Body Language Basics | Page 6

Timing

Timing is another element in non-verbal communication. A person’s use of time hints
at his or her interests, habits and motivations, and says a lot about that person’s self-
control in specific situations.

If somebody always arrives at his workplace in good time, he is demonstrating
interest, responsibility, and companionship. If he is one of those people who arrive
late every day, this reveals irresponsibility, bad habits, lack of respect toward his work
colleagues, low personal ambition, or excessive self-esteem.

If the time he spends at work explaining a process, giving indications to a colleague
or new instructions to a subordinate is adequate, this shows the kind of person he is
and the good relationships and positive attitudes he is aiming for. If, on the contrary,
he does things hastily and tries to finish as soon as possible, this suggests that he
has little interest and more than a little selfishness. The disinterested use of time is
always admired by everyone.

11
Different gestures and their possible interpretation1
Gesture Interpretation
Women
Play with hair Flirting
Fidget with a necklace or chain Flirting
Fidget with earring, or touch one’s earlobe Flirting
Swing hips and upper body Flirting
Hand on hip Flirting
Cross legs Defense
Rest ankle of one leg on the other knee Independence
Men
Arrange tie Flirting
Pull socks up Flirting
Rub or pull on earlobe Flirting
Arrange belt Display of virility
Both
Play with button (shirt or blouse) Flirting
Hold eye contact Interest or insistent curiosity
Show the palms of the hands Inviting trust
Cov er one’s mouth with a hand while talking Uncertainty of what one is saying; or lying
Hands on waist Challenge
Eyes up and to the right Imagination
Eyes down and to the left Searching one’s memory
Ev ading eye contact when talking Not wanting to show one’s feeling; or lying
Strong handshake Wanting to show dominance
Weak handshake Insecurity or fear
Stiffness in the body Stiff personality or difficulty in showing emotions
Drooping shoulders Emotional burden
Head to one side when listening Attention
Arms folded in barrier posture:
In front of the body
At the back Calm or reserv e
Fear or insecurity
Rocking or swaying from one foot to another
when in a group Anxiety or insecurity
Eyebrows raised Arrogance or incredulity
Ample gestures with arms Self-confidence or generosity
Lips:
Closed without tension
Closed tight
Biting one’s lips
Open, willing posture
Decision, aggression, or concentration
Nerv ousness, reflection, or hesitation
Head thrust forward Aggression

1 It is important to note that each gesture should always be interpreted in the particular context in which the
person is. It can happen that the meaning is other than that mentioned here. All the body signals should be
added to obtain a correct total if we are to interpret body language integrally.

12 Recommendations

The following recommendations about body language may be very helpful in your
communication processes. Pay attention, and