These are some of the hacks to understand body language. Mastering the art of reading body language can certainly help you get along with people more easily. However, the level of accuracy is debatable since each human has his or her unique way of acting and reacting. While relying entirely on body language is not recommended, having some cues does no harm. Knowing these makes you proactive when communicating with any stranger or the new person you meet from next door.
Closed arms and legs: Keeping arms and legs closed signify that you are not open to new ideas. It signifies that you are a closed person mentally and physically. In order to refrain from sending such signals, make sure to keep your hands open as well. Keeping your legs crossed is a turn off since it comes across that the person is reluctant to adopt or welcome change. This also reflects being defensive and closed. When sitting, make sure not to keep your legs crossed since it doesn’t send a friendly sign
Hold the gaze: It might sound cliché but it is absolutely true that establishing eye contact becomes tough when the person is bluffing. If you desire to know whether the person before you is lying or hiding something, look straight into his or her eyes and establish strong eye contact. The bluffer often becomes self-conscious under such a direct gaze making it easier to read him or her
Nodding excessively: While some of us involuntarily nod. While attending a lecture or listening to something that is intriguing, some nod excessively. Excessive nodding signifies that the person wants you to know that he or she is attentive. It also conveys that he or she is slightly anxious wondering what you might think.
Fidgeting: You must avoid fidgeting. It is seen as a sign of nervousness. As if you are nervous and to cope you are trying to distract yourself by indulging in physical movement.
Where they look: In a group setting if you wish to gauge the level of bonding that people share, then you should try cracking a joke. While everyone bursts into laughter, check who looks at each other or gives a high five. The people who instinctively look at each other while laughing are the ones who are either close or interested in each other.
Look straight: Whenever someone is talking to you it isn’t easy to gauge whether he or she is keenly interested in the conversation or is merely doing it out of formality. Look at their toes. If they are pointed towards you it means they are keenly willing to converse with you. However, if their entire body is turned towards you. But the toes are in some other direction then chances are they are not as interested as they are pretending.
Tapping the feet: A lot of us subconsciously tap our feet which is highly undesirable. It is a sign of incredible boredom and unwillingness to pay attention. Make a conscious effort to avoid the tapping of feet because it is not just annoying but also affects your reputation as a listener. Hence, avoid it at all cost.
Pointing with index finger: You may not realize it, but when memorizing a song, dialogue, or scene inside your head, you probably make some gesture with your index finger. In some cultures, pointing at objects with the index finger is unacceptable.