligence? My Pro-list of Emotions and Feelings will help. Subconscious body language signs So much of the way we communicate is given away by subconscious body language cues - Part 3 takes a look at these, so hop over there now to find out more!

Decoding His Body Language People (sub-)communicate almost 90% of their intentions through their posture, movements, and tone of voice. The reality is that what a person says matters, but can be completely opposite of how he or she feels. So, how can you tell the difference, especially regarding men? Pay attention to what his body says before you listen to the words coming out of his mouth. You'll be surprised at what you might pick up on. By Abraham Lloyd Seeing Him for the First Time The first thing to understand about picking up male signals is that guys, above all else, are obvious. So if you see him for the first time and he looks at you, raises an eyebrow, stands up straight, smiles, and opens his posture to face you — guess what? You or someone behind you has his attention. If he begins to preen when you notice him, he is officially letting you (or the woman behind you) know. is He Flirting with Me? On a date, understand that men don't listen to, touch, or look into the eyes of women they are not interested in. If he is engaged in conversation, preens, looks into your eyes occasionally, touches you on the arm (good) or on the small of your back (better) and is relaxed while doing it, then guess what? Ignore everything he says, and recognize that he's flirting with you (even if he says he's not). Are We Just Friends? Men tend to treat women they are friends with more like sisters than potential dates. If you're not sure where you stand, ask yourself if he treats you like his "girlfriend" from third grade. Sure, you may hug. He may be polite and chivalrous. If, however, he does not hesitate to look at other women, and adjusts his body language for them but not for you, then he's telling you that you're not date-worthy. He may love you as a friend, but he probably doesn't see you as a lover if he's willing to look for one in your company. During and After Sex During and after sex, you can discern if a guy is interested in you by how attentive he is; he may not be experienced, but if he's interested he'll make an effort. Men don't engage in foreplay, touch, or maintain eye contact during sex with women they're not attracted to. If your man can look into your eyes in the heat of the moment and listens to your body, then clearly he's into you. If, however, he looks away when you look at him, doesn't want to touch you afterward, or pulls away when you do, then don't expect much from him in the future. Having "The Talk" When you feel the need to ask your partner "Where are we going?" check to make sure his body language shows that he is open to the conversation. Looking down or away, with crossed arms and legs or a tight jaw, is a clear indicator that he is not open to talking. His mouth may say "yes" to discussing this, but if his body says "no," then try changing direction by asking him to go for a walk (so he uncrosses his legs), holding his hand (so his arms aren't crossed), or leading him somewhere else, where you can sit and talk. Body language creates and builds positive or negative momentum. Then again, don't force a discussion Proposing During one of the most vulnerable moments of his life, the body language of your partner can give you insight into where he is coming from. If he looks into your eyes when he speaks, his chest sticks out, voice doesn't crack, he holds you firmly — and can do all of this while relaxed on one knee, then he's embracing the moment and clearly knows that he wants you (which is a good sign, obviously). Conversely, a slouched posture coupled with twitching, fidgeting, and/or needy embraces says that he is either not sure, afraid of being rejected, or desperate to have you in his life (not such a great sign, obviously).

Body Language, Personal Interaction and Context The interplay among body language, personal interaction, and context is both complex and comprehensive. These three elements fit together so well and so completely that for many years researchers had difficulty pulling them apart enough to reveal the role each plays with the others. While the scientific knowledge in this area is by no means complete, we do know a great deal more than ever. This knowledge is not simply academic; it has practical applications everyone can learn and apply in their daily lives. Practical Applications of These Three Elements For most people, practical applications of these three elements are most helpful when used within personal relationships and business relationships. Put more simply, we spend the largest portion of our lives at work and at home, so it only makes sense to learn all we can about how to make communication in those two environments as clear and easy as possible. At Home You may interact with many different people as part of your home life. Your spouse or significant other, your child, your parents, your friends, and your neighbours are all examples of people with whom you likely interact regularly. For instance, when you have a close and committed relationship with another person, the quality and accuracy of your communications are vital to the strength and happiness of the relationship. As you and your partner first got to know each other, you each gradually learned to read each other’s body language within your personal interactions and within different contexts. The longer the relationship lasts, the better you each become in this area – at least, theoretically. What often happens, though, is that familiarity over time leads to less effort put into the relationship; more opportunities for miscommunication and conflict; and a generally falling off of the importance placed on communicating well with each other. You can freshen up and improve your committed relationship by re-focusing attention on body language, personal interaction, and context. For instance, if you know your spouse is not a ‘morning person’ then take that into account as you interact at that time of the day. Or, if your spouse is uncomfortable in social situations, agree ahead of time on how the two of you will communicate when it’s time to take a break or head home. A wink of the eye, a gentle tug on the arm, or some other non-verbal cue may be all it takes to communicate a clear message. At Work Depending on your job, you may interact with a great number of people each day. This can include customers, the general public, co-workers, supervisors, managers, and such. Paying attention to and applying your knowledge of body language and context to these personal interactions can go a long way toward making them more productive and more pleasant. For instance, when you interact with a customer it’s very helpful to pay attention to his or her body language. Do you sense anger? Unhappiness? Confusion? Or simply wanting to take care of a routine activity? Now consider the context. Is this a new customer? A long time customer? A harried mother or father trying to take care of errands during lunch? A customer who has waited in line a very long time? These are all examples of factors that influence your approach to a personal interaction with that customer. A new customer who is confused about a new product requires a different style of interaction (friendly, helpful, reassuring) than a harried mother or father trying to get back to work on time (friendly, prompt, focused). What about interacting with your boss? Or your co-workers? What aspects of body language, context, and personal interaction should you focus on and combine to find the best approach to that person? These are the kinds of questions you can ask yourself before, during, and after each interaction as a way of learning how to better manage all of those types of people and situations. In The End…. In the end, there is no magic formula for how body language, personal interaction, and context relate and combine together. There can be tremendous variation even with the same person and the same context, depending on the particular day or outside influences. This is why continuing to study and learn about body language and its practical applications is such a great way to improve your ability to communicate. You certainly can’t control anyone else, but when you thoroughly prepare yourself with learning and information, you are in a much better position to manage all of your personal interactions and create productive communication.

