head - body languageThe head is very significant in body language.
The head tends to lead and determine general body direction, but it is also vital and vulnerable being where our brain is, so the head is used a lot in directional (likes and dislikes) body language, and in defensive (self-protection) body language too.
A person's head, due to a very flexible neck structure, can turn, jut forward, withdraw, tilt sideways, forwards, backwards. All of these movements have meanings, which given some thought about other signals can be understood.
The head usually has hair, ears, eyes, nose, and a face, which has more complex and visible muscular effects than any other area of the body.
The face, our eyes and our hands, are the most powerful parts of our body in sending body language signals.
The head - when our hands interact with it - is therefore dynamic and busy in communicating all sorts of messages - consciously and unconsciously.
explanations of head movements
signal head nodding possible meaning agreement explanation Head nodding can occur when invited for a response, or voluntarily while listening. Nodding is confusingly and rather daftly also referred to as 'head shaking up and down'. Head nodding when talking face-to-face one-to-one is easy to see, but do you always detect tiny head nods when addressing or observing a group?
signal slow head nodding possible meaning attentive listening explanation This can be a faked signal. As with all body language signals you must look for clusters of signals rather than relying on one alone. Look at the focus of eyes to check the validity of slow head nodding.
signal fast head nodding possible meaning hurry up, impatience explanation Vigorous head nodding signifies that the listener feels the speaker has made their point or taken sufficient time. Fast head nodding is rather like the 'wind-up' hand gesture given off-camera or off-stage by a producer to a performer, indicating 'time's up - get off'.
signal head held up possible meaning neutrality, alertness explanation High head position signifies attentive listening, usually with an open or undecided mind, or lack of bias.
signal head held high possible meaning superiority, fearlessness, arrogance explanation Especially if exhibited with jutting chin.
signal head tilted to one side possible meanig non-threatening, submissive, thoughtfulness
explanation A signal of interest, and/or vulnerability, which in turn suggests a level of trust. Head tilting is thought by some to relate to 'sizing up' something, since tilting the head changes the perspective offered by the eyes, and a different view is seen of the other person or subject. Exposing the neck is also a sign of trust.
signal head forward, upright possible meaning interest, positive reaction explanation Head forward in the direction of a person or other subject indicates interest. The rule also applies to a forward leaning upper body, commonly sitting, but also standing, where the movement can be a distinct and significant advancement into a closer personal space zone of the other person. Head forward and upright is different to head tilted downward.
signal head tilted downward possible meaning criticism, admonishment explanation Head tilted downwards towards a person is commonly a signal of criticism or reprimand or disapproval, usually from a position of authority.
signal head shaking possible meaning disagreement explanation Sideways shaking of the head generally indicates disagreement, but can also signal feelings of disbelief, frustration or exasperation. Obvious of course, but often ignored or missed where the movement is small, especially in groups seemingly reacting in silent acceptance.
signal pronounced head shaking possible meaning strong disagreement explanation The strength of movement of the head usually relates to strength of feeling, and often to the force by which the head-shaker seeks to send this message to the receiver. This is an immensely powerful signal and is used intentionally by some people to dominate others.
signal head down (in response to a speaker or proposition)possible meaning negative, disinterested explanation Head down is generally a signal of rejection (of someone's ideas etc), unless the head is down for a purpose like reading supporting notes, etc. Head down when responding to criticism is a signal of failure, vulnerability (hence seeking protection), or feeling ashamed.
signal head down (while performing an activity) defeat, tiredness
possible meaning lowering the head is a sign of loss, defeat, shame, etc. explanation Hence the expressions such as 'don't let your head drop', and 'don't let your head go down', especially in sports and competitive activities. Head down also tends to cause shoulders and upper back to to slump, increasing the signs of weakness at that moment.
signal chin up possible meaning pride, defiance, confidence explanation Very similar to the 'head held high' signal. Holding the chin up naturally alters the angle of the head backwards, exposing the neck, which is a signal of strength, resilience, pride, resistance, etc. A pronounced raised chin does other interesting things to the body too - it tends to lift the sternum (breast-bone), which draws in air, puffing out the chest, and it widens the shoulders. These combined effects make the person stand bigger. An exposed neck is also a sign of confidence. 'Chin up' is for these reasons a long-standing expression used to encourage someone to be brave.
signalactive listening possible meaning attention, interest, attraction explanation When people are listening actively and responsively this shows in their facial expression and their head movements. The head and face are seen to respond fittingly and appropriately to what is being said by the speaker. Nodding is relevant to what is being said. Smiles and other expressions are relevant too. The head may tilt sideways. Mirroring of expressions may occur. Silences are used to absorb meaning. The eyes remain sharply focused on the eyes of the speaker, although at times might lower to look at the mouth, especially in male-female engagements.
