Body Language

Liz Alvarez

Body Language / Gesture	Covert Symbolism / Interpretation
1. Crossed Arms	Defense, resistance, or silent protest.
2. Hand on Chin	Deep thought, contemplation, or concealed intention.
3. Eye Roll	Disapproval, disagreement, or covert signal of opposition.
4. Tapping Fingers	Impatience or a signal to speed up.
5. Rubbing Hands Together	Anticipation or preparation for action.
6. Touching Face	Nervousness or an indicator of lying.
7. Scratching Head	Confusion or signaling uncertainty.
8. Shaking Head (No)	Disagreement or rejection.
9. Nodding Head (Yes)	Agreement or compliance with the operation.
10. Raised Eyebrows	Surprise or questioning.
11. Wink	Private message or signal.
12. Shrugging Shoulders	Feigned ignorance or indifference.
13. Pursed Lips	Resentment, withheld information, or secretive attitude.
14. Fidgeting	Anxiety or alert to upcoming change.
15. Leaning In	Interest, focus, or need for closer attention.
16. Leaning Away	Discomfort, mistrust, or need to withdraw.
17. Arms Behind Back	Authority or control.
18. Steepling Fingers	Confidence or strategic planning.
19. Clenched Fists	Aggression or readiness for confrontation.
20. Hands in Pockets	Concealment or lack of engagement.
21. Standing with Hands on Hips	Dominance or readiness to act.
22. Crossing Legs	Defensive or cautious attitude.
23. Rapid Blinking	Deception or heightened anxiety.
24. Looking Down	Submission or defeat.
25. Looking Sideways	Suspicion or secret observation.
26. Tapping Feet	Nervousness or impatience.
27. Covering Mouth While Talking	Concealing truth or lying.
28. Hand on Heart	Honest intent or emotional connection.
29. Finger Pointing	Accusation or dominance.
30. Hands Clasped Together	Hope, expectation, or frustration.
31. Tilted Head	Curiosity or attentiveness.
32. Touching Neck	Vulnerability or nervousness.
33. Feet Pointed Toward Exit	Desire to leave or escape.
34. Sudden Smile Change	Masking true emotions.
35. Slouching	Lack of interest or authority.
36. Biting Nails	Anxiety or nervous habit.
37. Hand-to-Hand Gesture	Collaboration or agreement signal.
38. Running Fingers Through Hair	Stress or attraction signal.
39. Eye Contact Avoidance	Guilt, deception, or evasion.
40. Prolonged Eye Contact	Challenge or dominance.
41. Open Palms Facing Up	Honesty or submission.
42. Palms Facing Down	Authority or control.
43. Tilting Glass While Drinking	Signal for end or change in conversation.
44. Head Nods with Smiles	Encouragement or approval.
45. One Hand in Pocket	Partial concealment or casual demeanor.
46. Rubbing Eyes	Tiredness or disbelief.
47. Hand on Shoulder Pat	Reassurance or subtle control.
48. Stretching Arms Wide	Invitation or openness.
49. Yawning	Boredom or subtle disengagement.
50. Open Arms Gesture	Acceptance or agreement.
51. Finger Drumming on Surface	Growing impatience or agitation.
52. Touching Earrings or Jewelry	Nervous habit or self-soothing signal.
53. Fixing Hair or Clothes	Insecurity or attempt to appear presentable.
54. Crossing Ankle Over Knee	Dominance or relaxed confidence.
55. Head Tilt with Smile	Playfulness or friendly gesture.
56. Standing on Toes	Alertness or eagerness.
57. Hands Behind Head	Relaxed confidence or subtle arrogance.
58. Hunched Shoulders	Stress or worry.
59. Hand Covering Face in Public	Avoiding attention or recognition.
60. Raising One Eyebrow	Skepticism or disbelief.
61. Quick Look at Watch	Impatience or desire to leave.
62. Finger to Lips (Shushing)	Signal for silence or secrecy.
63. Chin Up, Eyes Forward	Confidence or defiance.
64. Glancing Toward Door	Signal for escape or disengagement.
65. Sudden Head Turn	Alertness or awareness of something unexpected.
66. Adjusting Collar	Nervousness or discomfort.
67. Sudden Backward Step	Retreat or avoidance.
68. Clapping Hands Once	Signal for action or urgency.
69. Wiping Hands on Pants	Nervousness or relief.
70. Hands on Knees While Standing	Readiness to rise or engage.
71. Folding Hands Together	Thoughtfulness or prayerful attitude.
72. Touching Arm While Talking	Subtle attempt to persuade or reassure.
73. Standing in Doorway	Blocking or controlling entry or exit.
74. Rolling Shoulders	Relaxing or releasing tension.
75. Thumbs Up	Agreement or approval.
76. Thumbs Down	Disapproval or rejection.
77. Resting Chin on Hand	Boredom or thoughtful evaluation.
78. Holding Object with Both Hands	Control or possession.
79. Quick Look Over Shoulder	Checking for followers or threats.
80. Subtle Tap on Elbow	Reminder or signal for attention.
81. Fanning Face with Hand	Overwhelmed or overheated.
82. Arm Grab from Behind	Controlling movement or signaling to stay back.
83. Exaggerated Sigh	Displeasure or relief.
84. Walking with Hands Clasped Behind Back	Deep thought or frustration.
85. Pacing	Anxiety or intense thinking.
86. Head Resting on Table	Exhaustion or disengagement.
87. Placing Hand on Forehead	Stress or regret.
88. Sudden Smile Drop	Feigned emotion or mask slipping.
89. Walking with Head Down	Defeat or deep thought.
90. Holding Hands Outward	Openness or invitation.
91. Sudden Eye Contact Break	Avoiding confrontation or guilt.
92. Touching Back of Neck	Embarrassment or stress.
93. Playing with Fingers	Nervousness or impatience.
94. Resting Chin in Palm	Boredom or evaluation.
95. Looking Over Glasses	Disapproval or analytical scrutiny.
96. Cracking Knuckles	Readiness or stress relief.