How to Convey Sincerity and Warmth When you understand the power of body language, you can consciously use it to convey a wide variety of messages. Additionally, you can observe and interpret the body language of others to determine the message they’re sending in your direction. In this article, we’ll look at three common messages that occur in a broad range of situations and types of interactions. They are sincerity, familiarity, and warmth. Sincerity Body language that conveys sincerity is much like that conveying honesty. It is characterised by steady eye contact, relaxed but poised body posture, and leaning toward or reaching out toward the other person or people. It is the type of message that most people deliver quite unconsciously and naturally, but other people may deliberately assume this kind of body language in an effort to influence another person. Typical examples might include a salesperson pitching a product or service; a child trying to convince a parent he or she really needs a certain toy; or even a close friend having a particularly honest or difficult conversation with you. Familiarity Body language that conveys familiarity has a strong influence on overall behaviour. When you display relaxed, comfortable, and even casual body language, that lets the other person know you feel a strong degree of comfort and familiarity with him or her. Deliberate use of this kind of body language may help put a new acquaintance at ease in a group or communicate a higher level of affection for another person. In general, the more familiarity you convey to others (or perceive in others) the more likely you are to communicate in an open, honest, relaxed manner. Warmth Body language that conveys warmth is similar to that of familiarity, but you do not necessarily have to be comfortable or familiar with a person or situation to display warmth. Relaxed posture, open body position, sitting or standing close together, and other generally relaxed behaviours are common ways of showing warmth. For instance, a parent might display these body language messages to convey warmth to a son’s new girlfriend. Retailers also make use of this kind of body language to convey a sense of warmth to their customers; examples include having employees stand in front of the counter rather than behind it, or training employees to use relaxed behaviours to make customers feel welcome in the store. The Effects of Context and Environment All three of these common messages – sincerity, familiarity, and warmth – are affected by the context and environment in which they occur. As a general rule, the more formal or conservative the environment, the more restrained and cautious the messages will appear. Conflict may occur when two or more people have different perceptions of the context and/or environment of the situation. These kinds of different perceptions are a major cause of miscommunication, misinterpretation, and general misunderstanding of both conscious and unconscious body language. Before you attempt to convey (or receive and interpret) any of these messages, pause for a moment to evaluate context and environment. Pay attention to your own perceptions of these things as well as the perceptions of others. Using these kinds of clues when sending and/or receiving messages of sincerity, familiarity, and warmth can greatly increase your effectiveness and at the same time decrease the chances of misunderstandings due to differing perceptions.

How Body Language Affects Personal Interactions Body language has a huge effect on all of your personal interactions no matter where they occur or with whom they occur. There is simply no way to fully separate non-verbal communication from influencing an interaction. Body Language Conveys Truthfulness or Deceit It takes a very skilled liar to match his or her body language to words that are not true. The majority of people show some sort of conflict between verbal communication and non-verbal communication when they are attempting to deceive someone else. Why? Because body language is such an innate part of communication that you have to make a concerted effort to use it in a way that goes against your natural tendencies. As receivers, we all take in verbal communication and body language, comparing them to help us determine if the message sender is being truthful or deceitful. Parents do this a great deal when interacting with their children because children typically are not very good at hiding conflicts between their words and their body language. It is generally quite easy to spot when a child is not being truthful, and it’s almost always due to the child’s non-verbal communication. There are some variations, though, to the weight we give to conflicts between verbal and non-verbal communication. When we receive a message where those two elements are conflicting, our minds (consciously or unconsciously) evaluate how difficult it is to ‘fake’ a particular kind of body language. The more difficult it is to fake, the more likely we are to believe it even if it conflicts with a person’s words. Body Language Influences The Length And Type Of Personal Interaction Your body language has a huge influence on the length and type of personal interactions you have. It can tell the world around you ‘stay away, I want to be left alone’, or it can tell the world ‘say hello to me, I’d love to talk with you’ – all with non-verbal cues that can be as simple as averting your eyes or holding your body in a certain position. For instance, let’s say it’s early Sunday morning and you’re making a quick dash to the supermarket to pick up the newspaper and an espresso. You throw on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, hoping you won’t run into anyone you know along the way. However, you do far more than just hope; your body language, consciously or unconsciously, sends out cues that you don’t want to be noticed and don’t want to have any personal interactions. How does this happen? It happens in many ways, such as: Averting your eyes as you’re walking Hunching your shoulders and looking at the ground Keeping your facial expression neutral or even a bit on the grumpy side Wearing a hat pulled down as far as possible on your head Walking quickly to and from your destination Pretending not to see other people, just in case you might know one of them All of these are cues to others that you’re not interested in lengthy personal interactions and you’d be much happier if they would all just pretend you’re not there, thank you very much.But what if you’re feeling happy, confident, and perfectly willing to stop and chat with someone else? Take another look at the list above, and think about doing the exact opposite of what’s on the list. Those are the types of body language cues that would invite others to interact with you. Body Language Communicates When Words Can’t There are times when words simply can’t communicate properly in a personal interaction. For instance, when you’re comforting a grieving friend the simple non-verbal act of putting an arm around his or her shoulder is far more powerful than any words you might say. Or, you and your spouse might attend your child’s piano recital. Your sense of pride in his or her performance swells almost to bursting, so you turn to each other and make eye contact. You might smile, squeeze each other’s hands, or lean together. These are all ways of non-verbal communication something important in a way that’s far more effective and meaningful than using plain old words.

