Introducing Body Language

Part of the art of reading body language is therefore to look past gestures and evaluate postures

attitudes­ and intentions are better read through body language.

body language ‘leaks’ certain emotions and attitudes that we might have preferred to conceal from those who observe us

body language is even more highly developed in humans because we have a most expressive face that has developed in connection with our preferred front-on interaction.

After all, we cannot always trust what someone tells us: they may have reasons for wanting to be deceptive. Some things, like cold facts and statistics, are best communicated by words and numbers – but attitudes and intentions are better read through body language.

He can wag his tail and bark excitedly when anticipating food or walkies. He can lower his head and cower as though expecting to be hit when feeling guilty about stealing some sausages.

most of this communication is through the reading of body language and tone of voice.

dogs don’t talk.

A gesture is a socially learned signal that involves only one part of the body (usually the hand).

When we dislike or distrust others around us we tend to erect barriers to defend our personal space. For example, a person who feels threatened or exposed may arrange their hands across the front of their body as though to protect it. This may mean simply folding their arms across their chest, or the creation of the barrier may be deflected or disguised as a small grooming action such as straightening one’s tie or adjusting the cuffs.