Can body language be accurately interpreted?

Body language can have many interpretations as a form of interpersonal communication, even while changing nothing in the body language and just changing who the “interpreter” is. However, although body language can have multiple interpretations, can it still be accurately interpreted? The answer can depend somewhat on what we know about a particular individual or group of individuals and how consistent they are in reflecting a pattern of body language. Of course, also gaining understanding and knowledge of the individual's psyche is an aspect that can help us be more accurate with interpreting body language.

                A realm in which the accuracy of interpreting body language is that of the forensic setting. Often “professionals or experts'' are asked to testify on the interpretation of body language and/or behavior which often falls short of scientific standards. Unfortunately, pseudoscience becomes the present approach used to express the accuracy of body language interpretation, also leading to misleading information. It's part of the reason why a “lie-detector” exam is not admissible in a court of law due to its inconsistent ability and nonscientific basis for accurately interpreting body language. We know of individuals who have “passed” a lie detector test while intentionally providing inaccurate information.

                In a non-clinical and non-forensic setting, behavior can be accurately interpreted. However, it's important and, in my opinion, to understand the individual or group whom you are interpreting as a foundation. The knowledge gained will create the bridge we need from one individual to another. Doing this will allow us to provide support when needed even though not verbally asked, to make life decisions “knowing” the individual's pattern, finish another’s thought just via observation, and much more. The best way to gain the ability to interpret another’s body language accurately is through the intermittent seeking of clarification of their body language. For example, if you see another individual that appears deep in thought rather than assuming they are deep in thought when initially noticing this body language, ask them, “what are you doing in your mind right now?” If they reply, “I’m just thinking about x,y,z,” then provide you a baseline or a standard for that body language. Through repeated clarification, we can get to the moment where their behavior is accurately interpreted.