The head is very significant in body language.
The head tends to lead and determine general body direction, but it is also vital and vulnerable being where our brain is, so the head is used a lot in directional (likes and dislikes) body language, and in defensive (self-protection) body language too.
A person's head, due to a very flexible neck structure, can turn, jut forward, withdraw, tilt sideways, forwards, backwards. All of these movements have meanings, which given some thought about other signals can be understood.
The head usually has hair, ears, eyes, nose, and a face, which has more complex and visible muscular effects than any other area of the body.
The face, our eyes and our hands, are the most powerful parts of our body in sending body language signals.
The head - when our hands interact with it - is therefore dynamic and busy in communicating all sorts of messages - consciously and unconsciously.
| signal | part of body | possible meaning(s) |
detailed explanation |
| head nodding | head | agreement | Head nodding can occur when invited for a response, or voluntarily while listening. Nodding is confusingly and rather daftly also referred to as 'head shaking up and down'. Head nodding when talking face-to-face one-to-one is easy to see, but do you always detect tiny head nods when addressing or observing a group? |
| slow head nodding | head | attentive listening | This can be a faked signal. As with all body language signals you must look for clusters of signals rather than relying on one alone. Look at the focus of eyes to check the validity of slow head nodding. |
| fast head nodding | head | hurry up, impatience | Vigorous head nodding signifies that the listener feels the speaker has made their point or taken sufficient time. Fast head nodding is rather like the 'wind-up' hand gesture given off-camera or off-stage by a producer to a performer, indicating 'time's up - get off'. |
| head held up | head | neutrality, alertness | High head position signifies attentive listening, usually with an open or undecided mind, or lack of bias. |
| head held high | head | superiority, fearlessness, arrogance | Especially if exhibited with jutting chin. |
| head tilted to one side | head | non-threatening, submissive, thoughtfulness | A signal of interest, and/or vulnerability, which in turn suggests a level of trust. Head tilting is thought by some to relate to 'sizing up' something, since tilting the head changes the perspective offered by the eyes, and a different view is seen of the other person or subject. Exposing the neck is also a sign of trust. |
| head forward, upright | head / body | interest, positive reaction | Head forward in the direction of a person or other subject indicates interest. The rule also applies to a forward leaning upper body, commonly sitting, but also standing, where the movement can be a distinct and significant advancement into a closer personal space zone of the other person. Head forward and upright is different to head tilted downward. |
| head tilted downward | head | criticism, admonishment | Head tilted downwards towards a person is commonly a signal of criticism or reprimand or disapproval, usually from a position of authority. |
| head shaking | head | disagreement | Sideways shaking of the head generally indicates disagreement, but can also signal feelings of disbelief, frustration or exasperation. Obvious of course, but often ignored or missed where the movement is small, especially in groups seemingly reacting in silent acceptance. |
| pronounced head shaking | head | strong disagreement | The strength of movement of the head usually relates to strength of feeling, and often to the force by which the head-shaker seeks to send this message to the receiver. This is an immensely powerful signal and is used intentionally by some people to dominate others. |
| head down (in response to a speaker or proposition) | head | negative, disinterested | Head down is generally a signal of rejection (of someone's ideas etc), unless the head is down for a purpose like reading supporting notes, etc. Head down when responding to criticism is a signal of failure, vulnerability (hence seeking protection), or feeling ashamed. |
| head down (while performing an activity) | head | defeat, tiredness | Lowering the head is a sign of loss, defeat, shame, etc. Hence the expressions such as 'don't let your head drop', and 'don't let your head go down', especially in sports and competitive activities. Head down also tends to cause shoulders and upper back to to slump, increasing the signs of weakness at that moment. |
| chin up | head | pride, defiance, confidence | Very similar to the 'head held high' signal. Holding the chin up naturally alters the angle of the head backwards, exposing the neck, which is a signal of strength, resilience, pride, resistance, etc. A pronounced raised chin does other interesting things to the body too - it tends to lift the sternum (breast-bone), which draws in air, puffing out the chest, and it widens the shoulders. These combined effects make the person stand bigger. An exposed neck is also a sign of confidence. 'Chin up' is for these reasons a long-standing expression used to encourage someone to be brave. |
| active listening | head / face | attention, interest, attraction | When people are listening actively and responsively this shows in their facial expression and their head movements. The head and face are seen to respond fittingly and appropriately to what is being said by the speaker. Nodding is relevant to what is being said. Smiles and other expressions are relevant too. The head may tilt sideways. Mirroring of expressions may occur. Silences are used to absorb meaning. The eyes remain sharply focused on the eyes of the speaker, although at times might lower to look at the mouth, especially in male-female engagements. |
eyes | mouth | head | arms | hands | handshakes | legs and feet | personal space
arms - body language
Arms act as defensive barriers when across the body, and conversely indicate feelings of openness and security when in open positions, especially combined with open palms.