Body Language In Different Personal Interactions One of the most practical applications of knowledge about body language is in the context of different personal interactions. The way you communicate through body language has a huge impact on the tone length, and outcome of every type of personal interaction. Body Language and Interacting With Someone New – First Impressions Up to 90% of the first impression created when meeting someone new is a direct result of non-verbal interactions and general body language. These messages, both conscious and unconscious, convey a great deal of information about you, so it’s just common sense to do everything possible to maximise your positive impression. The first step is to check your appearance; this might include combing your hair, smoothing your shirt, straightening your tie, and generally making sure you appear neat and tidy. This may seem a bit vain, but it’s rooted in a very practical fact: Most people will form an opinion about you within just a few seconds of seeing you, even before you’ve uttered a single word. Next comes the way you carry yourself and greet the other person. If you frown, appear stern, or act aloof, the first impression you create is bound to be quite negative. Instead, you should smile, shake hands, and maintain a pleasant look on your face. Also, don’t stand facing the other person directly, as this is perceived as an aggressive posture; make a point of standing just a bit sideways and with a good distance between yourself and the other person. These general suggestions should be adjusted as necessary depending on the situation – formal, informal, business, social, etc. Interacting With Someone You Know – Rapport, Trust, and Intimacy When you interact with someone you know, body language influences three key areas of the interaction – rapport, trust, and intimacy. Depending on the nature of the relationship between the two of you, each of these areas will take on different levels of importance. Using body language to build rapport is much like performing a dance with the other person. It is a process of negotiating your way through a series of movements and steps, with each one bringing you closer and closer to common ground and understanding. The main elements of this negotiation are: Mirroring – the degree to which you both reflect each other’s body language. Listening – the degree to which you both ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in the answers. Reciprocating – the degree to which you both select similar body language that is perceived as being of similar value to the interaction. Using body language to build trust is simply an expansion of the rapport you’ve already established. The biggest difference is that trust takes more time to develop than rapport. It still includes the three main elements (mirroring, listening, and reciprocating) but each takes on a deeper meaning as you both negotiate your way through to a deeper level of connection with confidence in each other. Another aspect of trust is that it takes longer to develop, but can be destroyed much more quickly than basic rapport. Using body language to convey intimacy is perhaps the most complicated of activities, especially in situations where such non-verbal interactions may or may not be sexual in nature. Two close friends convey intimacy by sitting close together, using appropriate facial expressions, displaying friendly gestures, and leaning toward each other. None of this is sexual in nature, and neither person interprets it as sexual because there is a high degree of rapport and trust in the relationship. However, two people with a romantic interest in each other convey intimacy in very different ways. They might touch each other lightly on the hand, arm, or shoulder; they laugh at each other’s witty comments and lean in toward each other; they make frequent eye contact and then look away in a coy manner; and they generally flirt with each other to convey mutual interest. Pending and Receiving Messages in Personal Interactions Conflict occurs when body language is misinterpreted either as being romantically intimate or when one person does not reciprocate in a romantically intimate way. Such conflicts are relatively easy to resolve in social or informal situations, but can lead to additional problems when they occur in a business or professional situation. There is no single formula for determining the exact nature and intensity of body language messages to use during different levels of personal interaction. Learning what is and is not effective is somewhat of a 'trial and error' process. You can speed up this process and become more adept at sending messages, receiving messages, and interpreting reactions to messages, simply by continuing to learn as much as possible about the power of body language.

Body Language and Proxemics Body language is a powerful form of communication but the sending and receiving of messages involves a great deal more. Outside factors can have a powerful influence on such interactions, and one of the most influential is proxemics. Proxemics We have all had experiences where someone stands or sits just a little bit too close. It may be somewhat difficult to define ‘too close’, but you know it when it occurs, right? Believe it or not, there are researchers and scientists who focus their work on the study of humans, distance, and the idea of personal space. It’s called proxemics, and despite the fancy word, it is really a fascinating subject with many practical applications. Proxemics is all about how non-verbal communication among and between people is affected by distance. These kinds of spatial relationships involve territory, proximity, and a wide range of personal comfort zones. There are four general categories of space, as defined by proxemics: Public space Social space Personal space Intimate space Think of these four categories of space as concentric circles, starting out away from you and becoming progressively smaller as they move closer to you. The actual size of each circle differs from person to person; that’s what makes this subject so interesting and so relevant to everyday life. Four Categories of Space, Unlimited Ways to Invade Them The study of proxemics has given us specific definitions of each category: Public space – This area begins about twelve feet away and goes out to about twenty-five feet, sometimes even more. It is the domain of public interactions such as taking a stroll through the mall, walking down the street, or passing other people in the grocery store. Social space – This area begins about four feet away and goes out to about twelve feet away from you. It is the domain of interactions such as meeting someone new, greeting a familiar acquaintance, or generally interacting with someone who is not particularly well known to you. Personal space – This area begins about eighteen inches away and goes out to about four feet away from you. It is the domain of interactions with people you know well, such as those whom you know relatively well and your good personal friends. Personal space is also sometimes referenced as your ‘bubble’ or ‘personal bubble’, and is the space that varies the most based on culture. Intimate space – This area begins at your body and goes out to about eighteen inches away from you. It is the domain of your most intimate interactions with people, typically a small handful of people with whom you have the closest relationships. This includes kissing, hugs, whispers and close conversation, and intimate types of touch. In practice, however, each individual person has his or her own definition of each category, and definitions vary even further by gender, culture, social perceptions, situation, and the like.How does proxemics influence body language? The interaction between proxemics and body language is quite complicated. It is the subject of ongoing study, but is still not anywhere close to being fully understood. Because individual definitions of space are so variable, it is difficult to unravel the interwoven facets of how body language influences (and is influenced by) the four categories of space. Cultural differences abound; for instance, in Italy and Latin America the personal space distance is much smaller than in Great Britain and Sweden. So when someone from Sweden travels to Italy, he or she is likely to feel quite uncomfortable interacting with a local person whose concept of personal space is quite different. In general, body language is the first method of communication used when personal space or comfort zones are infringed upon. It is a relatively safe way to send and receive messages without the awkwardness and discomfort of speaking about such things directly. In other words, it is the most common method for letting other people know where your own space boundaries are located. Why is body language so effective in communicating space boundaries? Most experts agree it is because body language is so incredibly natural, flexible, and easy to adjust without interrupting the flow of an interaction. It can be used at work, at home, in a classroom, on the subway, in a car, at a concert; the applications are as unlimited as the nuances of body language itself.