signal head nodding possible meaning agreement explanation Head nodding can occur when invited for a response, or voluntarily while listening. Nodding is confusingly and rather daftly also referred to as 'head shaking up and down'. Head nodding when talking face-to-face one-to-one is easy to see, but do you always detect tiny head nods when addressing or observing a group?
signal slow head nodding possible meaning attentive listening explanation This can be a faked signal. As with all body language signals you must look for clusters of signals rather than relying on one alone. Look at the focus of eyes to check the validity of slow head nodding.
signal fast head nodding possible meaning hurry up, impatience explanation Vigorous head nodding signifies that the listener feels the speaker has made their point or taken sufficient time. Fast head nodding is rather like the 'wind-up' hand gesture given off-camera or off-stage by a producer to a performer, indicating 'time's up - get off'.
signal head held up possible meaning neutrality, alertness explanation High head position signifies attentive listening, usually with an open or undecided mind, or lack of bias.
signal head held high possible meaning superiority, fearlessness, arrogance explanation Especially if exhibited with jutting chin.
signal head tilted to one side possible meanig non-threatening, submissive, thoughtfulness
explanation A signal of interest, and/or vulnerability, which in turn suggests a level of trust. Head tilting is thought by some to relate to 'sizing up' something, since tilting the head changes the perspective offered by the eyes, and a different view is seen of the other person or subject. Exposing the neck is also a sign of trust.
signal head forward, upright possible meaning interest, positive reaction explanation Head forward in the direction of a person or other subject indicates interest. The rule also applies to a forward leaning upper body, commonly sitting, but also standing, where the movement can be a distinct and significant advancement into a closer personal space zone of the other person. Head forward and upright is different to head tilted downward.
signal head tilted downward possible meaning criticism, admonishment explanation Head tilted downwards towards a person is commonly a signal of criticism or reprimand or disapproval, usually from a position of authority.
signal head shaking possible meaning disagreement explanation Sideways shaking of the head generally indicates disagreement, but can also signal feelings of disbelief, frustration or exasperation. Obvious of course, but often ignored or missed where the movement is small, especially in groups seemingly reacting in silent acceptance.
signal pronounced head shaking possible meaning strong disagreement explanation The strength of movement of the head usually relates to strength of feeling, and often to the force by which the head-shaker seeks to send this message to the receiver. This is an immensely powerful signal and is used intentionally by some people to dominate others.
signal head down (in response to a speaker or proposition)possible meaning negative, disinterested explanation Head down is generally a signal of rejection (of someone's ideas etc), unless the head is down for a purpose like reading supporting notes, etc. Head down when responding to criticism is a signal of failure, vulnerability (hence seeking protection), or feeling ashamed.
signal head down (while performing an activity) defeat, tiredness
possible meaning lowering the head is a sign of loss, defeat, shame, etc. explanation Hence the expressions such as 'don't let your head drop', and 'don't let your head go down', especially in sports and competitive activities. Head down also tends to cause shoulders and upper back to to slump, increasing the signs of weakness at that moment.
signal chin up possible meaning pride, defiance, confidence explanation Very similar to the 'head held high' signal. Holding the chin up naturally alters the angle of the head backwards, exposing the neck, which is a signal of strength, resilience, pride, resistance, etc. A pronounced raised chin does other interesting things to the body too - it tends to lift the sternum (breast-bone), which draws in air, puffing out the chest, and it widens the shoulders. These combined effects make the person stand bigger. An exposed neck is also a sign of confidence. 'Chin up' is for these reasons a long-standing expression used to encourage someone to be brave.
signalactive listening possible meaning attention, interest, attraction explanation When people are listening actively and responsively this shows in their facial expression and their head movements. The head and face are seen to respond fittingly and appropriately to what is being said by the speaker. Nodding is relevant to what is being said. Smiles and other expressions are relevant too. The head may tilt sideways. Mirroring of expressions may occur. Silences are used to absorb meaning. The eyes remain sharply focused on the eyes of the speaker, although at times might lower to look at the mouth, especially in male-female engagements.
Hi....at a house fellowship recently I shared that we were giving some of the offerings collected to ministries, domestic and international. Then I encouraged the group to bring other ministries to our attention and the board would pray about whether or not to give to them. Someone raised his hand and I asked what he wanted to ask. With chin tilted up he asked "Who is "the board". I was discomfited not by the question but how he asked it...like I had to give an account of myself. My gut feelings are rarely wrong. Your comments/response to this?
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