arms - body language
Arms act as defensive barriers when across the body, and conversely indicate feelings of openness and security when in open positions, especially combined with open palms.
Arms are quite reliable indicators of mood and feeling, especially when interpreted with other body language.
This provides a good opportunity to illustrate how signals combine to enable safer analysis.
For example:
crossed arms = possibly defensive
crossed arms + crossed legs = probably defensive
crossed arms + crossed legs + frowning + clenched fists = definitely defensive, and probably hostile too.
While this might seem obvious written in simple language, it's not always so clear if your attention is on other matters.
Body language is more than just knowing the theory - it's being aware constantly of the signals people are giving.
arm movements
signal crossed arms (folded arms) possible meaning defensiveness, reluctance explanation Crossed arms represent a protective or separating barrier. This can be due to various causes, ranging from severe animosity or concern to mild boredom or being too tired to be interested and attentive. Crossed arms is a commonly exhibited signal by subordinates feeling threatened by bosses and figures of authority. N.B. People also cross arms when they are feeling cold, so be careful not to misread this signal.
signal crossed arms with clenched fists possible meaning hostile defensiveness explanation Clenched fists reinforce stubbornness, aggression or the lack of empathy indicated by crossed arms.
signal gripping own upper arms possible meaning insecurity explanation Gripping upper arms while folded is effectively self-hugging. Self-hugging is an attempt to reassure unhappy or unsafe feelings.
signal one arm across body clasping other arm by side (female)possible meaning nervousness explanation Women use this gesture. Men tend not to. It's a 'barrier' protective signal, and also self-hugging.
signal arms held behind body with hands clasped possible meaning confidence, authority
explanation As demonstrated by members of the royal family, armed forces officers, teachers, policemen, etc.
signal handbag held in front of body (female) possible meaning nervousness explanation Another 'barrier' protective signal.
signal holding papers across chest (mainly male) possible meaning nervousness explanation Another 'barrier' protective signal, especially when arm is across chest.
signal adjusting cuff, watchstrap, tie, etc., using an arm across the body possible meaning nervousness explanation Another 'barrier' protective signal.
signal arms/hands covering genital region (male) possible meaning nervousness explanation Another 'barrier' protective signal.
signal holding a drink in front of body with both hands possible meaning nervousness
explanation Another 'barrier' protective signal.
signalseated, holding drink on one side with hand from other side possible meaning nervousness explanation One arm rests on the table across the body, holding a drink (or pen, etc). Another 'barrier' protective signal.
signal touching or scratching shoulder using arm across body possible meaning nervousnessexplanation Another protective signal.
Arms act as defensive barriers when across the body, and conversely indicate feelings of openness and security when in open positions, especially combined with open palms.
Arms are quite reliable indicators of mood and feeling, especially when interpreted with other body language.
This provides a good opportunity to illustrate how signals combine to enable safer analysis.
For example:
crossed arms = possibly defensive
crossed arms + crossed legs = probably defensive
crossed arms + crossed legs + frowning + clenched fists = definitely defensive, and probably hostile too.
While this might seem obvious written in simple language, it's not always so clear if your attention is on other matters.
Body language is more than just knowing the theory - it's being aware constantly of the signals people are giving.
arm movements
signal crossed arms (folded arms) possible meaning defensiveness, reluctance explanation Crossed arms represent a protective or separating barrier. This can be due to various causes, ranging from severe animosity or concern to mild boredom or being too tired to be interested and attentive. Crossed arms is a commonly exhibited signal by subordinates feeling threatened by bosses and figures of authority. N.B. People also cross arms when they are feeling cold, so be careful not to misread this signal.
signal crossed arms with clenched fists possible meaning hostile defensiveness explanation Clenched fists reinforce stubbornness, aggression or the lack of empathy indicated by crossed arms.
signal gripping own upper arms possible meaning insecurity explanation Gripping upper arms while folded is effectively self-hugging. Self-hugging is an attempt to reassure unhappy or unsafe feelings.
signal one arm across body clasping other arm by side (female)possible meaning nervousness explanation Women use this gesture. Men tend not to. It's a 'barrier' protective signal, and also self-hugging.
signal arms held behind body with hands clasped possible meaning confidence, authority
explanation As demonstrated by members of the royal family, armed forces officers, teachers, policemen, etc.
signal handbag held in front of body (female) possible meaning nervousness explanation Another 'barrier' protective signal.
signal holding papers across chest (mainly male) possible meaning nervousness explanation Another 'barrier' protective signal, especially when arm is across chest.
signal adjusting cuff, watchstrap, tie, etc., using an arm across the body possible meaning nervousness explanation Another 'barrier' protective signal.
signal arms/hands covering genital region (male) possible meaning nervousness explanation Another 'barrier' protective signal.
signal holding a drink in front of body with both hands possible meaning nervousness
explanation Another 'barrier' protective signal.
signalseated, holding drink on one side with hand from other side possible meaning nervousness explanation One arm rests on the table across the body, holding a drink (or pen, etc). Another 'barrier' protective signal.
signal touching or scratching shoulder using arm across body possible meaning nervousnessexplanation Another protective signal.
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