Body Language and First Impressions The study of body language is interesting from an academic standpoint but there are many practical applications as well. First impressions, and the associated non-verbal cues, are one example of an area where your knowledge of body language has many practical applications. Body Language Influencing a First Impression Nobody can say for certain exactly how much body language influences a first impression, but some research indicates it might be as high as 90% responsible for the first impression you create. That’s a huge percentage, especially when you consider the importance of first impressions and how they set the stage for further interactions. A first impression is usually formed within just a few seconds; most of the time you haven’t even said a full sentence before a first impression is made. This may not seem fair, and it certainly doesn’t sound very politically correct in our modern world, but the fact remains that first impressions are incredibly important. Anything you can do to improve the first impression you make is a huge positive step. The Main Elements of a First Impression? These will vary depending on the situation; some elements are more important in a business situation, for example, while others come to the fore in a social situation. In general, however, the main elements of a first impression are as follows: Appearance – Is your appearance appropriate for the situation? Are you well groomed and clean? Is your hair combed? Is your clothing clean and neat? Do you ‘stand out’ from the crowd or blend in? Body movement and position – Do you move with confidence and an upright body position? Is your head hanging down, or held upright? Is your walk steady, not too fast or too slow? Facial expression – Do you have a pleasant facial expression, appropriate for the situation? Do your eyes appear bright and interested, or dull and bored? Is your face expressive or locked into a single look? Eye contact – Do you make steady eye contact? Do your eyes dart back and forth or do you stay focused? Are you staring inappropriately? Does your eye contact match your overall facial expression? The variations and combinations of elements affecting first impressions are nearly endless. You cannot possibly factor in all possibilities, but you can take your knowledge of body language and apply it to first impression situations with deliberate thought and choice. First Impressions Gone Bad Okay, it happens. You’ve made a bad first impression. Now what should you do? Again, the steps you should take to correct a poor first impression depend entirely on the situation. In some situations, you will have a second chance, while in others you will not. For instance, in a job interview, the first impression you create is important, but so are the answers you give to interviewer questions. If you think your first impression was not all that great, focus on using your very best body language during the interview itself will help. Many interviewers will forgive a poor first impression if you handle it well, such as you tripped on the stairs coming in or you became lost trying to find your way through the building. In these cases, you might briefly acknowledge the faux pas, offer a brief, sincere apology or explanation, and then move on to the business at hand. Make eye contact, and be aware of your own facial expressions. What about social situations? Gender has a great influence in this area, as women tend to be more tuned in to body language and therefore are more likely to form rapid first impressions. Your gender matters, too, because the kind of first impression you make on someone else (male or female) is somewhat influenced by your own gender. For instance, if you are female and meet another couple for the first time, the woman might be quicker to form an impression if she views you as a potential threat to her relationship. The same holds true if you are a man in the same situation; the other man may approach the interaction from an entirely different perspective than the other woman. What about the first impressions you form about others? There’s value in looking at your own patterns of forming first impressions of other people and how well you interpret their body language. Do you find yourself often forming negative or harsh judgments of others? Perhaps you need to re-examine how and why you are so quick to develop those kinds of impressions. Or, do you find yourself often judging others positively, only to find later on that you were duped or misled? Perhaps you also need to re-examine your patterns, and be a bit more discerning in how you interpret information.

