Tag Archive for Body Postures

Non Verbal Body Language Dictionary ::S::

Did we forget a nonverbal term?  Suggest it in the comment box or e-mail it direct, and we’ll be ecstatic to add it!  With well over 500 terms, the BLP dictionary is growing to be the largest free nonverbal dictionary in the world!  Brought to you exclusively by The Body Language Project!  Visit our homepage for more free learning.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Primary Emotions SadnessSadness: A raise of the inner eyelids into an inverted “V” accompanied by a lift of the lower eyelids.  Often accompanied by lines across the forehead with the mouth pulled downward and a droop in the eyelids.  Sadness also sees an overall depletion of energy, enthusiasm, trembling, slowing of metabolism and crying.

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Salute or obeisance: A gesture done by raising the hand with fingers outstretched rigidly to the side of the head near the temple.  It is usually done in a military context, but can also be done in ordinary context.  The gesture is designed to show respect among rank.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Sarcasm Or SarcasticSarcasm or sarcastic: These are body language signals that show mock approval or enthusiasm.  An example showing sarcasm is a distorted or uneven smile where the mouth is raised only on one side.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Scanning Eye MovementsScanning eye movements: An eye pattern used when gathering information from the surroundings.  It is characterized by raised eyebrows and wide eyes to provide the maximum field of view.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - ScornScorn: Sometimes flashing as a microexpression.  It is a combination of anger and disgust that happens by wrinkling of the nose, raising and tightening of the upper lip.  To visualize this expression think of a bad smell.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - ScratchingScratching: In proper context indicates uncertainty and a lack of knowledge such as when being asked a question.  The scratching behaviour is a pain inducer which causes painkilling hormones to be released to create relaxation in the face of emotional discomfort.  Other times, scratching is simply to alleviate an itch.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Scratching The NeckScratching the neck: This is a stress related behaviour aimed at pacifying and also protecting since the neck is a vulnerable part of the body.  Scratching the neck is done when under stress and when faced with uncertainty.

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Screaming or shouting (a):  When motivated by anger, screaming or shouting says that a person has lost their dignity and resolve and says that a person has lost control.

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Screaming or shouting (b): When motivated by happiness screaming signals ecstasy and good fortune.  A person might scream when they win a match or are reunited with loved ones.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Seated Body PointingSeated body pointing: Directing torsos, legs, feet, arms, hands and head toward those we are most interested in, or agree with the most.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Seated Readiness 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Seated Readiness 2Seated readiness: A body postures that indicate a desire to take action which is especially useful in sales and negotiation.  Examples include placing the hands on the thighs in the sprinters position and leaning forward onto the balls of the feet as if ready to spring up.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Secretiveness Body Language 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Secretiveness Body Language 2Secretiveness body language: When a person wishes to withhold information from other people.  Secretive people often reveal very little about themselves and their personal lives or may keep certain facets of their life private.  Secretive body language includes maintaining distance both emotionally and often physically, whispering, guarded posture with shoulders hunched, covering the mouth, body oriented away, pursed lips, tight jaw, frequent glancing down during conversations, eye avoidance, routinely hiding tracks and removing personal belongings from view.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Security BlanketsSecurity blankets:  Any object that is stroked our touched when someone is under pressure.  They arise out trying to keep our hands busy or perhaps as a tactile response.  Even those that spend a lot of time in front of large numbers of people feel the need for a security blanket.  The cuff link is a common choice when crossing an open room or when coming up on stage to perform a speech or accept an award.  Other security blankets can include handbags, bracelets, watches, shirt buttons or brief cases.

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Seducer eyes: An intimate gaze that produces attraction in the opposite sex.

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Seduction: The behavioural process resulting in sexual intercourse.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Self Administered HugSelf administered hug: When the arms are crossed and wrapped around the body.  At times, the hands will pacify by rubbing the shoulders.  Hugs, done in this way, indicate a need for reassurance as a mother would sooth a child.

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Self-awareness: The consciousness of how ones self is viewed by others through nonverbal channels.  Nonverbal self awareness includes overall attractiveness, marketability, capacity to impress, and having a lack of objectionable characteristics.

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Self branding: The creation of a polished self image such that it increases its marketability.  Branding says that in all facets of life, a person is selling themselves, be it to friends, family and at work.

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Self monitors: Defined as the desire or ability to regulate oneself to fit into any given environment.  “High self monitors” are more likely to change their behaviour in lieu of the situation and seem to be less consistent across context.  This personality type is more likely to mirror others.  “Low self monitors” are just the opposite, and remain almost the same across situations.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Self SlappingSelf slapping: When the open palm is quickly slapped against the head and have various meanings depending on its location.  For example a forehead slap means that a person realizes they’ve made a mistake and a hand slapping the back of the neck indicates that they feel someone is being a pain.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Self-Motivating GesturesSelf-motivating gestures: Gestures that indicate an attempt to create better functioning such as tapping the head, drumming the fingers, the chin or a pen, tapping the keyboard, or making circular motions with the hands.

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Sex-coloured-glasses: Because men have twenty times more testosterone than women, they tend to view all cues put out by women as displaying sexual interest.  This makes their ability to read proper interest in women clouded.

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Sex flush: A measles-like rash appearing as women (and sometime men) nears orgasm.  It appears on the breasts and chest and is found in nearly seventy-five percent of women and twenty-five percent of men.  This sex flush is not found at any other time and is not a reaction to temperature.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Sexual Hair PlaySexual hair play: Hair play is done by women who intent to show off their luxurious hair to men.  Hair tosses can be done by flicking the hair over the shoulder, twirling or rolling it and placed on top of the head, running it through the fingers or wrapping the hair around the neck.

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Sexual harassment body language: Any nonverbal body language that offends another person in a sexual manner such as unwanted come-ons, crude sexual joke, eye contact, touching, and so forth.  There is much controversy about sexual harassment stemming from the fact that it is defined differently between the sexes.  Women feel that any man is grounds to harass whereas men feel that it can only come from women in more powerful position than them (bosses, managers).  Women also define harassment from its origin.  Meaning that touch from more attractive men is not harassment, but when the same form of touching coming from less attractive men is deemed otherwise.

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Sexual suggestiveness attire or fashion: A person who chooses dress that is exceptionally sexy and revealing.  This type of fashion can be worn by a person who is either confident or insecure, but in either case, is trying to gain the attention of others.  This type of person is usually self-centered, vain and extroverted.  When worn out of context, sexy attire reveals a lack of good judgment.  The sexy dresser is also often sexually liberated, but also can be a confident tease.

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Sexy son hypothesis: Women favour men who are more dominant for random “one-night-stands” because they will receive no parental care but will foster “sexy son” as offspring.  Women will seek men who are sexier during peak ovulation and “softer” men who make good fathers at other times.

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Shake and wait approach: A technique that helps decide the level of liking that is present.  It is done by shaking hands as usual then taking a step backwards and seeing what transpires.  Someone that likes the other person will shrink the distance, while those that don’t, will maintain distance and even aim their bodies away.  Other times distance is maintained for cultural or personal reasons.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Shoe PlayShifty eyes or darting eyes: Happens when the eyes dart all over the room to focus on anything but someone else’s eyes and is habitually associated with lying.  However, research has shown that most practiced liars hold gaze even more strongly than normal.

