Fix body language

Does reading body language really convey the true feelings of that person?

How would we know that what we perceive is correct.

Public Comments

1. First of all, this string is on PHILOSOPHY... it is NOT on PSYCHOLOGY... or do you not know the difference? I use body language to read people all the time... right now, my arms are closed and I'm looking at the wall.
2. Not nessasarly is rather first empressions last but still boyd language can tell alot about how that person is feeling at that time!
3. For most people body language is subconscious behavior. So, yes, you will usually get the "real deal" on emotions. But there are people who have figured out their own body language and what it means and will use it to convey a message different from what is really going on. Also, by manipulating the non-verbal communication, you can change how you feel about something. For instance, going into a job interview. You're nervous, naturally, but if you go in with good posture and your head up, you will actually feel more confident.
4. not at all.i was out once with a bunch of friends,and i kept being accused of "looking closed or defensive.'they had learned about body language in school.dude!it was JANUARY!there was SNOW! my arms were folded across my chest bcause i was COLD! @ that moment,i decided so-called "body language experts" were full of shite!
5. The study of body language is fascinating. -No matter what a person says, the body never lies.
6. For the vast majority of people the answer is yes. I believe that for most of us our first verbal and physical response are accurate. But for those of us who understand how this works we can send out misinformation. Verbally this is called lying. I have done this before, I have had a less than pleased look on my face and stood in a way that is universally accepted as upset and waited for the response and it worked. People asked why I was mad. I just did this as an expieriment and it worked. So if you use this properly you can achieve results.
7. No. But depending on ones prior experiences, cultural background, and preconceived notions, one projects certain emotions and feelings onto people that they observe through seeing body language. It's a mirror to the observing self.
8. I am sure nonverbal communication is very important in our lives. The problem being, though, that it is very difficult to interpret. Had you asked "can body language really convey the true feelings of that person?" I would have answered "yes". But you are asking "Does READING body language really convey the true feelings of that person?" I will answer "no". We are skilled in reading each other, and interpreting each other. But we still read, interpret, and judge each other from our own ideas, views, prejudices, hopes, fears. An other person is a multifaceted, evolving, sensitive human being. We have to respect that and not lapse into a hubris where we think we can "read" an other person. I am not saying that reading body language would not be necessary, effective and fun - I am saying probably nobody can be above other people and understand everything.
9. i dont trust it when it comes to translating body language into how the person feels.....
10. 'By the degree it does 'not' really convey.
11. but ofcourse!
12. Body language is a fairly precise way to read people's attitudes (thoughts), feelings, etc., on the unconscious level where mind projects itself into the body. Body language is like sign language. Once you've educated yourself, you get pretty good at it and able to operate better in life and communicate accordingly. People tell you who they are, outside of their spoken word, if you know how to read their 'other language.' Law Enforcement knows this, Psychology knows this based on proven concepts and patterns. It is a science and a respected one. How would you know that what you perceive is correct? You learn in life that the proven science of human language, overrides your uneducated perceptions.
13. Only if the person you are reading is unaware of their own bodies expression through posture, position and movement. And once aware, the communication becomes muddied. Good actors can always fool body readers.
14. Hi, Body language is a form of communication and often what we read in someone's body language is correct. Body language can be used to fortify what is being said verbally. Someone might point angrilly to get their message across. A smile can mean a lot even if someone can't find the words. We can tell when someone is sad, eyes down, hunched up, tears in their eyes. We can tell when they are happy. There is a lot we can perceive through body language and a lot of the time we are correct. However just as verybally we can lie, body language can lie too. Someone might be smiling and charming as they try to con you out of something. someone might laugh and put on a cheerful facade when inside they are crying. In all forms of communication we just shouldn't take for granted that what we see or what we are being told is the absolute truth! Polly
15. Just as sure a people can dance: body language can lie. The question is who can tell the difference when you're dealing with somebody--anybody who has a dance that doesn't have any steps? You tell me, I waiting for the news.
16. It probably does. For instance, somebody with hands crossed over her chest the whole time she is being interviewed is probably thinking they are doing the boss a favor just by being there. She would probably not get the job. Another thing is to always make eye contact with the person with whom you are talking to. Otherwise, he will not think you are very interested and are not listening. Grams
17. no I go for the mind not for the body some people know how to act.
18. To some extent "yes" and to some extent "no". It depends upon the person whom we are talking with. If he is straight forward his body itself tells what he has in mind. If a person wants to pretend he will convey totally opposite to what he has in mind. Anger and love are some of the feelings which are easily conveyed through body language.....rather it is difficult to control unless some body is an experienced actor in real life.
19. If you believe in luck then go for it,at times you may run in to a very skilled individual who is a professional liar.