Non Verbal Communication

Body language that suggests interest

You are talking, but is the other person really interested in what you are saying?

By watching their non verbal communication and body language you can tell, even if they don't say a word.

Imagine you are a chemistry teacher. You have always been interested in chemistry, so you assume that your students feel the same way as you do. But are they really interested? Are your teaching methods good enough to arouse their interest?

Unless you can recognize the different body signals your students are conveying, you would never know whether they are really interested or just putting in time.

Here are some of the non verbal body language cues exhibited by people who are interested in what you are saying:

• They maintain eye contact more than 60% of the time. The more wide-opened the eyes are, the more interested the person is. You will find that people maintain eye contact more when listening than when talking.  
• Their heads are inclined forward.
• They are nodding their heads. We all instinctively know that such action means that they're agreeing with you.
• Their feet are pointing towards you.
• They smile frequently. Different types of smiles are explained here.

In all cases, don't rely entirely on body language. Be sure to evaluate other indicators such as situation, words, and voice tones.

Other non verbal communication body language cues:

Open To Agreement • Thinking  • Frustration  • Dismay • Action Orientation  • Defensive  
Hiding Something  • Lying  • Boredom  • Excitement  • Confidence  • Power  •  Authority 
Anger  •  Nervousness • Tension • Doubt • Pride  • Needs Reassurance