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Shoe play: An indicator of comfort and agreement, usually found in a courtship setting done by a woman where the heel of the shoe is removed or the entire shoe dangled from a toe.  When agreement and comfort is not established the shoe will be put back on so as to be more prepared to escape.

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Short grabber/finger grabber handshake:  A handshake whereby only the fingers make it into the hand.  Short grabbers are usually insecure but often try to hide this by coming off as dominant.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Shoulder EmbraceShoulder embrace: A nonverbal signal of affection where arms are put around another’s shoulders.  This might occur between adult men, or between a mother and her child and is therefore non-sexual in nature.

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Shoulder shake: A conspicuous vibration, hunching and raise and lowering of the shoulders in secession accompanying laughter.  It is also termed “shaking with laughter.”

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Shoulder Shrugs Or Shoulder RiseShoulder shrugs or shoulder rise: A universal expression of doubt and uncertainty.  They are done by moving the shoulders upward toward the ears.  Shoulder shrugs can signify ignorance, indifference, helplessness, or resignation.

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Shoe play: A cue put out by women who wish to draw men’s attention to their sexiness.  It is done by dangling a shoe by the toe or bouncing the leg up and down.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Sideways Glance Or Sidelong Glance Or Glancing SidewaysSideways glance or sidelong glance or glancing sideways: Done by shifting the eyes to the left or right without moving the head.  It indicates hostility when accompanied by appropriate cues in a cluster or attraction/interest when it is done so as to avoid detection.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Sideways Glance Over Raised Shoulder 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Sideways Glance Over Raised Shoulder 2Sideways glance over raised shoulder: A sexual signal done by women to draw attention to their desire to be subordinate.  It is usually done by lowering the head slightly and “peering up” at the man of her interest.

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Sighs: An exhalation of air accompanied with a low huff or tone.  This signifies frustration, being overwhelmed or weighted down, burdened and thoughts of powerlessness.  Other times sighs are done at the completion of a difficult task spelling relief.  Sighs can be so low as to be barely distinguishable from ordinary exhalation.

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Sign language: A set of visual expressions of the hands, arms, body and face designed specifically to convey meaning from one person to another.  Sign language is the primary language for deaf people and is a form of body language.

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Silent language: The set of information which transferable from person to person of which there are no sounds whatever.  Silent language is a set of gestures, postures and facial expressions emitted all of the time, by all people regardless of their intentions.

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Situational awareness: Having a sense of where one is at all times with respect to the environment and the people in it.  It is a total picture of what is happening with every, or most of the facets going on around a person.  A nonverbalist must have a high situational awareness to be a proficient ready of nonverbal communication.

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Skepticism (nonverbal): A trait that serves the body language reader well especially those interested in detecting lies.  Being skeptical is what makes readers aware of their surroundings and question other people’s true motives.  Taking to elevators with strangers without looking them over, ignoring disheveled or inebriated homeless men, or even the well kept, yet out of place business man, can lead to unwanted results.  The skeptical nonverbalist is someone who reads everyone all the time and expects that until proven otherwise, are up to no good.  He or she reads people as if they are hiding their true emotions from others for direct gain, or to protect themselves from looking disadvantaged in one form or another.  The skeptical reader, seeks to uncover these features in others through reading their total self including their postures, gestures, fashion, facial expressions, eye patterns, and movements.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Skirt Hike 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Skirt Hike 2Skirt hike: The skirt hike happens completely subconsciously with little, and usually no awareness at all.  The “skirt hike” happens by fingering and play with the bottom ridge of the skirt.  Other times, the skirt hike happens in a more pronounced way by grabbing the bottom of the skirt and pulling it up a few inches or more, to reveal more leg.

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Slow speech or slow talking or slow talker: A speech trait where the speaker talks at a rate that is slower than ordinary.  Can be due to comfort and relaxation, or discomfort.  Slow speech can be due to trying to make an important point, anxiousness, confusion, lying, grief, fatigue, deep thought, illness or the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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Smells or olfaction or odors: A very powerful area of nonverbal communication that is rarely given the importance it deserves. This area of body language covers all aspects of odor from those consciously perceived to those which are not such as pheromones.  A person can read very distinct habits from a person’s odor.  They can detect their hygiene such as if they’ve recently washed their hair, the types of soaps they use, if they’ve brushed their teeth recently or used mouth wash and it has been postulated that a man can detect a women’s ovulation cycle.  Studies also show that women prefer men to carry scents of other women as a means of attraction.  Scents can tell you if a person smokes, what they’ve eaten and so forth.  Environmental scents are also important to the nonverbalist.  They tell of recent rain such as wet grass, fresh baking, lingering cologne signaling a foreign presence, pollution or cleaning chemicals and so forth which provide hints as to activities occurring nearby.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Smiles 1Smiles: Many biologists think the smile had roots as a fearful gesture as a sort of “fear grin”.  Smiles are controlled by two sets of muscles which are the zygomatic major muscles, that run down the side of the face to connect to the corners of the mouth and the orbicularis oculi muscles that pull the eyes back.  Today though, human smiles are a universally submissive gesture to show we are non-threatening and they also symbolize pleasure, amusement, or anxiety (grimace).

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Smooth movements: Controlled and conscious movements of the hands, arms, feet, head and torso that do not dart or jerk in any way.  The voice is steady, low and in control, it does not raise, yell or scream.  This fluidity demonstrates confidence, control, authority, trust, and commands respect from others.  It says Alpha.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Sneering Or Sneer (the)Sneering or sneer (the): Sneers activate the buccinator muscles located on the sides of the face to draw the corners of the lips sideways toward the ears.  Sneering is universal signal of contempt, arrogance, disapproval and disrespect.

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Social dynamics: The study of the interaction humans have with each other inside society at large.  To the realm of nonverbal behaviour, social dynamics represents the influence body language has on a group of people inside a given situation.

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Social gaze: Non-threatening eye contact that travels in a triangular pattern from eye to eye then to the mouth making some but infrequent trips to the rest of the body.  This gaze is brief, lasting only a few seconds followed by breaks in eye contact.

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Social touching: Touching between friends and family including hand holding, hugging, offering a hand to steady, helping someone with their coat.

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Sociology: Is a realm of study that looks at society and how it functions using very broad disciplines.  To the nonverbalist, sociology looks at the effects of body language on social order, its maintenance and its effects.

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Social space zone: A distance of five to twelve feet which we employ as a buffer between people we interact with for everyday relationships that we do not know well.

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Soft voice: A voice that is so quiet it is difficult to make out what is being said.  This voice trait is sometimes used to manipulate others who strain to hear what is being said or mean that the speaker lacks confidence and assertiveness.  Other times a soft voice implies a quiet confidence from a person who lacks a desire to control a conversation.  Other meanings of soft voice includes a withdrawl from a conversation due to confrontation, discomfort or nervousness, grief or sorrow, that a person is lying, forcing a person to move closer (power play), to limit what is being heard, tiredness or illness.

