According to a groundbreaking UCLA study, it takes just 30 seconds to make a lasting impression on someone—and 55 percent of that impression is based on a common set of nonverbal cues. For example, crossing your arms may be perceived as stand-offish, while raising your eyebrows could gain you a reputation as a flirt. What signals is your body language sending?
Body Language: What Do the Signs Mean?
Nonverbal Communications | Interpretation |
Sitting with legs crossed; foot kicking slightly | Boredom |
Arms crossed at chest | Definitiveness |
Standing with hands on hips | Readiness, aggression |
Hand on cheek | Evaluation, deep in thought |
Touching or slightly rubbing the nose | Rejection or doubt |
Hands clasped behind back | Anger, frustration, apprehension |
Tilted head | Interest |
Tugging at ear | Indecision |
Raising eyebrows | Surprise, flirtation |
A person's body language can also indicate if he or she is lying. Here are the top five signs that someone simply isn't being straight with you.
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His or her physical expression is limited and stiff, with few arm and hand movements.
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The person avoids eye contact and may turn his or her whole head or body away from you.
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Timing is "off" between the gestures/expressions and words. For example, the person may say "I'm sorry" but does not look remorseful until after the words have been said.
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Facial expressions are limited to the mouth. A natural smile, for example, involves the muscles of the jaw, cheeks, forehead, and eyes.
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The individual becomes very fidgety during pauses in the conversation.