Body language is a silent orchestra, as people constantly give clues to what they’re thinking and feeling. Non-verbal messages including body movements, facial expressions, vocal tone and volume, and other signals are collectively known as body language². Body language can strongly color how an individual is perceived, and how he or she, in turn, interprets others’ motivation, mood, and openness.
Body language is also a vital form of communication, but most of it happens below the level of conscious awareness. When you meet someone for the first time, you may not consciously perceive that the person appears closed-off, but your unconscious mind may pick up on the crossed arms or averted gaze. Luckily, with knowledge and a little practice, it is possible to exert some measure of control over your own body language and to become more skilled at reading others².
In this article, we will explore how body language talks about personality, and what messages are being conveyed by our body language. We will also look at some tips on how to improve our body language to make a positive impression on others.
Body Language and Personality Types
Body language plays a big part in social communication and perception. Being aware of body language can help us express ourselves and even give us a window into other people’s feelings and intentions – good or bad⁵. Here at 16Personalities, we wondered how personality type relates to body language.
According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), there are 16 personality types based on four dichotomies: Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), Sensing (S) or Intuition (N), Thinking (T) or Feeling (F), and Judging (J) or Perceiving (P). Each personality type has its own strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and behaviors.
We conducted a survey of over 40,000 respondents and asked them about their body language habits. We found some interesting patterns and differences among the personality types. Here are some of the highlights:
- Extraverts tend to use more expressive and open body language than introverts. They smile more, gesture more, and maintain more eye contact. They also tend to mirror the body language of others more, which is a sign of rapport and empathy⁵.
- Introverts tend to use more reserved and closed body language than extraverts. They smile less, gesture less, and avoid prolonged eye contact. They also tend to cross their arms or legs more, which is a sign of defensiveness or discomfort⁵.
- Sensors tend to use more concrete and literal body language than intuitives. They point more, nod more, and use more handshakes. They also tend to lean forward more, which is a sign of interest and attention⁵.
- Intuitives tend to use more abstract and metaphorical body language than sensors. They tilt their head more, shrug more, and use more facial expressions. They also tend to lean back more, which is a sign of detachment and reflection⁵.
- Thinkers tend to use more logical and assertive body language than feelers. They raise their eyebrows more, frown more, and use more finger pointing. They also tend to cross their arms or legs less, which is a sign of confidence and dominance⁵.
- Feelers tend to use more emotional and cooperative body language than thinkers. They lower their eyebrows more, smile more, and use more palm-up gestures. They also tend to uncross their arms or legs more, which is a sign of openness and acceptance⁵.
- Judgers tend to use more structured and organized body language than perceivers. They stand or sit straighter, fold their hands more, and use more symmetrical gestures. They also tend to touch their face less, which is a sign of honesty and reliability⁵.
- Perceivers tend to use more flexible and spontaneous body language than judgers. They slouch or lean more, fidget more, and use more asymmetrical gestures. They also tend to touch their face more, which is a sign of curiosity and creativity⁵.
Of course, these are generalizations based on averages and tendencies. Not all extraverts are expressive, not all introverts are reserved, not all sensors are concrete, not all intuitives are abstract, not all thinkers are logical, not all feelers are emotional, not all judgers are structured, not all perceivers are flexible. There are many factors that influence our body language besides our personality type, such as our mood, context, culture, gender, age, etc.
How to Improve Your Body Language
Body language is a powerful tool that can help us communicate better, connect deeper, and influence others. However, it can also backfire if we use it incorrectly, inconsistently, or insincerely. Here are some tips on how to improve your body language and make a positive impression on others:
- Be aware of your body language. The first step to improving your body language is to become more conscious of it. Pay attention to how you sit, stand, walk, gesture, smile, frown, etc. Notice how your body language changes depending on the situation, the person, and the message you want to convey. Try to spot any habits or patterns that may be sending the wrong signals or contradicting your words.
- Be consistent with your body language. The second step to improving your body language is to make sure it matches your verbal communication and your intentions. If you say you are happy, but your face looks sad, people will be confused and distrustful. If you say you are confident, but your posture looks timid, people will be skeptical and dismissive. If you say you are interested, but your eyes look bored, people will be offended and disengaged. Try to align your body language with your words and your goals.
- Be authentic with your body language. The third step to improving your body language is to make sure it reflects your true feelings and personality. If you fake your body language, people will sense it and lose respect for you. If you suppress your body language, people will miss it and lose connection with you. If you exaggerate your body language, people will doubt it and lose interest in you. Try to express your body language naturally and genuinely.
Conclusion
Body language is a silent orchestra that talks about our personality and reveals our thoughts and emotions. By understanding how body language works and how it differs among personality types, we can improve our social communication and perception. By improving our body language, we can make a positive impression on others and achieve our personal and professional goals.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/21/2023
(1) Body Language | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/body-language.
(2) Uncloaking the Mysteries of Body Language and Personality Types. https://www.16personalities.com/articles/uncloaking-the-mysteries-of-body-language-and-personality-types.
(3) Personality and body language. A unique thesis. Body Language. https://www.mottocosmos.com/personalities/personality-and-body-language/.
(4) Body Language: Meaning, Types and Examples | Marketing91. https://www.marketing91.com/body-language/.
(5) Importance of Body Language in Personality Development. https://www.exforsys.com/career-center/personality-development/importance-of-body-language.html.
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