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Sommer, Robert: Distinguished professor of Psychology Emeritus at the University of California, Davis who began researching the use of space in the 1950’s.  He’s best known for his book “Personal Space: The Behavioral Basis of Design” published in 1969.  He also authored “Expertland”, “Personal Space”, “Design Awareness”, “Tight Spaces”, “Street Art”, “Sidewalk Fossils”, “The End of Imprisonment”, “The Mind’s Eye”, “A Practical Guide to Behavioral Research”, among others.

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Song-like laughs: Also called voiced laughs and are typically sounds such as “ha,ha,ha” or “he,he,he”.  Song like laughs are seen as more attractive in both sexes rather than unvoiced laughter.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Space InvasionSpace invasion: Happens when people come to close to another such that it creates anxiety and defensive body language.

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Spatial awareness: The ability to properly control and use space to a person’s benefit.  This includes respecting (or disrespecting as in a power play) space zone, their touch restrictions, and even voice volume.  It also includes the relationship of the body to nearby objects and a person’s position in a room.  To have a poor sense of spatial awareness a person lacks a sense of their surroundings.  To the nonverbalist it includes a cognition of how space is used with the people around them so as to read hidden messages of like, dislike, intimacy, etc.

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Spatial empathy: An informal term used by expatriate workers in Hong Kong and then later into Japan and China who were typically from Australia, England, France and the United States.  Even though the city itself was very westernized, the walkways and public transport system were very crowded by comparison.  Preventing intrusion into their personal space was proven difficult and at times impossible.  Spatial empathy therefore describes a state or mind whereby people are either aware of the needs of peoples space or are not.

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Spatial needs: The relative amount of area that is reserved for a person of which no one else is permitted to enter.

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Speech hesitation: Differing from pauses, speech hesitations are time wasters imparted by people who lack the knowledge to properly and directly address concerns.  They usually use filler words such as “hmms” and “ahhs” or “like.”  Speech hesitation says that a person lacks confidence.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Speech-Independent GesturesSpeech-independent gestures: A deliberate body language cue that is a replacement for a specific word or short phrase which are usually culturally specific.  Examples include shoulder shrugs for “I don’t know”, waving for “Hello” or “Goodbye”, Index finger to lips for “Be quiet”, etc.

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Speech-related gestures: A deliberate body language cue that accompanies speech serving to punctuate, emphasize and to regulate the flow of speech.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Splay Or Splaying 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Splay Or Splaying 2 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Splay Or Splaying 3 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Splay Or Splaying 4 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Splay Or Splaying 5Splay or splaying: When the body is made to appear larger by spreading out the arms and legs, leaning back and puffing out the chest.  It is a high confidence and high dominance display.  It often indicates territoriality and in the wrong context disrespect and indifference.

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Spontaneous body language: Body language that occurs automatically, unintentionally and without conscious awareness.  These include various visceral fear responses as well as other nonverbals which are leaked.  Throughout life, people are taught to manage these naturally occurring gestures, postures and signals but they are usually readily occurring in young children and teenagers such as when the stare and point at unique looking people.  Extroverted individuals also emit more spontaneous body language when compared to introverted individuals.  Spontaneous nonverbal language is the most useful type since it represents true underlying emotions rather than deliberate body language.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Spreading Body Language 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Spreading Body Language 2 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Spreading Body Language 3 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Spreading Body Language 4 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Spreading Body Language 5 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Spreading Body Language 6Spreading body language: When the body takes up more space rather than less space.  For example, the arms might be placed over the back of the chair rather than crossed and the legs might be spread apart.  It indicates dominance and comfort.

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Square jaws: A masculine facial feature that has been tied to female preference for one-night-stands.  It is also rated by women as a feature predictive of less stability in child rearing (fatherhood) and so men with square jaws are chosen more often during lustful affairs, rather than for long term relationships.

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Square table seating: Square tables can form defensive, competitive and cooperative arrangements depending on seating location.  Cooperate by sitting side by side across a corner and competitive by facing head on across the table.  They are ideal for short meetings, or to create superior or subordinate relationships.

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Stalling body language or stalling tactics: Body language that delays decision making.  It is usually found as the time nears to sign contracts, fill out paper work, or purchase orders.  It includes behaviours such as cleaning glasses, taking a smoke break, sipping a drink, adjusting clothing, or chatting about topics that are insignificant.

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Stammering eyes: The action of keeping the eyes closed for prolonged periods of time.  Can sometimes give liars away.

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Standing at attention: A standing position where the legs are together, neither one in front of the other.  It signifies “no comment” and a person who has neither committed to stay or go.  It is used more often by women than by men, and it happens when meeting with higher ranking people indicating subordination.

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Standing square:  When people who speak to each other stand facing each other directly.  It is a confrontational orientation similar to those nearing, or in physical conflict.

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Stardust chairs or stardust seating positions: These are the seats flanking the head of the table which are those with the second most powerful. They are called stardust because they are close enough to the leader that his star power or “dust” is likely to rub off on them.  When these chairs are usurped it signifies that a person is a wannabe leader rather than one deserved based on performance.

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Stare or gaze fixation or eye threat: An offensive eye pattern where the eyes often remain unblinking and threatening or leer at another person for an uncomfortable length of time.  It is as if the eyes are assaulting and of which the eye contact is done without permission and of which violates the moral looking time and so produces, and is the result of, negative (but sometimes sexual) feelings.

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Stare test: A test to verify if a person is purposely overstepping the moral looking time.  It involves making eye contact initially with a stranger, then frequent and randomly looking back to see if the stranger is still looking.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Starter’s Position (the) Or Knee Clasp (the) Or Sitting At The Edge Of The Chair 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Starter’s Position (the) Or Knee Clasp (the) Or Sitting At The Edge Of The Chair 2Starter’s position (the) or Sprinter’s position or knee clasp (the) or Sitting at the edge of the chair: A readiness gesture and an intension movement indicating a desire to end a conversation and leave, or take some other form of action.  It is done by placing both hands on the knees when seated and leaning forward.  While standing it happens by placing the hands on the hips.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Stature And HeightStature and height: One of the most important physical qualities in maintenance and creation of dominance especially in men.  Studies show that the relative height of a man translates directly into earning potential and sexual attractiveness as defined by women.  Women are also affected by height, except in a much different way.  Women who are taller are seen as less desirable by men, but also as more dominant.

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Steinzor effect: When larger groups meet in the competitive arrangement with many people facing one another across a rectangular table, it is most often the person to the front of the speaker directly across the table that talks next, and rarely the person to their side.  This has been termed the “Steinzor effect” and was named after the researcher Dr. Bernard Steinzor in 1950 who first discovered the occurrence.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Stealing LooksStealing looks:  A look that is stolen is one that happens by looking to the sides without turning the head.  Both sexes do it to check out a sexual prospect, a rival while at the same time remain safe from detection.