Arms are quite reliable indicators of mood and feeling, especially when interpreted with other body language.
This provides a good opportunity to illustrate how signals combine to enable safer analysis.
For example:
- crossed arms = possibly defensive
- crossed arms + crossed legs = probably defensive
- crossed arms + crossed legs + frowning + clenched fists = definitely defensive, and probably hostile too.
While this might seem obvious written in simple language, it's not always so clear if your attention is on other matters.
Body language is more than just knowing the theory - it's being aware constantly of the signals people are giving.
| signal | part of body | possible meaning(s) |
detailed explanation |
| crossed arms (folded arms) | arms | defensiveness, reluctance | Crossed arms represent a protective or separating barrier. This can be due to various causes, ranging from severe animosity or concern to mild boredom or being too tired to be interested and attentive. Crossed arms is a commonly exhibited signal by subordinates feeling threatened by bosses and figures of authority. N.B. People also cross arms when they are feeling cold, so be careful not to misread this signal. |
| crossed arms with clenched fists | arms | hostile defensiveness | Clenched fists reinforce stubbornness, aggression or the lack of empathy indicated by crossed arms. |
| gripping own upper arms | arms | insecurity | Gripping upper arms while folded is effectively self-hugging. Self-hugging is an attempt to reassure unhappy or unsafe feelings. |
| one arm across body clasping other arm by side (female) | arms | nervousness | Women use this gesture. Men tend not to. It's a 'barrier' protective signal, and also self-hugging. |
| arms held behind body with hands clasped | arms | confidence, authority | As demonstrated by members of the royal family, armed forces officers, teachers, policemen, etc. |
| handbag held in front of body (female) | arms | nervousness | Another 'barrier' protective signal. |
| holding papers across chest (mainly male) | arms | nervousness | Another 'barrier' protective signal, especially when arm is across chest. |
| adjusting cuff, watchstrap, tie, etc., using an arm across the body | arms | nervousness | Another 'barrier' protective signal. |
| arms/hands covering genital region (male) | arms / hands | nervousness | Another 'barrier' protective signal. |
| holding a drink in front of body with both hands | arms / hands | nervousness | Another 'barrier' protective signal. |
| seated, holding drink on one side with hand from other side | arms / hands | nervousness | One arm rests on the table across the body, holding a drink (or pen, etc). Another 'barrier' protective signal. |
| touching or scratching shoulder using arm across body | arms / shoulder | nervousness | Another 'barrier' protective signal. |
eyes | mouth | head | arms | hands | handshakes | legs and feet | personal space
hands - body language
Body language involving hands is extensive.
This is because hands are such expressive parts of the body, and because hands interact with other parts of the body.
Hands contain many more nerve connections (to the brain) than most if not all other body parts. They are extremely expressive and flexible tools, so it is natural for hands to be used a lot in signalling consciously - as with emphasizing gestures - or unconsciously - as in a wide range of unintentional movements which indicate otherwise hidden feelings and thoughts.
A nose or an ear by itself can do little to signal a feeling, but when a hand or finger is also involved then there is probably a signal of some sort.
Hands body language is used for various purposes, notably:
- emphasis, (pointing, jabbing, and chopping actions, etc)
- illustration (drawing, shaping, mimicking actions or sizing things in the air - this big/long/wide/etc., phoning actions, etc)
- specific conscious signals like the American OK, the thumbs-up, the Victory-sign, and for rude gestures, etc.
- greeting people and waving goodbye (which might be included in the above category)
- and more interestingly in unconscious 'leakage' signals including interaction with items like pens and cigarettes and other parts of the body, indicating feelings such as doubt, deceit, pressure, openness, expectation, etc.
