Review the signs and examples of negative body language. Learn the importance of good body language, and study the cultural variations in nonverbal communication.
Updated: 03/19/2022
Signs and Examples of Negative Body Language
Negative Body Language
Negative body language is sometimes referred to as closed body language. It is defined as a series of movements or gestures that indicate a resistance to communication. These gestures can be purposeful or done without a person's knowledge. Regardless of whether they are subconscious or purposeful, the response from others is often negative. Closed body language can reduce a person's efficacy in personal or workplace relationships.
Negative Body Language
Body language can tell a lot about how a person feels. A slumped posture can demonstrate a lack of confidence or boredom. Averted eye contact can be an indicator that a person is uncomfortable, self-conscious, or even lying. Crossed arms can signal defensiveness or disagreement. A forced smile can mean insincerity. How amazing is it that the body can communicate so many things without the person speaking a word?
Negative body language is either a conscious or an unconscious expression of negative feelings through movements of the body. Being skilled at noticing negative body language can assist one with personal or professional relationships and knowing when another is dissatisfied or unhappy. It can help to know what negative body language to avoid if one wants to leave a good impression on an audience or listener. Body language can be even more important than spoken words.
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Signs of Negative Nonverbal Communication
Negative nonverbal communication can be demonstrated in several ways. The following behaviors, when present can send signals to the receiver of disinterest and a lack of support.
- poor stance or posture
- avoidance of eye contact
- creation of barriers
- using objects in a clumsy manner
- inappropriate use of space
- sweating
- frowning
- overusing gestures
Poor Stance or Posture
Many people grew up with a grandparent telling them to ''straighten up!''. In the world of interpersonal communication, this is a necessity. Slouched shoulders and hunched or slumped postures indicate a lack of confidence and a potential inability to accomplish assigned tasks. This closed body communication tells the receiver that one is uncertain and may not be ready for responsibility or challenges. Standing up straight, on the other hand, can portray a sense of integrity and balance.
Avoiding Eye Contact
The eyes provide one of the greatest connections during interpersonal nonverbal communication. Generally speaking, eye contact provides a personal connection, but eye contact can also demonstrate interest, attraction, and positive engagement. Therefore the lack of eye contact, or averting one's eyes, will have the opposite effect.
Avoiding eye contact can be seen as a sign of disengagement or boredom with the subject matter or other speaker. It has also been associated with dishonesty. Other negative attributes associated with avoiding eye contact are nervousness, lack of confidence, and lower self-esteem. Social anxiety can be caused by a feeling of uncertainty that one will be accepted in the conversation which is interesting because by avoiding eye contact, it could also be read that they are the ones not accepting others.
Creation of Barriers
The body can create a barrier in communication by physically blocking the receiver. Some common ways this can be seen are by crossing arms across the chest or by resting the hands on the hips. Both of these are physical signs that can send messages of anger, resentment, or disinterest. The receiver can feel that they are inferior or boring. The message sent is ''Stay away. You aren't wanted here.''
Clumsy Use of Objects
Hands can be a challenge during interpersonal communication. Some people do not know what to do with their hands and need to hold a pen or other object. While this might be a productive tool, it can go awry. Clicking that pen, fidgeting with a laser pointer, or opening and closing a dry erase marker can be a distraction that communicates anxiety and lack of confidence to the audience. It's best to control the object if it is necessary and to set it down if it becomes too much of a nuisance.
Inappropriate Use of Space
There is something to be said for staying an arm's length apart. This is known as personal space, sometimes called a personal bubble, and it is the space that individual commonly regards as their own. In interpersonal communication, is essential to respect that space. By invading the personal space of another, one can give off a feeling of disrespect. It might be considered an act of aggression or intimidation. A reasonable distance to grant a person is about three feet or just about one arm's length apart, though this distance varies between cultures.
Sweating
Sweating can be more than just a room temperature issue. Whether it's underarm sweat or clammy palms, the message is clear: nervousness, hesitation, and resistance to being productive. This is a physical reaction to a stressful environment and can be difficult to control as it can range in severity and being more aware of it can make the problem worse.