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Step to the right handshake technique: A method of thwarting the palm-down dominant handshake presented by a power player.  It involves stepping forward with the left foot as you reach to shake hands, then stepping forward with the right foot so as to move across the body and into the other person’s personal space while twisting their hand from downward facing, to even and then upward facing.  Finally, the left leg is brought forward.  The goal, and the result of this technique, is to turn what would have been a submissive palm up handshake into a palm even or palm down dominant handshake.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Stiff ArmStiff arm:  A defensive arm distancing posture that happens by thrusting the arm forward and away from the body with the palm face vertical in a “stop” type signal in order to indicate to another person that they have overstepped personal space boundaries.

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Stiff arm and thrust forward handshake:  A handshake that occurs by thrusting forward after meeting so as to put another off balance.  Comes from people who require more space than ordinary.

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Stiff upper-lip (the): Done by compressing the lips tightly and indicates thought process when someone is trying to come up with an alternate idea.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Stroking Body Language 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Stroking Body Language 2 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Stroking Body Language 3 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Stroking Body Language 4 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Stroking Body Language 5 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Stroking Body Language 6 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Stroking Body Language 7Stroking body language: Gestures that include touching the face, cheek, head, neck, shoulder, arm, hand or leg in response to negative stimulus in order to create comfort and to pacify.

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Stride (the): A cool but dominant gait type characterized by unusually long strides.

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Strutting: A swagger while walking that displays confidence, dominance and usually sex appeal.  Men are said to strut when trying to appear masculine in the eye of women.

Women can also strut, but it’s not as typical as it is for men.  Shoulders back, head up, as if swimming through the air moving the upper body back and forth.

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Stubborn or stubbornness: An emotion delineating a lack of desire to cooperate conveyed through body language by gestures and postures.  The cues include arm crossing, a closed leg posture, staring eyes or down-turned head, a tight mouth and sometimes even pouting.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Submissive Body Language 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Submissive Body Language 2 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Submissive Body Language 3 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Submissive Body Language 4Submissive body language: Any body language that forces the one to take up less space.  It can include shoulders hunched, arms folded inward or crossed, or legs together.  The tighter the body position the more submissive the body language.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - SubstitutingSubstituting: One of the six main categories of body language.  This is body language that is used to directly replace verbal words.  A person might use body language rather than words when the words are embarrassing to speak, too difficult to speak, a person can’t find the right words so uses gestures or wishes to avoid conflict.  Substitution includes such body language as turning the toes and torso away from a person when wishing to end a conversation.

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Sub-typical: A person or group of people who fall on the left side of a gradient or bell curve in terms of their actions or popularity.  They are below average.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Suckling 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Suckling 2Suckling: The mouth and lips are full of nerve endings which, when stimulated, provides tactile gratification and comfort.  However, anytime the fingers go to the mouth or play with the side of the mouth or lip, it’s a retrogressive action indicating insecurity since the gesture is an attempt to pacifying as an infant would.

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Sudden nonverbal changes: Are nonverbal patterns that, in a moment’s time, change.  They indicate the presence of a telltale stimulus and one worth noting to the body language reader.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - SupplicationSupplication: Refers to body language that is designed to lower inherent self value in the eye of someone else who holds something desirable in hopes of obtaining it from them.  Nonverbal supplication involves leaning forward to show interest while speak with someone, rather than leaning back, forcing them to chase.  There are some cases where supplication is warranted such as conceding to higher ranking officials or employers, but others where it is ill advised, such as in dating, where the creation and maintenance of social value is paramount, especially in men.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Suprasternal Notch Or Neck Dimple 2 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Suprasternal Notch Or Neck Dimple 1Suprasternal notch or neck dimple: The dimple located just below the neck between the Adam’s apple and the breast bone which women habitually cover when nervous, distressed, threatened, insecure, fearful or uncomfortable.

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Super female signals: The exaggeration of features that are characteristic of the female sex, and of which men find particularly appealing.  For example, super sexual signals include breasts that are not only large, but very large, feet that are not only small, but very small, hips that are not only wide, but very wide.  This extends to long hair, long eyelashes, long legs and hairlessness (except the head).

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Super-typical: A person or group of people who fall on the right side of a gradient or bell curve in terms of their actions or popularity.  They are above average.

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Suppressed expressions: Facial expressions that appear subconsciously, but are quickly impeded or modified so as to conceal them from view and present a more desirable expressions.  Reading these cues can indicate honest feelings.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Surprised Facial Expression Or SurprisedSurprised body language: A state of mind usually accompanied by fear, excitement or pleasure.  Body language indicating surprise include stepping backwards or away to avoid the stimulus, ducking or head covering, extending the arms and legs outward, jumping upwards, dropping the mouth, widening the eyes, gasping or screaming.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - SurprisedSurprised facial expression or surprised:  Characterized by an upward curve of the eyebrows, widening of the eyes to reveal the whites and a drop of the jaw.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Suspicious Body Language Or SuspicionSuspicious body language or suspicion: Nonverbal cues that indicate that a person is wary of another’s motives and so is pensive.  Eye squinting and having focused eyes that track a target are two ways suspicion is conveyed.  Other body language indicating suspicion includes furrowed brows, turning the head sideways then upwards as if thinking, peering over glasses and tightening of the lips.

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Swagger: A way of carrying the body that emits extreme confidence and self esteem, strength, charisma, a sense of masculinity, and even danger.  Having swagger implies that a person has excellent and attractive body language including posture and movement, eye patterns and voice tonality such that it creates envy in men and awe in women.

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Sweating: A limbic response due to high stress or anxiety.  It usually occurs in the armpits, hands and often the forehead.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Symbolic StrippingSymbolic stripping: Includes loosening ties, removing jackets or over-shirts, rolling up the sleeves, undoing buttons and so forth.  The nonverbal message it entails is mixed since it depends on context.  It can deliver a sexual message in a romantic situation, getting down to business at work, or comfort when done around friends.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - SymbolsSymbols: Learned gestures that represent particular sentiments.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - SymmetrySymmetry: Having equal proportions from the right to the left side.  Extensive scientific research shows that symmetry is a key element to beauty, especially as it applies to the face.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - SynchronySynchrony: When the body’s of two people seem to have a flow or to be moving in unison.  Synchrony happens when the arm and leg movements mirror or echo the person or persons they are interacting with, when verbal cues are copied, or even when attire is matched building commonality.  Synchrony indicates agreement of ideas and that a common ground has been established.

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The Body Language Project is the result of a decade of personal research including a thorough review of over 60 primary scientific research journal articles. Learning body language forms the perfect foundation for success in ALL your communication.

If you are only picking up on what is being said, you are missing more than half of the message.

For more information on BodyLanguage be sure to check out: BodyLanguageProject.com and the Ebook – The Body Language Guide to Dating, Attraction and Sexual Body Language.

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Non Verbal Body Language Dictionary ::R::

Did we forget a nonverbal term?  Suggest it in the comment box or e-mail it direct, and we’ll be ecstatic to add it!  With well over 500 terms, the BLP dictionary is growing to be the largest free nonverbal dictionary in the world!  Brought to you exclusively by The Body Language Project!  Visit our homepage for more free learning.

