Body Language Examples: Nonverbal Communication And Confidence

Whether they are conscious of it or not, most people express thoughts, emotions, and intentions through both verbal and nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication, also known as body language, may include facial expressions, gestures, postures, and eye contact. Body language can be challenging to read at times, making everyday life situations at work, school, and in interpersonal relationships confusing. This post explores nonverbal communication in more depth and offers tips on how to express yourself and read body language effectively.    

Body language definition and why it matters

According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, body language is “The expression of feelings and thoughts, which may or may not be verbalized, through posture, gesture, facial expression, or other movements.”

Gestures and nonverbal communication are typical in everyday interactions. Learning how the body speaks, and how to express ourselves through such nonverbal cues can improve communication skills. By extension, effective communication may positively impact our interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and mental health. 

Body language types and what they might signal

Research by body language experts over the past decade has shown that body language is an important part of communication and can strongly influence how messages are perceived. 

For example, the "thumbs-up" sign is commonly used to signal approval in Western cultures, though it might be considered offensive in parts of the Middle East, Greece, and South America. Additionally, in some Asian cultures, indirect eye contact and limited physical contact may be viewed as signs of respect, even though these behaviors might be interpreted differently in some Western contexts. Some of the most common types of body language and what they may signal in most Western countries include: 

• Facial expressions: These might include smiling, frowning, scowling, and raising eyebrows to convey emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, or surprise. 
• Body movement and posture: Open body language, such as uncrossed arms and upright posture, may signal confidence, receptiveness, and comfort, fostering trust and connection. Conversely, closed body language, such as folded arms, crossed legs, and hunched shoulders, may indicate defensiveness, discomfort, or disinterest.
• Gestures: Pointing, waving, or nodding in agreement can convey positive body language. Negative body language might include gestures signaling disinterest, defensiveness, or hostility, such as crossed arms or poor posture.  
• Eye contact: Maintaining eye contact while speaking can convey confidence, whereas glancing away may indicate nervousness or submission. Sustained eye contact can also indicate attraction or interest.   
• Physical touch and personal space: How we make physical contact with others, or the distance we stand or sit from someone, can convey varying levels of intimacy, comfort, and, in the case of a handshake, professionalism.

Body language examples 

Again, someone’s body language may not always convey their true feelings, so it is important to pay attention to context when reading them. Additionally, body language often occurs in clusters, coordinating the upper and lower body parts as well as the hands, face, and eye movements. With that in mind, the following are some body language examples you may have recognized and what they might mean in your own day-to-day interactions. 

Upper body and posture cues

• Crossing arms across your chest: Sitting or standing with your arms crossed across your chest may be interpreted as defensive body language (provided it isn’t cold). When a person crosses their arms, they might be viewed as insecure, annoyed, or closed off. They may also appear angry or stubborn. 
• Standing up straight: Standing erect with good body posture may help you appear confident. On the other hand, poor posture may signal insecurity or a defensive, closed-off attitude.
• Leaning: Leaning forward during conversation might indicate interest, while leaning away can signal disinterest.
• Shoulder shrug: Shrugging the shoulders is often a sign of confusion or uncertainty.

Lower body and physical space

• Standing with your hands on your hips: In some cases, standing with your hands on your hips can mean that you're feeling angry and may behave aggressively. In others, it may simply mean that you're enthusiastic and ready to get something done. How someone interprets the meaning of this stance may have to do with whole body posture and how much physical space you’re occupying. 
• Crossing your legs: Crossing one’s legs at the ankle may indicate that the individual is defensive or trying to hide something; however, it may also be a gesture of politeness and good etiquette, particularly in environments where a polished, respectful, conservative image is appropriate. Crossing the legs at the knee may send different signals, too. For example, when one sits leaning forward with one ankle crossed over the knee, the person may be conveying power and control. When the posture is more open and relaxed, it may send the nonverbal message that the individual is confident and approachable. 
• Direction of feet and torso: In some interpretations, the feet generally point toward what (or whom) we are interested in. Whether the legs are crossed or the person is standing, if the feet point towards you, it suggests comfort; if they point away, it might suggest a desire to leave or disengage.