Decoding Body Language in Intimate Relationships What does it mean when your boyfriend wraps an arm around your shoulder in a group of people? What is your girlfriend trying to tell you when she greets you without her usual smile and hug? And what about committed relationships where the partners start out showing lots of affection and accommodation for each other but over the years begin to just interact automatically? The issue of body language within intimate relationships is quite complex and one that is not easily broken down into specific, predictable definitions. It is much like a dance between two people, constantly in motion and combining with other aspects of the relationship to communicate a wide variety of messages. The Beginnings of Intimacy In the beginning of an intimate relationship, body language is a primary means of communication. Two people who don’t know each other very well will use non-verbal cues to express their thoughts when words seem too direct or uncomfortable. It is a relatively safe way to get the point across to each other with less risk of outright rejection or embarrassment. The early stages are filled with flirting and testing each other’s interest. Eye contact is important because it indicates interest; body position is also important because it helps to indicate comfort levels. For instance, two people who sit or stand very close to each other, find excuses to touch each other on the arm or shoulder, or position themselves side by side rather than facing each other, are showing each other that each is comfortable with the other. As the relationship progresses, more and more touching occurs. This shows up as holding hands, hugging, leaning against each other, and the like. A woman who tilts her head and rests it on a man’s shoulder, for instance, is using her body language to express closeness and invite more of the same. A man who takes a woman’s hand as they negotiate through a crowded room is using body language to express connectedness, protection, and leadership. Body Language in Established Relationships When two people in an established intimate relationship use body language, it can take on far more subtle meanings. This is especially true if the relationship is troubled in some way or if there is poor verbal communication between them. On the other end of the spectrum, though, body language can become a special communication tool used to convey messages of love, connection, appreciation, and the like. It is quite common for couples to use body language when they are unwilling or unable to talk about a conflict openly. Either person might withdraw physically or emotionally from the other, avoiding situations of physical closeness and keeping feelings inside. Or, either person might become quite physical by slamming doors, banging drawers shut, vigorously cleaning something, or the like. With all of these examples, the underlying cause may vary but the symptoms generally indicate the same thing – the couple needs to talk with each other, openly and honestly, about the real issue at hand. Couples who have been together many years often develop a set of non-verbal cues specific to their relationship. For instance, in social situations it might only take deliberate eye contact, a tug on the elbow, or a tilt of the head to indicate when one person is ready to go. Parents also can become quite good at this process, using facial expressions to communicate when a child misbehaves or when one needs a break from the kids for some reason. General Body Language in Intimate Relationships In general, body language in intimate relationships serves a vital purpose. It communicates specific types of information when a relationship is relatively young as well as when it is more established. It can bring a couple together, push a couple apart, or simply augment the verbal communication habits of the two people. When it comes to communicating intimacy, though, body language is perhaps the most powerful tool available to couples. A touch of the hand, an arm around the shoulder, a tender kiss on the cheek, or a tender caress of the cheek are all great examples of ways couples express intimacy with each other. Learning about and understanding these kinds of non-verbal cues can go a long way toward strengthening and protecting the intimate connection between two people. Violation of your Personal Space It probably wouldn’t take you very long to vividly recall a time when your personal space was violated. Maybe you were sitting in a coffee shop and someone sat down at your table or perhaps you were settling in for a department meeting and a co-worker sat down and then moved the chair even closer to you. Regardless of the situation, when someone violates your personal space it is extremely uncomfortable. How then, can you deal with it? Unconscious Reactions to Violations of Personal Space Everyone has automatic, unconscious reactions to violations of their personal space. These reactions happen so swiftly and so unconsciously that if you were to ask someone about theirs, most would have to think very carefully to identify them. It’s simply not something most people have to think about at all; their reactions are more like a reflex than anything else. What are some of these common reactions? Here’s just a sampling: Move away – When someone gets a bit too close, moving away is the most natural and automatic reaction. This may be accomplished with body movement, such as leaning back, or more pronounced movement, such as moving your chair away, sliding your entire body away, or, in extreme cases, even getting up and moving to a different location. Put up a personal barrier – This conjures up images of building a wall, but it is usually something far less complicated. For instance, you might rearrange your books or papers so they are between you and the other person; or, you might change arm position so that your arm is raised or manoeuvred into a position blocking the other person. Body position – In most cases, this is a combination of moving away and putting up a barrier. For instance, you might turn slightly so your back is to the other person, effectively creating a barrier. Or, you might turn your head, avoid eye contact, raise your book or reading material, and the like. If you think about it, you can probably remember many different times in your life where you have used these automatic reactions when your space was violated. Some people, however, make a conscious decision to protect their personal space deliberately and actively. Deliberate Reactions to Violations of Personal Space Some people make quite deliberate decisions about how to deal with violations of their personal space. Their responses are often passive, but may also be quite active in some cases. Here’s a sampling of some common actions: Spread out – This is very common in situations where you are sitting at a table that others might choose to sit at as well, such as at the library or in a cafeteria. As the other person approaches and begins to infringe upon your personal space, you spread out your belongings – books, purse, backpack, shopping bags, and jacket, anything – into the space around you. This visually communicates your boundaries and also works as a barrier between you and the other person. Turn your back – This is another tactic to protect your personal space from another person. You might casually shift your position so your back is to the other person, or even reposition your chair with your back acting as a barrier between the two of you. Ask the other person to move – This is an active response typically used by people with a great deal of self-confidence and self-esteem. When a person begins to violate your personal space, you simply ask them to move away a bit. If you’re not quite confident enough to be that bold, you might tell them you’re expecting someone else to arrive soon and you’d like to keep the space available for that person. Verbal warning – In cases where you feel particularly threatened you might give the other person a verbal warning that you’re uncomfortable and could they please move away. It might be something simply like “please stop” or something more directive like “you’re sitting/standing too close to me, could you please move back”. Most people focus more on passive measures than on active measures when their personal space is violated. It is simply too intimidating or uncomfortable to reclaim that space directly.