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Radical hair styles: A person who’s hair is far beyond ordinary.  This person is usually rebellious, adventurous, trendy, a nonconformist, artistic, expressive, is trying to fit in with certain peers, has no regard for personal appearance, has a need to be different or is being affect by their culture.

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Rapid speech: A voice trait when the rate of speaking occurs at an above average rate making what is being said difficult to follow.  Talking fast can be due to lying (fast talking salesman), a reaction to growing up in a house where it was hard to get a word in, a basic insecurity, poor self-esteem, efforts to gain attention, nervousness, impatience, anxiety, insecurity, excitement, fear, drugs or alcohol use, anger, desire to persuade or being caught in a lie.

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Rapport or rapport building:  When bodies flow in unison while in conversation as if in a dance, they have achieved perfect rapport.  Good rapport includes, proper turn taking in speech, matched pace, tonality and volume, mirroring or echoing with respect to posture, matched gesturing and agreement indicators are present and used appropriately to create a seamless and synchronous conversation between two or more people.  Rapport is a nonverbal necessity in forming social bonds in friends, in sales to produce comfort and agreement.  In all situations, rapport produces liking.  It is good rapport that is felt when people feel relaxed and comfortable with others.

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Raspy voice: A raspy voice is a trait usually found in people who smoke, but it can also be due to a cold, bronchitis or physical ailment.  Other times a raspy voice is due to overuse or misuse of the vocal cords.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Readiness To Submit PosturesReadiness to submit postures: Cues that can eliminate, or significantly reduce the possibility of confrontation usually done by making the body smaller and lowering the eyes.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Ready LanguageReady language: Postures or positions that indicate a desire to leave or take action.  Putting the weight forward on the toes, extending a foot in the direction one wishes to exit and putting the hands on the knees are a few examples.

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Reading readiness: When a nonverbal reader has the foundation, understanding and awareness to predict behaviour in other people.  It involves knowing the catalogue of body language cues in addition to their meaning, and then carefully observing them in others with an unbiased, objective eye to decipher hidden meaning.

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Recognition gestures: An indication that a person has identified someone familiar.  The signals include a smile, eye widening, eyebrow flash, waving and so forth.

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Rectangular table seating arrangements: A table dimension that makes it possible to structure power.  The head of the table gains the most power except when it puts their back to the door.  Power trickles down as one moves down the table from the head.  The person sitting opposite the head is in a competitive arrangement with them.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Regal Stance 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Regal Stance 2Regal stance: A standing body position whereby the arms are placed behind the back.  It signifies a desire not to be touched and a haughty attitude.  Royalty and those of high rank will be seen performing this stance.

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Regulating: One of the six main categories of body language.  This category of body language carries all that is aimed at controlling the pace of a message.  It includes all body language used in proper turn-taking such as head nodding, mouth gapping to indicate a desire to speak, eye contact, and so forth.

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Regulators: Used to modulate and maintain the flow of the speech, or turn taking, during a conversation.  They include kinesic such as head nods or nonkinesic such as eye movements as well as verbal utterances such as “mhums” and “yeses.”

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Reinforced arm crossing: A full arm cross in combination with clenched fists in a cluster.  This cluster indicates hostility and defensiveness.  When arm crossing is combined with a tight-lipped smile or clenched teeth is signifies that a verbal or physical confrontation is immanent.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Rejection Body Language 2 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Rejection Body Language 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Rejection Body Language 3 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Rejection Body Language 4 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Rejection Body Language 5Rejection body language:  Cues used to repel others such as turning the head away and body away, holding an expressionless face, staring blankly, bringing the hand up to stifle a false or real yawn, sneering, fidgeting or picking the fingernails, open rejection of conversation, and so forth.

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Regional style: Fashion and apparel that provides cues to a person’s heritage.  They can include male bikini style bathing suits, cowboy hats, distinctive jewelry or other accessories, big hairdos and so forth.

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Register: Is the range of the voice from its highest of highs to it’s lowest of lows.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Relaxed Body Postures 1 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Relaxed Body Postures 2 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Relaxed Body Postures 3 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Relaxed Body Postures 4 BodyLanguageProjectCom - Relaxed Body Postures 5Relaxed body language: Relaxed includes a letting down of defensive and closed body language that is typically guarded and rigid for a more open or loose form body language as a person becomes more comfortable.  Examples of relaxed body language include a loose body, leg spreading, removing attire, increasing proximity and gesticulation.  More extreme relaxation includes laying down or throwing a leg over the arm of a chair.

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Relaxed body postures: Found in people that feel they belong or “own” a situation.  They include a loose and open body.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Remotivating Or RemotivateRemotivating or remotivate: Nonverbal gestures used to control the reaction of others.  When a women displays sexually to gain an advantage she is said to be remotivating her target.  Acting submissive to dominant individuals is also a form of remotivating.

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Repeating: One of the six main categories of body language.  Repeating says that body language is used to convey the same meaning as what was just iterated verbally.  If one says “move that over there” then, after a moment pointing in the direction to which one wants something moved, then body language has served to repeat a thought.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Reptilian Brain (the) Or The Honest BrainReptilian brain (the) or the honest brain: The reptilian brain produces visceral bodily responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, circulation, respiration, digestion, and reproduction.  The reptilian brain is the brain stem.  It produces nonverbal body language that is deemed more truthful than that generated by the neocortex which is capable of producing conscious movements.  When a person defense their territory and competes for dominance it is due to the reptilian brain.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Resentment Body Language Or ResentResentment body language or resent: A set of signals that forms the backdrop to anger or jealousy that happens when someone has had something taken away from them of which creates envy and negative feelings toward that person.  The body language of those with resentment habitually involves some form of distancing from the stimulus which has caused the emotion.  Resentment body language includes crossing the arms, stiffening of the body, grimacing, pouting, avoidance, looking away and various anger signals.

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Resonance: An aspect of voice cause by vibrations in the vocal chambers such as the mouth or pharynx.  An authoritative voice resonates from within the chest whereas thin and tight vocal cords produce resonance through the head creating a higher resonance.  Low resonances are deep, mellow and earthy, whereas high resonance appears nasal and at times annoying.

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Restraint, restrained, restraining or restricted behaviour: Nonverbal language and movement that is more limited than a person’s baseline.  It often indicates a fear response due to anxiety and sometimes predicts lying.

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Rictus: A term stemming from the Latin word meaning “open mouth.”  A fixed grimace resulting from extreme shock or nervousness.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - RisoriusRisorius: Muscles located at the corners of the lips which stretch the mouth toward the ears in the false smile.

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Ritual gestures: Movements that are created between two or more people to build a connection.  They can include blowing kisses from mother to infant, silly dance moves, or secrete handshakes.  These can extend into adulthood through sports such as end-zone celebrations and other elaborate signals.  These gestures are aimed at building relationships and connectivity since they are formulated between close knit people in an exclusive setting.