Body language experts generally agree that hands send more signals than any part of the body except for the face. Studying hand body language therefore yields a lot of information; hence the hands section below is large.
There are many cultural body language differences in hand signals. The section below focuses on Western behaviour. Much applies elsewhere, but avoid assuming that it all does.
| signal | part of body | possible meaning(s) |
detailed explanation |
| palm(s) up or open | hands | submissive, truthful, honesty, appealing | Said to evolve from when open upward palms showed no weapon was held. A common gesture with various meanings around a main theme of openness. Can also mean "I don't have the answer," or an appeal. In some situations this can indicate confidence (such as to enable openness), or trust/trustworthiness. An easily faked gesture to convey innocence. Outward open forearms or whole arms are more extreme versions of the signal. |
| palm(s) up, fingers pointing up | hands | defensive, instruction to stop | Relaxed hands are more likely to be defensive as if offered up in protection; rigid fingers indicates a more authoritative instruction or request to stop whatever behaviour is promoting the reaction. |
| palm(s) down | hands | authority, strength, dominance | Where the lower arm moves across the body with palm down this is generally defiance or firm disagreement. |
| palm up and moving up and down as if weighing | hands | striving for or seeking an answer | The hand is empty, but figuratively holds a problem or idea as if weighing it. The signal is one of 'weighing' possibilities. |
| hand(s) on heart (left side of chest) | hands | seeking to be believed | Although easy to fake, the underlying meaning is one of wanting to be believed, whether being truthful or not. Hand on heart can be proactive, as when a salesman tries to convince a buyer, or reactive, as when claiming innocence or shock. Whatever, the sender of this signal typically feels the need to emphasise their position as if mortally threatened, which is rarely the case. |
| finger pointing (at a person) | hands | aggression, threat, emphasis | Pointing at a person is very confrontational and dictatorial. Commonly adults do this to young people. Adult to adult it is generally unacceptable and tends to indicate a lack of social awareness or self-control aside from arrogance on the part of the finger pointer. The finger is thought to represent a gun, or pointed weapon. Strongly associated with anger, directed at another person. An exception to the generally aggressive meaning of finger pointing is the finger point and wink, below. |
| finger point and wink | hands/ eyes | acknowledgement or confirmation | The subtle use of a winked eye with a pointed finger changes the finger point into a different signal, that of acknowledging something, often a contribution or remark made by someone, in which case the finger and wink are directed at the person concerned, and can be a signal of positive appreciation, as if to say, "You got it," or "You understand it, well done". |
| finger pointing (in the air) | hands | emphasis | Pointing in the air is generally used to add emphasis, by a person feeling in authority or power. |
| finger wagging (side to side) | hands | warning, refusal | Rather like the waving of a pistol as a threat. Stop it/do as you are told, or else.. |
| finger wagging (up and down) | hands | admonishment, emphasis | The action is like pressing a button on a keypad several times. Like when a computer or elevator won't work, as if pressing the button lots of times will make any difference.. |
| hand chop | hands | emphasis - especially the last word on a matter | The hand is used like a guillotine, as if to kill the discussion. |
| clenched fist(s) | hands | resistance, aggression, determination | One or two clenched fists can indicate different feelings - defensive, offensive, positive or negative, depending on context and other signals. Logically a clenched fist prepares the hand (and mind and body) for battle of one sort or another, but in isolation the signal is impossible to interpret more precisely than a basic feeling of resolve. |
| finger tips and thumbs touching each other on opposite hands ('steepling') | hands | thoughtfulness, looking for or explaining connections or engagement | Very brainy folk use this gesture since it reflects complex and/or elevated thinking. In this gesture only the fingertips touch - each finger with the corresponding digit of the other hand, pointing upwards like the rafters of a tall church roof. Fingers are spread and may be rigidly straight or relaxed and curved. Alternating the positions (pushing fingers together then relaxing again - like a spider doing press-ups on a mirror) enables the fascinating effect (nothing to do with body language), which after enough repetition can produce a sensation of having a greased sheet of glass between the fingers. Try it - it's very strange. Very brainy people probably don't do this because they have more important things to think about. It's their loss. |