Frowning
The saying, ''Turn that frown upside down'' can be easier said than done. That's because the act of frowning can stem from many different emotions. Frowning can signal sadness, disinterest, frustration, anger, and confusion. However, one thing it will not communicate is happiness. Having and maintaining an open and approachable face will make an individual appear friendlier, more interested, and available for communication.
Overuse of Gestures
Hands are a tool of communication, and when used effectively, they can support the words spoken and convey confidence. Unfortunately, hands can also give the appearance of anxiety. People who use hand gestures without purpose can look out of control and overly excited.
Negative Body Language Examples
People can demonstrate closed body language in many different aspects of life. Below are some negative body language examples across several settings.
- In the world of work: Collaboration is key to meeting deadlines and presenting cohesive content to upper management or clients. In a brainstorming session, three coworkers are preparing a marketing campaign. Throughout the discussion, one of the employees seems distant and disinterested. His coworkers notice he is looking out the window as they are sharing ideas. They ask him to refocus on the task, but moments later, when they ask for his input, he crosses his arms across his chest before responding. It is clear that he is no longer invested in collaborating with this team.
- In the tricky dating world, people sometimes have only minutes to determine compatibility. At a speed dating cocktail hour, Antoine has noticed an attractive-looking person across the room. The woman smiles as a conversation begins, but not soon after Antoine noted her shifting in her posture and glancing around the room. This is a sure sign that she is bored by the situation, so Antoine politely carves his way from the experience.
- In the personal spaces of home and family, observing negative body language can make people aware of how to effectively interact with those they care about. When Jamie, a 15-year-old comes off the bus from school, her mother notices immediately that something is wrong. Jamie's fists are tight, her jaw is clenched, and she is avoiding eye contact when her mom asks about the day. Even though Jaime responds with ''It was fine,'~" her mom knows otherwise. Her body language is telling her that she is likely feeling angry, frustrated, and disrespected.
Importance of Good Body Language
Positive, or prosocial nonverbal communication is as important to recognize as closed communication. Just as negative body language can restrict interpersonal connections, being aware of how to maintain positive mannerisms can support the experiences that lead to success in work as well as in the home. Understanding and improving these skills can increase likeability, connectedness, and approachability. Prosocial behaviors can also create ease in relationships by reducing stress and anxiety.
Positive Body Language Examples
There are many ways to increase satisfaction in interpersonal relationships through utilizing positive body language.
- Lean in: Although invading another person's space is viewed as negative, a gentle lean in towards a person speaking can convey interest and show that a person is valued.
- Facial affirmations: A delicate nod or even an appropriate laugh can disarm a moment of insecurity or stress.
- Slow down: The receiver will not feel stressed or rushed to respond if the speaker takes their time in the conversation. Taking time shows one has the time to give, and that will be appreciated.
- Maintain a comfortable posture: The opposite of creating physical boundaries with crossed arms is to relax the arms by one's side or even rest them comfortably on the lap. This indicates that a person is open to listening and engaged in the conversation.
Cultural Differences in Body Language
Crossing arms across the chest is rather universal. It is seen in most cultures as ''closing out'' the other party. However, many forms of nonverbal communication can easily be misinterpreted over cultural lines.
Maintaining eye contact is just one form of nonverbal communication which is viewed very differently depending on the audience. In the United States and many other Western cultures, eye contact shows respect and interest. It conveys honesty and integrity to the receiver. However, in Afghan culture, eye contact must be only temporary and is typically reserved for males in the country.
In many Western cultures, a firm handshake taught to even young children is an acceptable way to introduce oneself. This is not true in some Asian countries, such as China, where individuals are taught that a lighter handshake is more appropriate. Even the duration of the handshake is unique as seen in the quick shake in the Western cultures as opposed to a much longer grasp held by those in the East.