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Rocking: A rhythmic motion of the torso from side to side or from front to back.  Usually rocking signifies a negative thought and based on its intensity and persistence spells to what degree it is felt.  High intensity rocking is found in the mentally ill, and low grade rocking can be found in infants who are bored.  Rocking also indicates nervousness and can be found in people preparing for sporting events, or to take stage.  In this case, rocking is a substitute for pacing.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Rogatory PostureRogatory posture: When the arms are completely outstretched with palms up we call it the “rogatory” posture, or prayer-like.  It is a posture used to signify a desire to be believed and trusted however it also tells of a person who lacks conviction.

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Rolled up sleeves (on men): Most powerful when done in a shirt and tie, this gesture symbolizes a desire to get down to business in a less formal manner.  Barack Obama can be seen doing this when speaking on change and action.  Women usually perceive this body language as masculine and sexy since it puts the forearms on display.

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Room encompassing glance: Occurs when a women first casts her eyes around the room for 5 to 10 seconds.  If she spots someone she is interested in, she will take a second look. This second glance is directed toward a specific man.  It will be short, and she will rotate her head 25 to 40 degrees to the side then look away (usually downward) within about 3 seconds.  Women usually continue this behavior until they meet their target’s eyes.  At this point, the target and the woman will hold a mutual gaze lasting about 3 seconds with eye contact broken most often by the women.

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Rotation of the pelvis:  While sitting or standing, a woman may subtly roll her pelvis to draw attention to her sexuality.

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Roving eyes: Eyes that wander all over the room making a person seem disinterested and superior.

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Round table seating arrangements or team style seating: A relaxed informal way to sit that promotes discussion among people and creates egalitarian relationships.

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Rituals: Habitual gestures that repeat within a culture including ceremony, idiosyncrasies or social norms.

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Rituals of nervousness:  Person specific patterns that outline tension in a person.  They can include stroking the arm of a chair, playing with a pen, playing with the hair, or adjusting clothing.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Rubbing The EyeRubbing the eye: Usually signifying doubt or disbelief although sometimes indicating fatigue or to alleviate an itch.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Rubbing The ForeheadRubbing the forehead: An evaluative body language gesture but also one that signals an internal struggle where slight to severe discomfort is being experienced.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Rubbing The Hands GesturesRubbing the hands gestures:  A universal signal indicating that someone is prepared to receive something and is figuratively like washing or cleaning them.  In an evolutionary sense it is mean to keep the gift which is about to be received clean.  We often see those closing important contracts or sales rubbing their hands.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Rule Of FourRule of four: States that to get an accurate reading of people’s body language you need to find at least four congruent signals at the same time.

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Rule of mixed signals (the): This nonverbal rule says that when there is a mismatch between someone’s body language and their words, rely more heavily on the body language when trying to accurately read a person.

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Rule of negative body language (the): This nonverbal rule says that when a person mixes positive and negative body language rely more on the negative cues than the positive cues.  The rule is designed to account for the fact that a person is habitually hiding negativity so as to appear more in control and less abrasive in the eyes of others.

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The Body Language Project is the result of a decade of personal research including a thorough review of over 60 primary scientific research journal articles. Learning body language forms the perfect foundation for success in ALL your communication.

If you are only picking up on what is being said, you are missing more than half of the message.

For more information on BodyLanguage be sure to check out: BodyLanguageProject.com and the Ebook – The Body Language Guide to Dating, Attraction and Sexual Body Language.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Add to favorites
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Non Verbal Body Language Dictionary ::E::

Did we forget a nonverbal term?  Suggest it in the comment box or e-mail it direct, and we’ll be ecstatic to add it!  With well over 500 terms, the BLP dictionary is growing to be the largest free nonverbal dictionary in the world!  Brought to you exclusively by The Body Language Project!  Visit our homepage for more free learning.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Ear BlushingEar blushing: Reddening of the ears due to emotional stress.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Ear FlushEar grab or ear rub or ear rubbing: The ear grab refers to a subconscious desire to “hear no evil” and is done by reaching up and pulling the ear in response to hearing or saying discomforting things.

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Echoing:  Is like mirroring where similar body postures are replicated, but of which happen sometime later.  It is a technique that makes the rapport building process more subtle.  In echoing, postures and gestures are not concurrent with what is going on with others, but instead happen after some time has elapsed.  To be effective, echoing happens within thirty seconds to a minute of separation, but can even happen with several minutes of separation, where only subtle rapport is felt.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Ejector Seat PositionEjector seat position: A sitting position where the hands are placed on the thighs near the knees and the body leans forward onto them indicating a readiness to leave.  One foot might also be extended forward in the direction one wishes to leave.

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Eibl-Eeibesfeldt, Irenaus: Born in 1928, he is the founder of human ethology and has contributed many studies regarding human behaviour.

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Ejector seat position: A sitting position where the hands are placed on the thighs near the knees and the body leans forward onto them indicating a readiness to leave.  One foot might also be extended forward in the direction one wishes to leave.

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Ekman, Paul: Ekman was born in 1934 and is noted for his extensive work on facial expressions and emotions.  His key finding is that facial expressions are universal and not culturally determined denoting a biological or inherent origins rather then learned or cultural.  The key emotions include anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness and surprise.

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Elective physical characteristics: One of two types of outer physical traits that a person might have from which a person might be judged (the other being nonelective).  An elective trait includes the type of fashion chosen, tattoos, piercing, hygiene, hair style, use of make-up, accessories, and so forth.  These are important cues to the nonverbal reader since they are chosen by the wearer and so can predict underlying emotions, characteristics and personality about a person.  These elective characteristics tell about who a person would rather be.

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Embarrassment (nonverbal):  Nonverbal signals that indicate discomfort due to being out of place or being put on the spot with unwanted attention.  It is frequently confused with anger, defensiveness, or nervousness because people often wish not to be perceived as embarrassed.  It includes signals such as blushing and trembling, in addition to submissive postures such as lowering the head, turning the shoulders inward or away, avoiding eye contact, nervous laughter, shaking the head, and a freeze response which includes reduced movement overall, less gesturing and a loss for words or fleeing so as to escape the negative stimuli.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - EmblemsEmblems: Quotable gestures that have a direct verbal translation which are culturally specific which can be used as replacement for words.  The middle finger is an obvious gesture to Westerners and so too is the peace signal (or V-sign) which can also mean victory or and insult in other cultures.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Emotional Body LanguageEmotional body language: Any body language that serves to display feelings such as fear, anger, sadness, timidity or shyness, disgust, and happiness.

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Emotional commitment: In body language it refers to the lack of objectivity a nonverbalist might experience due to a premature prediction.  Because people have fallible traits, they may have a deep desire to maintain an inaccurate assessment instead of modifying their predictions as new information is presented.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Emotional DowntimeEmotional downtime: Research shows that every three seconds, on average, people ‘slip away’ to be with their own thoughts and internalize what is happening around them.  This ‘downtime’ allows our brains the time it needs to process, the information that is happening all around us.  People that are taking downtime will exhibit characteristic body language such as appearing blank in the face, pauses in breathing, subtle chewing of the lips, or very brief eye freezes or glazing over.