Body Language Basics From a flip of the hair to hands on your hips, how you move, gesture, and make expressions can say as much as what comes out of your mouth. Angel Rose, 34, an assistant vice president at a bank in upstate New York, was interviewing candidates for a teller position, which required that a person have good people and communication skills, a professional presentation, and a strong focus on customer service, among other abilities. One candidate in particular stood out, but not in a good way. While she could have been very intelligent, her nonverbal communication and body language were way off. Her handshake was more of a finger shake, her eye contact was nonexistent, and her slouched posture exuded insecurity. For Rose, what the candidate said didn't matter because her body language spoke volumes: she wasn't a good fit for the position. Recommended Related to Sex & Relationships 43 Date-Night Ideas REDBOOK's new book, 500 Great Dates, has tons of fun plans for you and your guy — no matter how much (or how little) time, money, or babysitter access you have! Read the 43 Date-Night Ideas article > > "Most communication experts now believe that almost 90% of what we say comes from nonverbal cues, which includes our body language," says Patti Wood, author of Success Signals: A Guide to Reading Body Language. Body language, she explains, is everything from our facial expressions, to eye contact, to our gestures, stance, and posture. While the nuances of body language are complicated, there are some common body language signs worth a thousand words. Body Language ABCs Flipping your hair, shaking hands, making eye contact, and smiling are more than just movements -- they're a part of your nonverbal communication, adding emphasis and emotion. "Body language represents a separate communication process beyond words," says Ross Buck, PhD, a professor of communication sciences and psychology at the University of Connecticut. "It exists simultaneously with language, but it is emotional and largely happening at the subconscious level." What are some of the basic body language cues that we display and what kind of effect can they have on the impression we make on other people? Here's a beginner's guide to understanding what our bodies are saying: Handshakes. A handshake can say so much more than hello, nice to meet you. "The most important part of a handshake is palm-to-palm contact," says Wood. "It's even more significant than the grip." The palm-to-palm contact expresses an intention of honesty and openness, and that your interaction will be sincere and nonthreatening. The "limp fish" handshake, Wood explains, seems so uncomfortable because it usually means that the palms don't touch, as Rose experienced in her interview. Here are other handshake types: Bone crusher: A person may be insecure and trying to overcompensate with an over-the-top hello. Palm-down handshake: A person may be trying to express his dominance. A left-handed wrap of the handshake from the top: A person may be trying to express his dominance. A left-handed wrap of the handshake from underneath: A person may be trying to support and comfort you. Synchrony. Synchrony happens when two people who are interacting mirror body language cues, explains Buck. What can it mean? "Synchrony is a signal that both people are on the same page," says Buck. "When you see someone copying your body language, or you notice that you are copying his, it's a clue that you are probably sharing a similar mind-set at the time." Further Reading: If sex is painful, will avoiding sex cause it to hurt less? Virginity Lost, Experience Gained 30 Days Back to Love The Secrets Couples Keep Boring Bedroom Syndrome — It's Everywhere Instant Fight Stoppers Sex and the Single Mom: What a Mom Wants See All Sex Problems in Women Topics Top Picks Can Couples Counseling Help? How to Reconnect Sexually Dating Deal-Breakers How to Argue With Your Partner What Is Emotional Infidelity? Dating After Divorce: How Long Should You Wait?

Body Language Signs That He's Crazy About You Sure, you could ask a guy how he feels about you. Or you could skip the awkward convo and analyze the male body language. Suss out whether your guy is head over heels using these celeb couples as your guide. Lillian Glass, PhD, author of The Body Language Advantage, has the lowdown. By Korin Miller PDA DOESN'T SCARE HIM Yeah, they're out in public which can make an all-out makeout sesh awkward. But Andrew Garfield still shows he cares—and wants to be connected to his girlfriend Emma Stone—by slipping his hand into her back pocket. Aww. AKM Images-GSI Media HE KEEPS YOU CLOSE We'd like to nominate Jay-Z and Beyonce for the title of Cutest Couple Ever...just saying. Check out this adorable pic—by nuzzling Beyonce into his arm, Jay-Z shows he loves feeling like her protector (and clearly she's not complaining). Getty ImagesHE GETS CUDDLY Ashton Kutcher is so into his girl Mila Kunis that he hugs her on the freaking street corner. His arms and lower body are all connected to her—a sign that there's huge chemistry between them. Teach-Fame Fly Net Pictures

Listen to His Body Language Relationship advice: We reveal four important things a guy says without using words Body Talk “Because men have learned to socialize through their actions, they’re constantly sending signals about how they’re feeling,” says body-language expert Kevin Hogan, Psy.D., author of The Psychology of Persuasion. “All you have to do is observe them.” We can help: Here’s how to train your eye to pick up on your guy’s innermost thoughts. He's Lying The clue: He keeps scratching his nose or ears. "When a man is afraid of being caught in a lie, his heart rate often accelerates and blood rushes to his nose, ears, and forehead, creating an itchy, tingly sensation," Hogan says. Your move: To get the truth out of him, put on your friendliest face. Then frame your questions in a way that sounds like you're being curious rather than accusatory, says Leslie Seppinni, Psy.D., a licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles. A fibber will rarely plot out the minutiae of his story, so if you listen long enough he may get tripped up in his convoluted tale and spill the beans. He's Second-Guessing Your Relationship The clue: He always seems to be holding something in his hands. He may be avoiding intimacy, since keeping his paws occupied prevents him from touching you. "Creating physical distance until he's ready to make a decision is often how men process their feelings," says body-language expert Patti Wood. Your move: Call him on it. Say, "I love that we're so open with each other, but I feel like you're not telling me something." If he blows you off, press him by saying, "I can handle whatever it is." This might convince him you won't freak out—a major fear men have about self-expression, says Scott Haltzman, M.D., author of The Secrets of Happy Families. If he starts talking, well, great. But if he's indecisive about the relationship, suggest taking space until he knows where he stands. He Has to Confess Something and It Isn't Good The clue: He draws in his lips. "When a man has to get something off his chest, his mouth will tense up and he'll press his lips together as if he can't decide whether he should open his mouth and unload the bad news," Wood says. Your move: When an inquiry sounds sincere, it can relax a suspect—er, man—into making a confession. Say something like, "You look upset. Anything you want to tell me?" No matter what, maintain a poker face, even if what he says upsets you. "The best way to get information from a guy is to keep a neutral expression while he speaks so he won't change his story based on your reaction," Haltzman says. His Ego Is Wounded The clue: He holds one of his wrists. "It may appear that he's adjusting his watch, but it can be a sign that he's feeling insecure," Wood says. It's like he's protecting himself; his arms act like a shield positioned across his body. Your move: Guys love to feel like superheroes, so when his boss chews him out or you inadvertently insult him, his confidence can plummet. "When a man's feelings are hurt or he's trying to sort out a particular issue, he feels powerless," Haltzman says. "Give him some solo time to think the issue through and regain control."