Lesson Summary
Negative nonverbal communication can be subconscious or intentional gestures that influence the way a person is perceived by others. Closed body mannerisms can impact interpersonal relationships in a variety of settings. Among the behaviors that indicate negative body language are: poor stance, avoiding eye contact, creating barriers, being clumsy with objects, inappropriate spacing, sweating, frowning, and overusing gestures.
Each gesture communicates a different feeling. For example, avoiding eye contact is often associated with dishonesty, low self-esteem, or even anxiety. Frowning communicates discontent. Clenching teeth or fists conveys anger and frustration. Profuse sweating can be a sure sign of stress.
Just as there are ways to nonverbally communicate negatively, the converse is also true. Simple gestures can communicate good body language. Examples such as leaning into a conversation, nodding, pacing the dialogue, and having a comfortable posture can provide clues that a person is interested and open.
Forms of Negative Body Language
Let's take a look at some of the different types of negative body language and what they may be communicating:
1. Avoidance of eye contact: nervousness, lack of confidence, low self-esteem or dishonesty
Inability to make eye contact can mean a person is feeling uncomfortable. This uneasiness can be attributed to low self-esteem, confidence, or fear due to lying. Scholars have extensively researched how to pinpoint lying through eye contact, and their findings have been inconclusive. It seems that some people look to the right when lying, and others provide deliberate and forced eye contact when lying. It's hard to tell.
2. Staring: intenseness and eagerness
Giving too much eye contact, on the other hand, can make one look too eager and lead to an awkward exchange. The receiver of the eye contact will probably feel uneasy.
3. Crossed arms: separateness, discomfort, or defensiveness
If you observe people speaking at a party, you will find that many stand with their arms or hands in front of them. Their arms could be crossed, or their hands could be clasped in front of their crotch. This could be an unconscious creation of a barrier between themselves and the person to whom they are speaking. Speaking with arms to ones side, on the other hand, can indicate openness and friendliness.
4. Overuse of hands: nervousness, excitement, or mania
These signs can be found in a person who speaks rapidly while his or her hands are flying all over the place. They can serve as indicators that a person is nervous or manic.
5. Looking at watch, clock or phone: boredom, anxiousness, impatience, or future-minded
When people are looking at a phone, watch, or clock during a conversation, it is usually a telltale sign that they are in a hurry for it to be over. They may be tuning out the other person and thinking about what they have to do next.
6. Poor posture: lack of confidence, unwillingness, lack of ability, unavailability, or boredom
Poor posture can indicate that someone is not assertive or self-assured. Poised individuals are treated with more respect and are seen as more knowledgeable and reliable in the United States.
7. Frowning: sadness, sympathy, discontent, or anger
Frowning is an obvious indicator of these emotions. If a speaker is telling a sad story, a frowning listener may just be empathizing. But if the speaker is not telling a sad story, the listener may be unhappy, angry, or sad. A wrinkle between the eyes or a tightness of the face can mean the same thing.
8. Sweating: nervousness
Although it can be a sign that someone is just hot, sweating often means that a person is nervous or uncomfortable. This is seen as a negative, especially in the Western world that values confidence.
9. Hands behind back: mistrustful or secretive
In the United States, hands behind the back may mean that a person is trying to hide something. It is unnerving for many to not be able to see the other person's hands when conversing with them.
10. Clenched fists: anger or aggressiveness
Clenched hands usually indicate that a person is ready to fight or that they are angry and may get aggressive if further provoked.
11. Yawning, looking around, fidgeting, swaying, or shifting weight in feet: boredom or tiredness
These are all signals that someone is bored with a conversation. Maybe he or she has heard what the speaker is saying before. Or, perhaps a person's feet hurt, and he or she would rather be sitting. Either way, these types of body language exhibit that a person is tired and wants a change of scenery.
12. Weak handshake: meekness
In the Western world, a firm handshake can indicate strength and confidence. A weak handshake, on the other hand, shows submissiveness and low self-esteem.