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Emotional intelligence:  Abbreviated EQ is a relative measure of a person’s awareness of emotions in others as well as their relative ability to deal with them in a positive way.  A part of EQ is the understanding of emotional communication coupled with the ability to emphatically convey emotions to others.

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Emotional short-circuiting: A primarily limbic response that overrides logical thought sending a person into fits of anger, panic, fear and so forth, preventing them from doing constructive work and instead sending them into various unproductive behaviour eluded to through nonverbal channels.  Only a well tuned individual such as those in the armed forces, police, paramedics, firefighters and other high stress professions can overcome emotional short-circuiting from occurring.

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Emotional suppression: Occurs when a person tries to suppress or hide emotions from others especially through their nonverbal channels.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - EmotionsBodyLanguageProjectCom - Emotions 2Emotions: Most researchers agree that the following six emotions tend to be recognized by all cultures: happiness (enjoyment), distress (sadness), anger, disgust, surprise and fear.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - EmphasisEmphasis: Gestures that usually indicate honesty though greater than normal commitment.  They are “over-the-top” and have a higher amplitude that ordinary gestures and might even be repeated several times.  Emphasizing gestures also makes them more memorable and therefore more useful when trying to deliver important information.

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Emphatic gestures:  Gestures that reinforce spoken words such as finger jabbing, batoning or chopping hands, hand clapping, foot stomping and so forth.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Encroaching 1BodyLanguageProjectCom - Encroaching 2Encroaching: Body language that takes advantage of proxemics to violate a person’s personal space and territory.  It involves standing too close, standing over someone by exploiting height differences, touching when un-welcomed, and even raising voices or the volume of music to violate the privacy and comfort of others.

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Endorphins: A natural painkilling hormone that is released to sooth the body as a result of touching from others or the self and high physical stress or strain.  Self soothing or stroking such as rubbing the hands, the arms or the hair are nonverbal cues indicating a need for endorphins to sooth and that stress is present.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Energy DisplacementEnergy Displacement: When someone talks about energy displacement and body language they are talking about movements that spawn relief.  For example, someone that is nervous or excited will rub their legs, but they can also rub their hands together or stroke an object vigorously.  The action gives them something to do and also allows them to release some of their pent-up energy.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Enthusiasm NonverbalEnthusiasm (nonverbal): Refers to the relative amplitude that is carried through on the nonverbal message.  We say that a person is enthusiastic when they gesture with exaggerated motions, commit to them throughout their message, use different variations if messages are misinterpreted, and sometimes even repeat them.  Using arms in speech such as pointing, hitting the fist against the palm, jumping up and down, raising the voice and flashing the eyes, are just a few examples of showing enthusiasm.  Enthusiasm has been positively tied to honesty in nonverbal messages.

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Environmental cues or artifacts: These are objects that form part of a person’s habitat (house, office, etc.) which provide clues to their character and disposition.  They include a person’s automobile, their house and how it is decorated, their accolades in their office, photographs they keep on the wall and so forth.

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Erythrophobia:  A term applied to a medical condition that creates blushing due to the fear of blushing.  Blushing is a reflex controlled unconsciously by our sympathetic nervous system, but in people with this condition the mere fear of blushing causes them to blush, and so they blush much more frequently with minimal stimulus.  In body language, it is a misleading nonverbal message since the conditions by which they occur are somewhat detached from a regular person.  In other words, the condition produces blushing that does not indicate severe stress or discomfort.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Escape MovementsEscape movements: Any body language that indicates a desire to leave a situation.  The most common type of cue includes pointing the toes toward the doorway.  A second cue is casting the eyes in any direction other then conversation at hand to seek ways of exiting.

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Ethology: From the Greek work “ethos” meaning “character” is the scientific study of animal behaviour, however in recent times it has been extended to human behaviour and social organizations.  Because of its origins, it is a subtopic of zoology.  The study of ethology draws from many other disciplines including ecology, evolution, neurology, physiology, and when applied to humans, psychology, sociology or biopsychology.  Ethology follows animal emotions, animal cultures and sexual behaviour.  A large part of the framework by which behaviour is typed is based on evolution by natural selection.  When ethology deals with humans it strongly relates to inherited or natural body language.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - European Leg Cross 2BodyLanguageProjectCom - European Leg Cross 1European leg cross (the): A sitting position whereby the leg is crossed neatly over the other.  It is the most common seating position in European, Asian and British cultures.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Evaluative Body Language Or Critical Evaluation 3BodyLanguageProjectCom - Evaluative Body Language Or Critical Evaluation 1BodyLanguageProjectCom - Evaluative Body Language Or Critical Evaluation 2Evaluative body language or critical evaluation: Gestured that indicate that a person hasn’t yet, but is working toward a decision.  They include chin stroking or hand resting on cheek or chin, removing or putting on glasses, neck rubbing, stoking the side of the nose, looking upward and so forth.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Evasive ActionsEvasive actions: Nonverbal body language such as distancing, turning away, eye avoidance and turning the feet toward an exit that indicate a desire to escape a stimuli.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Evil EyesEvil eyes: Unblinking staring eyes fill with contempt.

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Exhaling or “blowing off steam”: A rapid expulsion of air indicating tension or frustration.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Expansive MovementsExpansive movements: A dominance driven response to appear larger and more authoritative.  It includes leg and arm spreading, puffing out the chest, placing the hands on the hips, and so forth.  Men are usually those who use expansive movements whereas women typically use diminutive movements which are the polar opposite.

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Extended eye blink or extended blink or extended eye closure: The extended eye blink is performed by arrogant individuals as they temporarily shut off the outside world as if it were irrelevant.  They are sending a message to others that what they are doing and feeling isn’t worth their energy and thought and that they either bore them, or they are superior to you.  The extended blink is a form of eye blocking which protects a person from distasteful images and ideas.

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Extravagance: A person who habitually goes over the top with the objects and events in their life.  This type of person is usually more concerned about what other people think and have a desire to be accepted.  Someone can be said to be extravagant if they own expensive toys especially if they are rarely used.

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Extravagant dresser or extravagant fashion: A type of style which is more focused on style rather than on comfort.  This type of dresser is image conscious, suffers from poor self-esteem and has a desire to be accepted by others.  Extravagance includes expensive watches, colour coordinated accessories, manicured nails and expensive haircuts.

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Extroverts: People that become energized by stimulus and seek out noisy and busy environments.  Extroverts have a high tolerance for stimulus and require a lot to keep themselves amused.  Amusement parks, busy downtown areas, any place with lots of movement and loud noises make the extrovert feel at ease.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eye Accessing CuesEye accessing cues: A technique stemming from NLP that assesses thoughts based on eye movements.  For example, eyes up and left indicates a visual imagined thought which can provide clues to lying, whereas up and right indicates visual remembered.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eye AversionEye aversion:  Eye aversion is used to prevent other from resorting to an attack response and prevents others from seeing us as a threat.  Subordinates commonly avoid eye contact with dominant individual to indicate submission and respect.

