Can body language be misinterpreted?

Communication is about 70-80% non-verbal, implying that body language is a major influence on social interaction. Since communication is dependent on how we express our message and how it is received in itself, it unintentionally creates room for misinterpretation. Since body language may come across as being more abstract than spoken language, there is more room for misinterpretation. I am sure there are examples we can all remember being told how certain postures define what they are thinking or feeling about the situation or you at that moment. A classic one that comes to mind is a person crossing their arms, meaning they are “closed or uninterested” in the conversation. How would they know that to be an accurate explanation of their behavior without seeking clarification?

Countless examples are provided to us daily that lend themselves to misinterpretation. The misinterpretation occurs, as mentioned before, during the transmission of the message and/or the receipt of the message. If the individual sending the message uses behavior that is not “clear,” then the one receiving or observing the behavior will interpret it outside its intended meaning. Now, what if there is no formal interaction occurring between individuals? We are just noticing others walking by or as we are making a purchase. Can body language be misinterpreted then? Of course.

In such informal situations where body language is misinterpreted, the misinterpretation occurs due to internal biases, conceptualizations, projections, etc. occurring. With anything that captures our attention, we attempt to understand it, define it and remove the unknown for specific reasons. Body language is no different and at times more probable to be misinterpreted because it can’t be as easily “clarified” as spoken language. One of the most important tools to better understanding body language or more closely assuring oneself that they are closer to the actual meaning of the expression is to seek clarification. Although it may be an odd thing to ask another individual what they mean by their behavior, we do it more than we think we do. What is the reason to ask an individual displaying traits of sadness if they are sad? To seek clarification to interpret their body language properly.