11. Constant nodding: impatience or disinterest
Some nodding indicates that a person is validating what the other person is saying. But constant nodding can mean that a person is growing impatient with the conversation and is trying to hurry the speaker along. It could also mean that the listener wants to give off the impression that he or she is listening and not tuning out the speaker and thinking of other things.
Body Language: Cultural Differences
Cultural differences in body language exist across the world. For example, the United States values confidence, strength, and honesty and body language that exhibits these traits, like a firm handshake, eye contact, hands by the side, and upright posture.
A nod shows approval in the United States but means 'no' in Bulgaria. Expressing emotion through facial expressions is seen as a social skill in the United States, whereas, it is considered being too open in some Asian countries that value self-control. Good eye contact is important in the United States but is thought to be disrespectful in certain Asian and African countries. It's important to note these differences to establish more understanding, as people of different countries and cultures from around the world converse with each other.
Lesson Summary
Negative body language is either a conscious or unconscious expression of sadness, anger, nervousness, impatience, boredom, or lack of confidence. We can tell a lot about how a person is feeling through their body language.
Types of negative body language include:
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Staring
- Crossed arms
- Overuse of hands
- Looking at watch
- Poor posture
- Frowning
- Sweating
- Hands behind the back
- Clenched fists
- Yawning
- A weak handshake
- Constant nodding
There are notable cultural differences in body language across the world due to each culture or country valuing different things. In the United States, for example, a firm handshake, proper eye contact, and upright posture indicate confidence, which is a highly valued trait.
Learning Outcomes
When you finish watching the lesson, set a goal to:
- Define body language
- Explain what negative body language is
- List several examples of negative body language
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Video Transcript
Negative Body Language
Body language can tell a lot about how a person feels. A slumped posture can demonstrate a lack of confidence or boredom. Averted eye contact can be an indicator that a person is uncomfortable, self-conscious, or even lying. Crossed arms can signal defensiveness or disagreement. A forced smile can mean insincerity. How amazing is it that the body can communicate so many things without the person speaking a word?
Negative body language is either a conscious or an unconscious expression of negative feelings through movements of the body. Being skilled at noticing negative body language can assist one with personal or professional relationships and knowing when another is dissatisfied or unhappy. It can help to know what negative body language to avoid if one wants to leave a good impression on an audience or listener. Body language can be even more important than spoken words.
Forms of Negative Body Language
Let's take a look at some of the different types of negative body language and what they may be communicating:
1. Avoidance of eye contact: nervousness, lack of confidence, low self-esteem or dishonesty
Inability to make eye contact can mean a person is feeling uncomfortable. This uneasiness can be attributed to low self-esteem, confidence, or fear due to lying. Scholars have extensively researched how to pinpoint lying through eye contact, and their findings have been inconclusive. It seems that some people look to the right when lying, and others provide deliberate and forced eye contact when lying. It's hard to tell.
2. Staring: intenseness and eagerness
Giving too much eye contact, on the other hand, can make one look too eager and lead to an awkward exchange. The receiver of the eye contact will probably feel uneasy.
3. Crossed arms: separateness, discomfort, or defensiveness
If you observe people speaking at a party, you will find that many stand with their arms or hands in front of them. Their arms could be crossed, or their hands could be clasped in front of their crotch. This could be an unconscious creation of a barrier between themselves and the person to whom they are speaking. Speaking with arms to ones side, on the other hand, can indicate openness and friendliness.
4. Overuse of hands: nervousness, excitement, or mania
These signs can be found in a person who speaks rapidly while his or her hands are flying all over the place. They can serve as indicators that a person is nervous or manic.
5. Looking at watch, clock or phone: boredom, anxiousness, impatience, or future-minded
When people are looking at a phone, watch, or clock during a conversation, it is usually a telltale sign that they are in a hurry for it to be over. They may be tuning out the other person and thinking about what they have to do next.