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Eyeball assault: When a person becomes overly aggressive with eye contact.  Eye assault happens when men appear to undress women, or stare other men down.  Women might appear to give “dirty looks.”  Assault is a matter of length and type.  Lingering stares of unbroken eye contact is the high of eyeball assault.  Eyeball assault violates the moral looking time.

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Eye blink rate: Refers to periods of excitement as it relates to an increase in blinking.  The more we blink the more we are prepared for action as we keep our eyes moist.  Pronounced eye blinking can happen during sexual arousal and attraction or while under pressure.  A rapid series of eye blinks can also indicate an inner struggle or distress.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eye BlockingEye blocking: A term used to describe eyes that are constricted by squinting, covered with the hands, or shielded in any other way, in response to negative stimuli.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eyebrow CockEyebrow cock: A mixed eyebrow movement where one eyebrow is raised while the other is lowered.  It represents both aggression and fear at the same time due to the division of high and low, and when mixed, indicates suspicion or skepticism.

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Eyebrow flash: The eyebrow flash has been studied for decades most notably by Eibl-Eibesfeldt and has been shown to be a long distance universal social greeting.  It is a sort of nonverbal “hello”.  The eyebrow flash happens very briefly and lasts only about one-sixth of a second.

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Eyebrow hold:  Happens when the eyebrows raise and pause for a second when someone seeks an approval gesture such as a head nod or vocal agreement.  It indicates a lack of knowledge or even helplessness.  Politicians and children do this often when they seek approval, it says “So, what do you think, have I don’t a good job?”

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Eyebrow(s) knit: The eyebrows are raised simultaneously and drawn inward toward each other producing both horizontal creases in the forehead and vertical creases between the eyebrows.  It signifies intense grief and anxiety.

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Eyebrow lowering:  Eyebrows that are lowered indicate confrontation, anger and aggression, but if they are dropped low enough and kept low, they indicate deep weakness and insecurity.

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Eyebrows shrug: The eyebrows are raised, held for a moment, then lowered.  It signifies mild, yet unpleasant surprise and may be used in speech to emphasize certain important points.

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Eye coding: Nonverbal communication done exclusively through eye contact and eye patterns.  Eye coding is the conveyance of meaning and information between two or more people, usually women (and gay men).  It is especially applicable in PUA where women will approve or disapprove of the pick-up of others in their group based on looks alone.  In other words, eye coding is when women verify the impressions of their friends of the man who has approached.  Conveyed meaning include “I think this guy is cute/creepy”, “We should leave”, “I’m okay, you can go” and so forth.

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Eye contact: Refers to two people looking directly into each other’s eyes (versus their toward their face, mouth or body).

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eye DirectionEye direction: Eye movements are a key component of NLP whereby eye direction outlines thought process.  For most right-handed people, eye movement up and to the left is a signal of accessing a visual memory, movement up and right means that a person is trying to construct a visual image.  Eyes either right or left, but still level, indicate an auditory process such as remembering sounds and words.  Down and left indicate internal dialogue or self talk and down and right indicate a tactile or visceral feeling.  When the eyes are straight ahead, unfocused or dilated they signal visual or any sensory information.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eye FlashEye flash:  The eye flash lasts on average for only 0.75 seconds and is a momentary widening of the eyelids during a conversation.  It includes no involvement of the eyelids.  The widening is usually wide enough to reveal the sclera which is the whites of the surrounding the iris.  The eyeflash when given by a speaker, emphasizes specific words being spoken and can serve to change the meaning of a given word or phrase.  It normally accompanies adjectives rather than any other parts of speech, and women use it more often them men.

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Eye flutter or eye fluttering: An increase in the rate of blinking in response to arousal, nervousness or concern.  The eyes flutter in response to an internal struggle.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eye-GazeEye-gaze:  Happens when the gaze is directed toward the eyes of another but of which that person might not reciprocate (as in mutual gaze).

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Eye gaze behaviour: Eye patterns that show hidden meaning and hidden thoughts.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eye Glasses Body LanguageEye glasses body language: Eye glasses carry many stereotypic nonverbal messages, most of which are positive.  Researchers have found that subjects rate wearers of glasses are more intelligent, knowledgeable and studious.  In fact, they are attributed with an increase in IQ.  In contrast, when women wear glasses with provocative attire they conjure images of naughty librarians and so carry multiple meanings.  Eye glasses though can also decrease social quotients when the remaining nonverbals don’t measure up producing an image of nerdiness.

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Eye movements: Originated by American psychologist Grinder and Bandler and part of NLP – eye movements, specifically directions, are useful in predicting channels of thought accessed by a person.  They can signify recalling sights, smells, tastes, or tactile memories.  When people remember things they saw, their eyes will move upwards, if they recall something they heard, they will look to the side, emotions are recalled by looking down or to the right, and when accessing constructed memories, people will look down and to the left.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eye Rolling Or Eye ShrugEye rolling or eye shrug: This cue is done by rolling the eyes around in a semi circle from bottom to top, or looking straight up.  It says disbelief as in “I can’t believe you just said this, you are a fool”, contempt, sarcasm, and a lack of respect.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eye Rubbing 1BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eye Rubbing 2Eye rubbing: Occurs as the hand comes up and rubs the eye with the eyelid closed.  This is widespread gesture indicating a negative thought and disbelieve in what is being said.  The underlying thought is that a person “can’t believe what they are seeing.”

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Eyes defocused or eyes unfocused: When the eyes are unmoving and stare blankly.  Indicates that attention is focused inward rather than outward.

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Eyes flutter or batting eyes: When the eyelids are opened and closed in rapid succession.  Used to invoke feelings of protectiveness in others by appearing more childlike.

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Eyes glistening: Eyes that appear moist due to active tear ducts.  Indicates arousal that is an order less than that which produces actual tears.  It can show passion, love, anguish, distress, or bereavement.

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Eyes multi-blink: A rapid eyelid movement open and closed when a person is on the verge of tears.

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eyes Narrowing Or Eyes Squinting Or FurrowingEyes narrowing or eyes squinting or furrowing: When the eyelids are compressed constricting the eyes.  Indicates contempt, distaste and distain.

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Eyes super-blink: An exaggerated closing of the eyelids that is slow in speed but has a high amplitude.  It is used to indicate feigned surprise as in “I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”

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BodyLanguageProjectCom - Eyes Weep Or CryingEyes weep or crying: When the eyes produce secretions due to extreme pain or joy.

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Eye widening: Eye widening is a positive nonverbal cue indicating that someone is observing positive stimuli that bring them joy and happiness.  The size of the eyes directly indicates how positive someone is about a topic or other stimuli.

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The Body Language Project is the result of a decade of personal research including a thorough review of over 60 primary scientific research journal articles. Learning body language forms the perfect foundation for success in ALL your communication.

If you are only picking up on what is being said, you are missing more than half of the message.

For more information on BodyLanguage be sure to check out: BodyLanguageProject.com and the Ebook – The Body Language Guide to Dating, Attraction and Sexual Body Language.

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