Body Language

The conveyance of emotions and attitudes through conscious and unconscious expressions, gestures, and movements. Body language is more formally known as kinesics and is considered to be a form of nonverbal communication.

Among the better-known “figures of speech” in body language are stare downs, which establish dominance; hunched or droopy shoulders, which indicate timidity or discouragement; raised eyebrows, which express surprise or fear; and arms crossed in front of the body, which shows defensiveness.

[Page 51]Body language—both in its expression and its interpretation—often is cultural. While looking someone straight in the eye may be interpreted as straightforward behavior in America, it might be inter preted as rude and intrusive in certain Asian cultures. In America, a salute normally indicates respect, while a raised clenched fist signals resistance. For more infor mation, see Beattie (2003) and Fast (1971).