Become Fluent in Body Language

Body language can almost always be interpreted in more than one way. Following are 4 gestures, with advice for reading them from a team of experts in nonverbal communication.

Furrowing Brow

It Could Mean: She's thinking.

But It Might Mean: She disapproves of or disagrees with what you're saying. Or else she can't hear you.

What the Experts Say: "This almost always means something negative," says trial lawyer Maria Katrina Karos. It is often a cue people use to tell you something is wrong, says author Lydia Ramsey: They want you to ask them what they're thinking.

Frowning

It Could Mean: She's unhappy or uncomfortable.

But It Might Mean: She's concentrating.

What the Experts Say: Some people frown without realizing it, so don't comment on the frowning directly, says anthropologist David Givens. If it happens during a job interview, you might ask, "Did that answer the question?" With a friend, just ask if she's OK.

Grimacing

It Could Mean: Nothing. It's just a tic or a bad habit.

But It Might Mean: She doesn't like what you're saying.

What the Experts Say: This is typically a sign of discomfort or displeasure, says Ramsey. But she warns against reading too much into it: "Some people just always have unpleasant expressions on their faces."

Lip Biting

It Could Mean: She's flirting.

But It Might Mean: She's shy or feels pressured.

What the Experts Say: Suspects sometimes do this when they're trying to remember an event or concoct a story, says private investigator Steven Tavlin. It's a sign of discomfort. To put the person at ease, avoid direct staring and lower your voice. You might even back up or turn away slightly. "The idea is to take the pressure off," says Givens.

Coming next week... more body language clues!

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