Body Language Expressions

1. Clench fist

Situation: In class, you are having a vigorous argument where the topic has entered the political realm.

Body Language: Students will participate and physically make a fist with their hands while they are listening to the opposing side.
Interpretation: Making a fist usually demonstrates anger, frustration or displeasure, and serves as a physical mannerism to manage acute emotional expression, possibly an effort to control behaviour when they are extremely upset.

2. Shake your head

Situation: A friend suggests you do not go to a meeting about a project, as part of a group assignment.

Body Language: You glance at your friend as they are speaking, and slowly shake your head.

Interpretation: Shaking one's head in response to a suggestion by another is experienced strongly as disagreement or dissatisfaction. In a sense, the shaking of the head is a quiet or physical gesture of a simple "no," to communicate thoughts and feelings in a very effective way.

3. Show anger
Situation: You feel unfairly blamed or criticized for a group project.

Body Language: Emotionally raised voice, tight/jaw thrust, frown with narrowing eyes.

Interpretation: Here emotion (anger) is exhibited clearly in a demonstration and display of displeasure. The person intentionally conveys through the body language that they feel one is experiencing an unpleasant or unfair experience, and possibly feeling wronged by another individual.

4. Nod
Situation: You agree with your classmates as they present an idea.

Body Language: While the classmate is talking, you give a slight nod.

Interpretation: Nodding is the way in which one communicates, agrees, and comprehension of the sentiment and supports the meaning of the classmate in their presentation. For a feel aspect, it is a simple way to model connectedness and agree with the interaction meaning-making process.

5. Tap on a shoulder

Situation: You want to get the attention of someone wearing earbuds in the library.

Body Language: You gently tap them on the shoulder.

Interpretation: Tapping someone's shoulder is a respectful, non-threatening way to get someone's attention. Usually, after you tap, you gesture them over or smile.