Self Improvement Association Inspire. Educate. Empower.

This page represents a considerable amount of research in body language.  What we have compiled is a list of specific gestures and their likely interpretations.  Please realize, however, that mood, behavior, and emotion are comprised of several non-verbal cues in succession or all at once and it is unrealistic to assume that one particular gesture in and of itself constitutes the mood or behavior of another person. 

You are welcome to reprint any of these non-verbal cues and their interpretations so long as you cite http://www.sia-hq.com as your source. 

Hand Gestures

·         Clenched hands = Frustration, anger

·         Fidgeting = Anxiety, apprehension

·         Finger tapping = Boredom

·         Hand-steepling (hands like a church steeple) = Confidence

·         Hands on hips = Confidence or impatience

·         Hands on table = Poise

·         Finger Pointing = Aggression

·         Palms down = Confidence, assertiveness, dominance

·         Palms up = Vulnerability, non-aggressiveness

·         Handshaking with the other side’s palm up = Giving you the control

·         Handshaking with the other side’s palm down = Taking the control

·         Handshaking with the thumb pointed up = Shaking like a man

·         Sweaty palms = Anxiety, stress, fear

·         Rubbing the palms together = Positive Expectation

·         Hands interlocked together behind the small of the back = Superiority

·         Thumbs tucked in belt with fingers pointed down (males) = Sexually aggressive, virile

·         One thumb caught in front pocket (females) = Sexually aggressive

Head Gestures

·         Cocked head = Interest, attentive

·         Frequent nodding = Enthusiasm

·         Head tilted downwards = Negative attitude

·         Head tilted back = Superior attitude

·         Head toss = Flirting, courtship

Facial Gestures

·         Tense jaw muscles = Anger

·         Tense mouth = frustration, anger, determination

·         Facial flushing (blushing) = anger, embarrassment, physical exertion, shame

·         Lowered eyebrows = Disagreement, doubt, uncertainty

·         Raised eyebrows = Adds intensity to facial expressions

Hand to Face/Head Gestures

·         Eye rubbing = Indicates deception

·         Nose rubbing = Dislike or disagreement with the subject or issue

·         Ear rubbing = Listener subconsciously blocking words they don’t want to hear.

·         Chin Stroking = Making a decision

·         Chin resting in between thumb and forefinger pointing upwards = Critical judgment

·         Hands or fingers blocking mouth = deceit or surprise

·         Head propped up by hands = Disinterest or disrespect

·         Face buried in open hands = Extreme emotional distress or sadness

·         Both hands interlocked behind head = Show of dominance or superiority

·         One hand touching the back of head = Uncertainty, conflict

·          Fingertips to lips = Self-consoling gesture used to divert attention.  Unexpressed emotion

·         Fingertips in mouth = Person is under pressure, stressed

·         Neck scratch = Signal of doubt or uncertainty

·         The collar pull = Signals deception

Posture

·         Leaning forward = Enthusiasm

·         Slouching, leaning back = Challenging

·         Standing erect = proud, angry

·         Straddling a chair = Defensive, YOU against ME

Vocalics

·         Throat-clearing = Nervousness

Eye Gestures

·         Eye roll = Dismissive of the idea being presented, indicates superiority

·         Side glance = Suspicion

·         Perpetual eye blinking = Deception