| steepled fingers pointing forward | hands | thoughtfulness and barrier | The upwards-pointing version tends to indicate high-minded or connective/complex thinking, however when this hand shape is directed forward it also acts as a defensive or distancing barrier between the thinker and other(s) present. |
| palms down moving up and down, fingers spread | hands | seeking or asking for calm, loss of control of a group or situation | Seen often in rowdy meetings the gesture is typically a few inches above the table top, but is also seen standing up. The action is one of suppressing or holding down a rising pressure. Teachers use this gesture when trying to quieten a class. |
| cracking knuckles | hands | comforting habit, attention-seeking | Usually male. Machismo or habit. Meaning depends on context. No-one knows still exactly how the noise is made, but the notion that the practice leads to arthritis is now generally thought to be nonsense. |
| interwoven clenched fingers | hands | frustration, negativity, anxiousness | Usually hands would be on a table or held across stomach or on lap. |
| index finger and thumb touching at tips | hands | satisfaction, 'OK' | This is generally seen to be the 'OK' signal, similar to the 'thumbs up'. The signal may be to oneself quietly, or more pronounced directed to others. There is also the sense of this suggesting something being 'just right' as if the finger and thumb are making a fine adjustment with a pinch of spice or a tiny turn of a control knob. The circle formed by the joined finger and thumb resembles the O from OK. The remaining three fingers are spread. |
| thumb(s) up | hands | positive approval, agreement, all well | In the Western world this signal is so commonly used and recognized it has become a language term in its own right: 'thumbs up' means approved. It's a very positive signal. Two hands is a bigger statement of the same meaning. |
| thumbs down | hands | disapproval, failure | Logically the opposite of thumbs up. Rightly or wrongly the thumbs up and down signals are associated with the gladiatorial contests of the ancient Roman arenas in which the presiding dignitary would signal the fate of the losing contestants. |
| thumb(s) clenched inside fist(s) | hands | self-comforting, frustration, insecurity | As with other signals involving holding or stroking a part of one's own body this tends to indicate self-comforting. Also thumbs are potent and flexible tools, so disabling them logically reduces a person's readiness for action. |
| hand held horizontally and rocked from side to side | hands | undecided, in the balance | Signalling that a decision or outcome, normally finely balanced and difficult to predict or control, could go one way or another. |
| rubbing hands together | hands | anticipation, relish | A signal - often a conscious gesture - of positive expectation, and often related to material or financial reward, or an enjoyable activity and outcome. |
| hand(s) clamped over mouth | hands / mouth | suppression, shock | See mouth/hand clamp entry in mouth section, which is a subject in its own right. |
| touching nose, while speaking | hands / nose | lying or exaggeration | This is said to hide the reddening of the nose caused by increased blood flow. Can also indicate mild embellishment or fabrication. The children's story about Pinocchio (the wooden puppet boy whose nose grew when he told lies) reflects long-standing associations between the nose and telling lies. |
| scratching nose, while speaking | hands / nose | lying or exaggeration | Nose-scratching while speaking is a warning sign, unless the person genuinely has an itchy nose. Often exhibited when recounting an event or incident. |
| pinching or rubbing nose, while listening | hands / nose | thoughtfulness, suppressing comment | In many cases this is an unconscious signalling of holding back or delaying a response or opinion. Pinching the nose physically obstructs breathing and speech, especially if the mouth is covered at the same time. Rather like the more obvious hand-clamp over the mouth, people displaying this gesture probably have something to say but are choosing not to say it yet. |
| picking nose | hands / nose | day-dreaming, inattentive, socially disconnected, stress | Nose picking is actually extremely common among adults but does not aid career development or social acceptance and is therefore normally a private affair. When observed, nose-picking can signify various states of mind, none particularly positive. |
| pinching bridge of nose | hands / nose | negative evaluation | Usually accompanied with a long single blink. |
| hands clamped on ears | hands / ears | rejection of or resistance to something | Not surprisingly gestures involving hands covering the ears signify a reluctance to listen and/or to agree with what is being said or to the situation as a whole. The gesture is occasionally seen by a person doing the talking, in which case it tends to indicate that other views and opinions are not wanted or will be ignored. |
| ear tugging | hands / ears | indecision, self-comforting | People fiddle with their own bodies in various ways when seeking comfort, but ear-pulling or tugging given suitable supporting signs can instead indicate indecision and related pondering. |
