Category: Submissive body language

*No Photo, Amplifier, Audible signals, Authoritative body language, Submissive body language

Body Language of Voice Pitch

by Chris • October 30, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Voice Pitch

Cue: Voice Pitch

Synonym(s): N/A

Description: Pitch is a voice quality describing the number of vibrations emitted from the vocal cords in a unit of time. We detect pitch is the highness or lowness of the voice.

In One Sentence: The depth of the voice indicates dominance and submissiveness.

How To Use it: To appear more dominant lower the voice, to appear more submissive, raise the pitch of the voice. Both voice pitches, high and low, have a place for both men and women.

Men and women should lower their voice pitch when trying to appear in control, assertive and dominant. This will work in any context, but is especially crucial when leadership is required. While a high pitched female voice can be used to create obedience and fear, it will most likely be attributed to loss of control. When voices become high pitched they come across as emotional and this is then ascribed to the person. Lowering the voice, on the other hand, signals dominance which is a more natural way to create obedience.

In dating, men with deep voices are seen as more attractive as it signals higher dominance. Therefore, men should deepen their voices in a dating context. Research has also found that women can artificially make their voices sexier by deepening them. In fact, women were much better at making their voices sexy than men.

Conversely, when men and women wish to create a caring impression, they should use a higher pitched voice. A high pitched voice is best used with babies and small children. The aim is to mirror their voice pitch so as to create a likeness. This will facilitate trust.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “My voice is either highly pitched or deeply pitched and this depends on my level of dominance and authority and provides you with cues to how you should treat me and with how much respect I deserve.”

Variant: See Becoming Loud, Becoming Quiet or Whispering.

Cue In Action: Mom’s voice was soothing and calming, but when it came to getting her child to listen, she could raise her voice to a screech. Dad’s voice, on the other hand, was baritone. His voice boomed and put his little boy into action. When Dad talked, the 4-year-old knew the games were over and it was time for bed. His low deep voice resonated with dominance, striking fear in him.

Meaning and/or Motivation: The rate of vibration is controlled by the length and thickness of the vocal cords as well as how they are contracted or relaxed. The greater the vibrations, the higher the pitch, and therefore the higher the note achieved. In most cases, men’s voices are of lower pitch than women’s, but even men can tighten their vocal cords enough to achieve comparable pitch. Therefore, voice pitch is partly under conscious control. The highness and lowness of natural voices is affected by the body chemical androgen, which is the male sex hormone. The same hormone is tied to physical prowess and aggressiveness and also loosely tied to a competitor’s health and vigor making a low voice attractive to females when it is found in men.

To the nonverbal world, meaning is conveyed through pitch. When emotions run high, the voice can raise. A high voice pitch with a high volume is a scream which indicates heightened emotion such as anger, frustration, fear or excitement. A low voice has the reverse effect. It is often calming and authoritarian. Pitch also tells us what kind of person we are dealing with, be they subordinate with a higher pitch or dominant with lower pitch.

While we are all born with a certain natural voice pitch, it is possible to raise or lower our pitch to yield desired results. A woman may raise her voice pitch to gain favour from others, or she may lower it to command respect from colleagues. Generally, a high pitch tells others that we are ineffectual no matter how capable the person might really be. A low pitch with no inflection, showing no emotion, can also signal depression and weariness.

Cue Cluster: This cue coupled with other cues, can strengthen its meaning. A dominant voice with dominant body language increases the chances that a person is perceived that way. However, you might imagine a burley man with a weak, high pitched voice. This will likely confuse the body language reader as it is a mixed message. Voice pitch is just one cue so it must be read alongside other cues in the cluster.

Body Language Category: Amplifier, Authoritative body language, Audible signals, Submissive body language.

Resources:

Apicella C. L.; D. R. Feinberg and F. W. Marlowe. Voice Pitch Predicts Reproductive Success in Male Hunter-Gatherers. Biology Letters. 2007. 3:682–684. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2007.0410
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/hes-got-deep-voice-larger-family-tree-voice-pitch-predictor-reproductive-success-men/

Apicella, Coren L. and David R. Feinberg. Voice Pitch Alters Mate-Choice-Relevant Perception in Hunter–Gatherers. Proc. R. Soc. B. 2009. 276: 1077–1082
doi:10.1098/rspb.2008.1542
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/impress-higher-pitched-voice/

Abitbol, J., Abitbol, P., & Abitbol, B. (1999). Sex hormones and the female voice. Journal of Voice, 13, 424–446.

