Kinesics Behavior

Leanna Birdwell, Reporter

Kinesics is the study of how your body movements can be a form of communication. This includes facial expressions, body gestures, anything you do with your body without verbally saying it.

Using emblems, nonverbal signs that can be interpreted into words, is a way to read what someone is saying without them saying it out aloud. It can be you putting up the A-OK sign with your hand. You can also throw up the I Love You sign, which is another emblem. Different emblems can signal different things.

Touching of the Face

Touching of the face indicates that you are underconfident. If you talk with your hand over your mouth its a sign that you are insecure.

Slouching

Not having good posture sends off many signals. It can show that you just aren’t engaged in what’s around you. Poor posture can also indicate low self-esteem. It can give off an un-polished look. Slouching and fidgeting is a good indicator that someone may not be telling the truth. When someone tells the truth they tend to look more interested and involved by leaning forward with their shoulders squared.

Smiling/Frowning

Humans are more attracted to those who are bubbly and have a warm smile. Smiling gives off good vibes and hints that you are more open to others. Smiling with your lips and not showing your teeth is a sign of insecurities and not being completely open. Frowning on the other hand tends to push people away. Just as the saying says, yawns are contagious, and so are moods. No one wants to be in a gloomy mind set.

Eye Contact

Eye contact plays a big role on telling if someone is truthful and engaged. Looking someone in the eyes shows concern and involvement. Did you know if someone is lying, they’ll look to their left or right quite often? This doesn’t mean stare someone down so much it makes them uncomfortable, but to just show that you are sincere, lightly make eye contact with a calm and collective vibe.

 

There are so many other things the study Kinesics can teach you about what different body language can mean. Feel free to look some facts up and investigate whether you can trust a peer or maybe yourself at the sites below.

KINESICS: THE STUDY OF BODY LANGUAGE

Nonverbal Communication and Body Language