| hands clasping head | hands / head | calamity | Hands clasping head is like a protective helmet against some disaster or problem. |
| hand stroking chin | hands / chin | thoughtfulness | The stroking of a beard is a similar signal, although rare among women. |
| hand supporting chin or side of face | hands / chin, face | evaluation, tiredness or boredom | Usually the forearm is vertical from the supporting elbow on a table. People who display this signal are commonly assessing or evaluating next actions, options, or reactions to something or someone. If the resting is heavier and more prolonged, and the gaze is unfocused or averted, then tiredness or boredom is a more likely cause. A lighter resting contact is more likely to be evaluation, as is lightly resting the chin on the knuckles. |
| chin resting on thumb, index finger pointing up against face | hands / chin | evaluation | This is a more reliable signal of evaluation than the above full-hand support. Normally the supporting elbow will be on a table or surface. The middle finger commonly rests horizontally between chin and lower lip. |
| neck scratching | hands / neck | doubt, disbelief | Perhaps evolved from a feeling of distrust and instinct to protect the vulnerable neck area. Who knows - whatever, the signal is generally due to doubting or distrusting what is being said. |
| hand clasping wrist | hands / wrist | frustration | Clasping a wrist, which may be behind the back or in open view, can be a signal of frustration, as if holding oneself back. |
| running hands through hair | hair / hair | flirting, or vexation, exasperation | Take your pick - running hands through the hair is commonly associated with flirting, and sometimes it is, although given different supporting signals, running hands through the hair can indicate exasperation or upset. |
| hand(s) on hip(s) | hands / arms | confidence, readiness, availability | The person is emphasizing their presence and readiness for action. Observable in various situations, notably sport, and less pronounced poses in social and work situations. In social and flirting context it is said that the hands are drawing attention to the genital area. |
| hands in pockets | hands / arms | disinterest, boredom | The obvious signal is one of inaction, and not being ready for action. Those who stand with hands in pockets - in situations where there is an expectation for people to be enthusiastic and ready for action - demonstrate apathy and lack of interest for the situation. |
| removing spectacles | hands / spectacles | alerting wish to speak | For people who wear reading-only spectacles, this is an example of an announcement or alerting gesture, where a person readies themselves to speak and attracts attention to the fact. Other alerting signals include raising the hand, taking a breath, moving upwards and forwards in their seat, etc. |
| playing an imaginary violin | hands / arms | mock sympathy or sadness | The 'air violin' has been around a lot longer than the 'air guitar', and is based on the traditional use of violin music as a theme or background for sad scenes in movies and in music generally. The 'air violin' is not typically included in body language guides; it's here as an amusing gesture which demonstrates our conscious practice and recognition of certain signals. |
| thumb and fingers formed into a tube and rocked side to side or up and down (mainly male) | hands | offensive - mockery, dissatisfaction, expression of inferior quality | A conscious signal, usually one-handed. Insulting gesture if directed at a person, typically male to male, since it mimics masturbation, like calling a person a 'tosser' or a 'wanker' (UK) or a jerk-off (US). This is obviously rude and not used in respectable company such as the queen or a group of clergymen. The gesture is also used as a response to something regarded as poor quality, which might be a performance or piece of work or a comment on a product of some sort. The allusion is to masturbation being a poor substitute for sex with a woman, and that those who masturbate are not 'real men'. Unsurprisingly the gesture is mainly male, directed at other males, especially in tribal-like gatherings. Rare female use of this gesture directed at males can be very effective due to its humiliating value. For obvious reasons the gesture is unlikely to be used by females or males directed at females. |
| two-fingered V-sign, palm inward (mainly male) | hands / fingers | offensive - derision, contempt | A consciously offensive and aggressive gesture, also called 'flicking the Vs', widely but probably incorrectly thought to derive from the 1415 Battle of Agincourt in the Hundred Years War when the tactically pivotal Welsh longbowmen supposedly derided the beaten French soldiers' and their threats to cut off the bowmen's fingers. |
|
two-fingered V-sign, palm outward
|
hands fingers | victory, peace | British 2nd World War leader Winston Churchill popularised the victory usage, although apparently, significantly if so, first used the palm inwards version until he was told what it meant to the working classes. |
ساحة النقاش