5 Body Language Tips You Need to Know

Communication isn’t all about words, it’s also about body language. American body language can be different. Here are 5 body language tips you need to know!

Approximately 90% of communication is nonverbal.

We communicate by the way we stand, the tone of our voice, hand gestures and even the subtlest of facial movements.

You may be a master of American English. But until you learn to speak American body language you may find it difficult to connect in interviews, with co-workers, with new friends, and even love interests.

Let’s discuss 5 body language tips you need to begin really speaking their language.

Personal Space

Most Americans have what they call “personal space“.

This invisible space around a person has an invisible boundary. Crossing it can make the American very uncomfortable. 

Depending on your country of origin you may think nothing of bumping shoulders with someone in a crowded market or leaning in close to hear what a person is saying. It may make the most sense to you to sit next to someone in an uncrowded theater or a doctor’s waiting room.

But Americans will go out of their way to give people space. 

You may be wondering: how much space should I allow between us? The answer is that it’s all relative. Give as much space as the circumstance allows.

If you’re in a noisy bar, you would stand closer than when you’re out in a parking lot.

If you’re waiting in line behind someone you’re not talking with, stand a few steps back.

Watch for signs of discomfort like sighing or shrugging away that indicate that the person may feel that their space is invaded.

Observe others around you to judge the right spacing for the situation.

The OK Symbol

The OK hand gesture is a commonly misunderstood form of body language common in the U.S. It involves making a circle with the thumb and pointer finger while allowing the other 3 fingers to fan out.

To Americans the OK hand gesture means “this is good”, “no problem”, “I agree” or even “That’s a great deal” if they’re buying something.

But to some of us, this may seem to be the opposite. The same symbol is used to mean “worthless” in the body language of many other cultures.

In some cultures, it’s very offensive. 

The Thumbs Up

Curling the fingers into a fist and extending the thumb upwards is known as a “thumbs up”. To Americans, this means, “I approve” or “good work”. 

In some countries, this can be a very offensive way to tell someone to leave you alone.

Practice occasionally using the OK and thumbs up to connect with others. 

Eye Contact

In some countries, not making eye contact is a sign of respect for:

• Our elders
• Someone in power
• Someone of higher status

Americans see lack of eye contact as one of the following:

• Lack of confidence
• Signs that you’re lying
• Embarrassment

Among body language tips, making eye contact is among the most important. Whether you’re making friends, shopping or going for a job interview, you want people to trust you. 

Eye contact is a technique that takes time to learn. It involves looking at someone’s face — not necessarily in the eyes — and occasionally looking away.

Nodding

Nodding is used in many cultures and in those cultures it can mean many things — all of which we can’t possibly cover here.

But it’s important to realize that when you’re having a conversation with an American, they will likely be shaking their head up and down (nodding) very slowly. This does not mean “yes”, “I agree” or “I like what you’re saying.” It is simply the way that Americans show that they are listening to you.

Observe others master this technique, and learn to slowly nod as you speak with people to demonstrate that you are listening.

Body Language Tips and More

Understanding and learning to speak American body language aren’t easy, but mastering the unspoken can help you succeed in the American business world and American life.

We offer webinars, training, one on one coaching and personalized feedback. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you in your American English learning endeavors.