The Power of Body Language

Imagine you’re having a conversation with a friend who’s telling you they had a great day, but their tone is flat, they avoid eye contact, and their body seems slumped. Would you believe them? Probably not. That’s because verbal and nonverbal communication work together. Body language adds context to our words, helping us better understand the emotions or feelings behind what’s being said.

When our words and body language align, it enhances clarity and trust in communication. But when they conflict, confusion can arise. We’ve all had moments where someone says one thing but their body language seems to tell a different story—those mixed signals are often more powerful than the words spoken.

Humans are incredibly social creatures, and trust is the foundation of strong relationships. Whether it’s in personal interactions or professional environments, body language plays a significant role in building trust. Positive body language, like maintaining eye contact, nodding, and smiling, can make you appear more approachable, confident, and trustworthy.

For example, in business settings, showing open body language—such as uncrossed arms and leaning slightly forward—can signal you’re interested and engaged. This nonverbal communication fosters connection, making others feel comfortable and understood. Conversely, defensive or closed-off gestures can create distance or tension.

Have you ever had a gut feeling that someone was upset, even though they didn’t say anything? Body language often reveals emotions that people may try to hide with their words. Facial expressions, in particular, can give away feelings like anger, joy, or surprise before someone verbalizes them.

This nonverbal communication is particularly useful in situations where people may not feel comfortable expressing their thoughts directly. By being attuned to body language, we can pick up on these unspoken cues and respond with empathy. For instance, if a coworker seems tense or fidgety during a meeting, it might indicate they’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable. Addressing this can help ease the situation and foster better understanding.

The first step in using body language effectively is becoming aware of your own. Pay attention to how you position yourself, how much eye contact you maintain, and what your facial expressions and gestures are conveying. Are you signaling openness and engagement, or are you inadvertently sending signals of discomfort or disinterest?

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health offers a list of questions that can be helpful in learning to be better aware of our own body language. Asking ourselves questions about our posture, eye contact, and facial expressions can be a great first step to understanding what we may be unknowingly communicating to those around us.

Understanding body language is as much about observing others as it is about being aware of your own. By paying attention to the nonverbal cues of the people you’re interacting with, you can gain valuable insights into their thoughts and feelings. Are they leaning in, signaling interest? Or are they stepping back, indicating discomfort?

You can also learn to be better at observing body language by further studying nonverbal communication. Former FBI Special Agent, Joe Navarro, used the science of nonverbal communication to be a successful spy-catcher for the intelligence community. He now offers various books and a YouTube channel focused on body language that can be a great resource for those interested in refining their skills.

Body language is a critical component of active listening. It involves more than just hearing the words being spoken; it’s about picking up on nonverbal signals, too. Nodding, maintaining eye contact, and offering open, supportive body language shows the speaker that you’re fully engaged in the conversation.

If you want your message to come across clearly, ensure your body language aligns with your words. For example, if you’re trying to express enthusiasm or excitement, make sure your tone, facial expressions, and gestures reflect that. Mixed signals can create confusion and weaken your message.