6 Unintentional Things Your Body Language Says in a Relationship By KnowMoreTV Whether you’re in the midst of a long-term relationship or navigating your way through a new one, there is one thing in particular you should always pay attention to when it comes to giving off the right vibe: your body language. Your body can speak louder than words. But is it saying what you want it to say? Learn to send your messages clearly with these body language do’s and don’ts. 1) Eye for an Eye Celebrity Matchmaker Samantha Daniels reveals eye contact is very important because it shows that you are interested in what he is saying and that you are paying attention. “This is universally applicable, whether you’re having a deep conversation with your boyfriend or are trying to connect with someone new on a first date.” To put it simply, eye contact is talking in the absence of words. Eyes can communicate a wide range of messages and sensitivity. Be extra conscious about looking your man directly in the eye, even though it may feel more comfortable looking away. 2) Body Positioning Matchmaker and Dating Coach Suzanne K. Oshima forewarns both men and women usually don’t realize which way their body faces, and it is very telling as to whether or not the other person is interested. “If someone’s torso, shoulders and legs are facing toward the other person, they are showing interest”, Oshima says. “But if their torso, shoulders and legs are facing away or off to the side, they are either not sure or they are blocking the person from getting to know them.” 3) Crossed Arms This one is a no-no for obvious reasons. “Crossed arms essentially make you look closed off, unwelcoming, and disinterested,” Daniels says. “If you want men to approach you on the dating scene, you need to appear as open and welcoming as possible.” 4) Group Formation Speaking of looking closed off, be attentive when out with your ladies. When a group of gals are out on the dating scene, they tend to stand in a circle. “Circles are closed off and leave no opening for a guy to join, which makes it difficult for men to approach them,” Daniels explains. “When you’re out on the town, try to stand in a ‘C’ shape to give guys an opening.” Standing at the edge of the ‘C’ also makes you the easiest to approach. 5) Take a Stand Your mother wasn’t lying when she told you to stand up straight. “A good posture on a date shows your confidence level in who you are and your self worth,” Oshima says. “A woman who doesn’t stand up straight, or has her shoulders rounded forward may be perceived as shy or with low confidence.” (This YouTube video is a great exercise to improve your posture and shape your arms!) 6) Turn that Frown Upside Down Without a doubt smiling is the number one, most important thing you can wear while dating and in a relationship. “A smile on your face shows that you are a happy person… and men gravitate toward happy women,” Daniels says. What other social cues deter men? Can guys be guilty the same things as well? Sfrom ound off in the comments below!

Body Language vs Micro-Expressions Debunking the myths of "micro-expressions" Published on December 24, 2011 by Joe Navarro, M.A. in Spycatcher 88 inShare email Thoughtful questions often prompt thoughtful analysis and recently a series of questions from a reader regarding "micro-expressions" had such an effect on me. His questions made me stop and think about how the public perceives "micro expressions" and their significance in our overall understanding of body language, and more importantly, their relevance in detecting deception. By now most people have heard of "micro-expressions" as a result of the show Lie to Me, or because the term has been popularized by the media. In fact, I routinely run into people who say they have taken courses on "micro-expressions" and have been "certified" or who want to become experts on "micro-expressions." (It reminds me of when students first wanted to be "criminal profilers" and then they wanted to be "CSI agents," just like on TV, now I guess it is "micro-expression experts") That's fine I say, but what about the rest of the body? And that is when I hear silence. After all, the rest of the body is transmitting information about thoughts, desires, fears, emotions, and intentions with far more regularity. If someone ventilates their shirt or hides their thumbs while being asked questions, you should know what that means beyond it's hot and they don't know what to do with their hands (it means: issues, discomfort, insecurities) because there may be no "micro-expressions" to help you at all. Find a Therapist Search for a mental health professional near you. Find Local: Acupuncturists Chiropractors Massage Therapists Dentists and more! In order to properly anchor us, let's start with what the term "micro-expressions" means or has come to mean. In 1966 two researchers by the name of Haggard and Isaacs discovered, while looking at films of couples in therapy, what they described as "micromomentary expressions." They noted behaviors that would flash by so quickly they were difficult to see except by slowing the film down. A few years later, building on this earlier work and observing these same behaviors, Paul Ekman coined the term "micro expressions" while he was studying deception. Ekman later incorporated this into his book, "Telling Lies," which you really should read if you care about nonverbals. What Haggard and Isaacs, as well as others, found was that our faces often reveal hidden sentiments that are being intentionally concealed. This was obviously useful in detecting issues during couples' therapy. Unfortunately, over time the term "micro expressions" grew to include too many things; failing for instance to differentiate between the truly miniscule, the small, and the larger facial distortions. There was also a failure to differentiate between the behaviors that were fast and those which were super-fast, but which had little to do with being "micro" or small. Lastly there was a failure to differentiate behaviors that are asymmetrical or that oddly freeze in place such as when we hold a tense smile at a snarling dog. Consequently, because so many things have been lumped under the appellation "micro-expression" it is often difficult to determine what someone means, especially when they substitute "micro-expressions" for plain old body language or nonverbals. So let's see if we can add some clarity here to help you better understand behaviors of the face, which are often lumped under the term "micro-expressions" or worse they are ignored completely. First we should recognize, as David Matsumoto has pointed out, that there are behaviors, gestures, or expressions of the face that do occur without conscious prompting which leak or reveal our true feelings or sentiments. Some of these behaviors or expressions flash before us very quickly (1/15, 1/25 of a second) and others loiter there seemingly too long. Also there are behaviors that are difficult to observe because they are so tiny (twitching muscles just under