6. Poor posture: lack of confidence, unwillingness, lack of ability, unavailability, or boredom
Poor posture can indicate that someone is not assertive or self-assured. Poised individuals are treated with more respect and are seen as more knowledgeable and reliable in the United States.
7. Frowning: sadness, sympathy, discontent, or anger
Frowning is an obvious indicator of these emotions. If a speaker is telling a sad story, a frowning listener may just be empathizing. But if the speaker is not telling a sad story, the listener may be unhappy, angry, or sad. A wrinkle between the eyes or a tightness of the face can mean the same thing.
8. Sweating: nervousness
Although it can be a sign that someone is just hot, sweating often means that a person is nervous or uncomfortable. This is seen as a negative, especially in the Western world that values confidence.
9. Hands behind back: mistrustful or secretive
In the United States, hands behind the back may mean that a person is trying to hide something. It is unnerving for many to not be able to see the other person's hands when conversing with them.
10. Clenched fists: anger or aggressiveness
Clenched hands usually indicate that a person is ready to fight or that they are angry and may get aggressive if further provoked.
11. Yawning, looking around, fidgeting, swaying, or shifting weight in feet: boredom or tiredness
These are all signals that someone is bored with a conversation. Maybe he or she has heard what the speaker is saying before. Or, perhaps a person's feet hurt, and he or she would rather be sitting. Either way, these types of body language exhibit that a person is tired and wants a change of scenery.
12. Weak handshake: meekness
In the Western world, a firm handshake can indicate strength and confidence. A weak handshake, on the other hand, shows submissiveness and low self-esteem.
11. Constant nodding: impatience or disinterest
Some nodding indicates that a person is validating what the other person is saying. But constant nodding can mean that a person is growing impatient with the conversation and is trying to hurry the speaker along. It could also mean that the listener wants to give off the impression that he or she is listening and not tuning out the speaker and thinking of other things.
Body Language: Cultural Differences
Cultural differences in body language exist across the world. For example, the United States values confidence, strength, and honesty and body language that exhibits these traits, like a firm handshake, eye contact, hands by the side, and upright posture.
A nod shows approval in the United States but means 'no' in Bulgaria. Expressing emotion through facial expressions is seen as a social skill in the United States, whereas, it is considered being too open in some Asian countries that value self-control. Good eye contact is important in the United States but is thought to be disrespectful in certain Asian and African countries. It's important to note these differences to establish more understanding, as people of different countries and cultures from around the world converse with each other.
Lesson Summary
Negative body language is either a conscious or unconscious expression of sadness, anger, nervousness, impatience, boredom, or lack of confidence. We can tell a lot about how a person is feeling through their body language.
Types of negative body language include:
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Staring
- Crossed arms
- Overuse of hands
- Looking at watch
- Poor posture
- Frowning
- Sweating
- Hands behind the back
- Clenched fists
- Yawning
- A weak handshake
- Constant nodding
There are notable cultural differences in body language across the world due to each culture or country valuing different things. In the United States, for example, a firm handshake, proper eye contact, and upright posture indicate confidence, which is a highly valued trait.
Learning Outcomes
When you finish watching the lesson, set a goal to:
- Define body language
- Explain what negative body language is
- List several examples of negative body language
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Frequently Asked Questions
What is negative body language?
Negative body language or closed body language is a set of nonverbal behaviors that inspire a negative reaction during interpersonal communication. Sometimes these gestures may be planned for an intended impact on an audience, while at other times, the mannerisms may be a subconscious manifestation of the emotions of the individual.
What kind of body language shows negative communication?
Many kinds of body language can be interpreted as negative. Gestures using the face, eyes, arms, and posturing can all advance a feeling of disinterest or lack of confidence to an audience. The closed posture crossed arms can express anger or frustration. Avoidance of eye contact can communicate dishonesty of self-esteem. Sweating can indicate nervousness. These are just some of the behaviors that can garner a negative reaction.
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& teaching resources‐all
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I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. It’s like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. I feel like it’s a lifeline.
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Negative Body Language | Overview, Signs & Examples
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