Body language and posture
Posture and movement can also convey a great deal on information. Research on body language has grown significantly since the 1970’s, but popular media have focused on the over-interpretation of defensive postures, arm-crossing, and leg-crossing. While these nonverbal behaviours can indicate feelings and attitudes, research suggests that body language is far more subtle and less definitive that previously believed. Some interpretations of body language:
| Listening | Tilts head, makes eye contact, nods |
| Evaluating | Chews on pencils/glasses, strokes chin, looks up and right |
| Eager | Leans forward with feet under chair |
| Bored | Stares into space, doodles |
| Aggressive | Leans forward with fists clenched |
| Rejection | Moves back with arms folded and head down, walks with hand in pocket |
| Defensive | Clenches hands, stands, crosses arms on chest |
| Lying | Looks down, shifts in seat, glances at you |
| Anger | Clasps hands behind back |
| Disbelief, doubt | Rubs eye |
| Sincerity, openness | Offers open palm |
| Confidence | Walks briskly with upright posture |
| Authoritative | Steeples fingers |
| Indecision | Pulls or tugs at ear |