the eye for example) while others are quite large or as "large" as they can be given the size of some small facial muscles. What is important for observers is that while these behaviors do occur, we must not attach more meaning to them than we should. Shows such as Lie to Me (now cancelled) made it seem that if you saw one of these behaviors then the person is lying. Nothing could be further from the truth. For as Ekman, Frank, DePaulo, Burgoon, and Vrij have repeatedly told us, there is no single behavior indicative of deception (Matsumoto, et. al. 2011, 1-4; Navarro 2008). There are indicators of stress, psychological discomfort, anxiety, dislike, issues, or tension, but not deception - I'm sorry to say. In fact, rather than focus on deception, in my experience, it is far more useful to become an "Issue Detector" because that is really what we are observing. When we see the physical displays of psychological discomfort, we are really seeing our bodies communicating there are "issues"; in ohter words something is bothering us, the questions is what? Examining the Face: One way to understand facial gestures or behaviors is to divide them up by what they do, not whether they are mini, micro, or macro which does not take into account speed or in some cases lengthy, asymmetrical, or rigid presentations. The following is not a comprehensive list but if you focus on these five areas you will find it easier, in my experience, to identify how others truly feel or what they think: Facial Gestures of Nervousness and Tension: - Furrowed forehead - Squinting eyes - Lip compression - Lips that are sucked into the mouth - Quivering lips - Quivering chin - Corners of mouth twitching or pulling oddly toward the ear very quickly Facial Gestures of Dislike or Disagreement: - Pursed lips usually mean I don't like or I disagree (seen in babies as young as four weeks). - Nose crinkle (nose moves very quickly up as a shortened sign of disgust) - Upper half of lip on one side rises as does nose - Rolling of the eyes - Eyelid flutter (usually seen when someone says something we strongly disagree with) - Eyelids close fail to reopen for what seems a long time - Squinting of the eyes (think of Clint Eastward in a shootout) Facial Gestures to Relieve Stress: There are any number of facial ticks which may suddenly develop or which become permanent to deal with tension. Examples are: - Uncontrollable blinking - Cheek twitching - Uncontrollable twitching of the eye - Jaw thrusts forward - Jaw displacement to the sides - Tongue biting - Pulling of facial hair - Repetitive touching of the nose or eyelid with a finger These behavior are not only repetitive, they may increase in severity under stress and at times become very fast. Incidentally, as I mentioned in Clues to Deceit, repetitive behaviors are soothing behaviors, which is why we develop nervous ticks in the first place. The brain benefits from the repetitive muscular tick as a form of pacification; however, it can become pathological. Asymmetrical Facial Gestures: Gestures that involve only one half of the face fall into this category: - Fake smiles - Smile involving only half the face - Person smiles but the eyes squint or show tension - Asymmetry also applies to discord between what is said with what the body is transmitting, such as saying, "I love you" with clenched teeth or a tense face. Facial gestures of Contempt or Disdain: - A smirk (corner of mouth tightens on one side, dimples, or pulls toward eye or ear ) - Nose high haughty attitude - Rolling of the eyes - Looking dismissively askance Contempt, incidentally, is not a sign of deception, it is seen in both the innocent as well as the liar. Contempt is often seen among the innocent when interviewed by those they deem to be of lower social status or whom they perceive as incompetent. You also see looks of contempt on the part of an occupied population toward their oppressors. Caution While these gestures or behaviors are useful in discerning true thoughts and feelings, they are in no way indicative of deception. They may indicate psychological or physical discomfort, dislike, issues, or nervousness, but that is it. No inference of deception can be drawn from these for there is no single behavior indicative of deception. None. Recommendation After studying nonverbals for over 40 years, I think it is wiser to understand what all of the body communicates, not just the face, or just "micro-expressions." Especially knowing that the feet are more accurate than the face in revealing sentiments and intentions and that all of our body is constantly transmitting vital information (Navarro 2008). In fact, as I note in Clues to Deceit there are over 215 behaviors associated with psychological discomfort and most of those are not in the face. If you truly want to learn about body language and nonverbal communications and go beyond the tripe usually served on television, give yourself a treat and read Desmond Morris' trilogy on nonverbals (Manwatching, Bodywatching, Peoplewatching). Morris looks at humans with the critical eye of a scientist discovering a new species and explains why we do the things we do. He is an authority without equal when it comes to nonverbal communications and as a zoologist and anthropologist, will open your eyes as no other author or expert can, with perhaps the exception of Charles Darwin, who started it all one day while watching orangutans in the London zoo. ---------------------------------- Joe Navarro, M.A. is 25 year veteran of the FBI and is the author of What Every Body is Saying, as well as Louder Than Words. For additional information and a free bibliography please contact him through www.jnforensics.com or follow on twitter: @navarrotells or on Facebook. Copyright © 2011 Joe Navarro. Bibliogaphy Darwin, Charles. 1872. The Expression of Emotion in Man and Animals. New York: Appleton-Century Crofts. Ekman, Paul. 1985. Telling Lies: Clues to Deceit in the Marketplace, Politics, and Marriage. New York: W.W. Norton & Co. Haggard, E. A. and Isaacs, K.S. 1966. Micromomentary Facial Expressions. In Methods of Research in Psychology, L.A. Gottschalk and A.H. Auerback, Eds.. New York: Appleton Century Crofts. Matsumoto, David, et. al. 2011. Evaluating Truthfulness and Detecting Deception New Tools to Aid Investigators. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, (January):1-8. Morris, Desmond. 1985. Bodywatching. New York: Crown Publishers. Morris, Desmond. 1980. Manwatching. New York: Crown Publishers. Morris, Desmond. 2002. Peoplewatching: New York: Crown Publishers Navarro, Joe. 2011. Clues to Deceit. Amazon Kindle. Navarro, Joe. 2008. What Every Body is Saying. New York: Harper Collins. Porter, S., & ten Brinke, L. (2008). Reading between the lies: Identifying concealed and falsified emotions in universal facial expressions. Psychological Science, 19, 508-514. Vrij, A., Granhag, P. A., & Porter, S. 2010. Pitfalls and opportunities in nonverbal and verbal lie detection. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 11, 89-121.