Hands, face, and eye movements

• Smiling: Smiles can mean different things, depending on the exact facial expression. There can be happy smiles, shy smiles, warm smiles, and ironic smiles, for instance. The Duchenne smile generally consists of pulling up the corners of your mouth while squeezing your eyes to make crow's feet. On the human face, it's typically considered a genuine smile, as opposed to a fake smile, where you may just expose your teeth. When you display an authentic Duchenne smile, you might signal that you’re approachable and friendly.
• Eye contact: Research suggests that eye contact can strengthen synchronization between individuals, potentially increasing comfort and receptivity. How comfortable an individual is with eye contact may depend on how well they know the person they’re engaging with and on how long the eye contact lasts. 
• Gesturing with your hands open and palms up: Hand movements can make a big difference in conveying trust. Holding your hands open and gesturing with your palms up may show that you have nothing to hide. 
• Micro-expressions: Micro-expressions are brief facial expressions that usually happen when you're trying to hold back your emotions. When you see someone showing a micro-expression, it could mean that they're trying to conceal an emotion from you. 

Body language in personal and professional relationships

How we communicate nonverbally may change depending on where we are and who we’re speaking to. For example, you might have a more relaxed posture during social interaction with old friends than with people you’ve never met before. When flirting, you might exhibit preening behaviors, such as fixing your hair, adjusting your clothes, or fidgeting with your jewelry. In family dynamics, body language that conveys active listening, such as nodding your head during conversation or making sustained eye contact, can strengthen communication and build stronger relationships. 

Body language can make an impression during meetings, interviews, and other interactions in professional settings. Upright, open posture, sustained eye contact, a natural smile, and respect for personal space may project confidence and competence without coming across as intimidating. Keeping your hands visible and mirroring the individual’s body language may convey engagement and cooperation. Additionally, how one shakes hands in business can impact perception. A firm, web-to-web handshake can create warmth and confidence, making a positive first impression. Alternatively, a weak handshake may signal a lack of confidence, while an overpowering one can come across as manipulative. 

Cultural differences in body language

Cultural norms often shape nonverbal communication, which can lead to misinterpretation when individuals are unaware of cultural differences. In Asian cultures, for example, while they may be interpreted as rude in Western culture, indirect eye contact and limited physical contact are signs of respect. Both the Middle East and Latin America are high-contact, expressive cultures that value close physical proximity and, in certain contexts, frequent touch. However, Latin American and Middle Eastern cultures might differ significantly in gender interaction and modesty norms, with the Middle East prioritizing the right hand for interaction and often requiring more gender-segregated or conservative public behavior. 

Improving nonverbal communication skills

Effective communication requires aligning verbal messages —such as tone and vocabulary — with nonverbal cues—body posture, eye contact, and facial expressions—to ensure consistency and credibility. Key communication strategies include using nonverbal cues to repeat, substitute for, or complement spoken words, such as maintaining engaging eye contact, using purposeful gestures, and matching the emotional tone to the message. Building self-awareness of your body posture, eye contact, and how you use your hands is key to improving nonverbal communication skills, and it also helps you develop emotional intelligence and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others.   

When body language may be misleading

Someone’s body language can convey their true feelings and elicit various emotions, but it can be misleading when interpreted without context, culture, or baseline behavior. Misinterpretations commonly occur because gestures like crossed arms might indicate coldness rather than closed-mindedness, and nervous fidgeting can simply be a habit rather than a sign of deception.  

How therapy can help improve communication skills and social awareness

Understanding body language patterns and reactions is key to effective communication, stronger relationships, and self-expression. However, learning to read and use nonverbal cues to complement verbal interactions isn’t always easy, particularly for people who face social challenges or communication challenges in general. Misreading others’ body language can create conflict and affect relationships at work, at home, and in social situations. In such cases, counseling techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals cultivate self-awareness, learn to interpret cues, manage personal space, communicate more effectively, and build self-esteem.  

Benefits of online therapy

Despite its benefits, some people may face obstacles that prevent them from engaging in therapy. For example, people who worry about how others might perceive their body language may experience social anxiety or feel nervous about talking with a therapist in a clinical setting. Others may have trouble making time for sessions or might not have therapists available in their geographical area. Many people facing such barriers turn to online therapy, as it allows them to speak with a counselor from the comfort of home on a schedule that fits their lifestyle. 

Additionally, online therapy is evidence-based, and research shows it can be effective in treating a wide range of issues, including self-esteem challenges and social anxiety. According to a 2022 study published in the National Library of Medicine, individuals participating in an online therapy program for social anxiety disorder experienced a significant reduction in symptoms across cultural settings, and 73% no longer met diagnostic criteria at posttreatment.