Bachorowski, J., & Owren, M. J. (1995). Vocal expression of emotion: Acoustic properties of speech are associated with emotional intensity and context. Psychological Science, 6, 219–224.

Brück, Carolin ; Kreifelts, Benjamin ; Wildgruber, Dirk. Emotional voices in context: A neurobiological model of multimodal affective information processing. Physics of Life Reviews. 2011 8(4): 383-403.

Cartei, Valentina and David Reby. Acting Gay: Male Actors Shift the Frequency Components of Their Voices Towards Female Values When Playing Homosexual Characters. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. 2012. 36:79–93
DOI 10.1007/s10919-011-0123-4
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/purposely-gay-voice-pitch-male-actors-use-effeminate-voices-feign-homosexuality/

Fraccaro, Paul J.; Benedict C. Jones; Jovana Vukovic; Finlay G. Smith; Christopher D. Watkins; David R. Feinberg; Anthony C. Little and Lisa M. Debruine. Experimental Evidence That Women Speak in a Higher Voice Pitch to Men They Find Attractive. Journal of Evolutionary Psychology. 2011. 9(1): 57-67.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/women-raise-voice-pitch-men-find-attractive/

Fraccaro, Paul J.; Jillian J. M. O’Connor; Daniel E. Re; Benedict C. Jones; Lisa M. DeBruine and David R. Feinberg. Faking it: Deliberately Altered Voice Pitch and Vocal Attractiveness. Animal Behaviour. 2013. 85: 127e136.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/sound-little-atypical-measuring-artificial-lowering-raising-voice-pitch-men-women/

Gobl C, Nı´ Chasaide A (2003) The role of voice quality in communicating emotion, mood and attitude. Speech Commun 40: 189–212. doi: 10.1016/ S0167-6393(02)00082-1.
Hughes, S. M., & Gallup Jr., G. G. (2003). Sex differences in morphological predictors of sexual behavior: shoulder to hip and waist to hip ratios. Evolution and Human Behavior, 24, 173–178.

Hughes, S. M., Harrison, M. A., & Gallup Jr., G. G. (2002). The sound of symmetry: voice as a marker of developmental instability. Evolution and Human Behavior, 23, 173–180.

Hughes, Susan M.; Franco Dispenza and Gordon G. Gallup Jr.. Ratings of voice attractiveness predict sexual behavior and body configuration. Evolution and Human Behavior. 2004; 25: 295–304.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/sexy-voices-linked-to-sexy-bodies-and-sexual-success/

Hughes, S. M., & Gallup Jr., G. G. (2003). Sex differences in morphological predictors of sexual behavior: shoulder to hip and waist to hip ratios. Evolution and Human Behavior, 24, 173–178.

Hughes, S. M., Harrison, M. A., & Gallup Jr., G. G. (2002). The sound of symmetry: voice as a marker of developmental instability. Evolution and Human Behavior, 23, 173–180.

Herold, Debora S. ; Nygaard, Lynne C. ; Namy, Laura L. Say It like You Mean It: Mothers’ Use of Prosody to Convey Word Meaning. Language and Speech. 2012. 55(3): 423-436.

Krauss, R. M., Freyberg, R., & Morsella, E. (2002). Inferring speakers’ physical attributes from their voices. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 618–625.

Lass, N. J., & Colt, E. G. (1980). A comparative study of the effect of visual and auditory cues on speaker height and weight identification. Journal of Phonetics, 8, 277–285.

Lass, N. J., & Davis, M. (1976). An investigation of speaker height and weight identification. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 60, 700–704.

Leongómez, Juan David; Jakub Binter; Lydie Kubicová; Petra Stolarová; Katerina Klapilová and Jan Havlícek, S. Craig Roberts. Vocal Modulation During Courtship Increases Proceptivity Even in Naive Listeners. Evolution and Human Behavior. 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2014.06.008.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/voice-pitching-courtship-competition/

Lass, N. J., & Colt, E. G. (1980). A comparative study of the effect of visual and auditory cues on speaker height and weight identification. Journal of Phonetics, 8, 277–285.

Lass, N. J., & Davis, M. (1976). An investigation of speaker height and weight identification. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 60, 700–704.

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Puts, David A.; Julia L. Barnd; Lisa L.M.; Welling, Khytam Dawood; and Robert P. Burriss. Intrasexual Competition Among Women: Vocal Femininity Affects Perceptions of Attractiveness And Flirtatiousness. Personality and Individual Differences. 2011; 50: 111-115.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/women-use-voice-pitch-flirt-compete-men

Puts, David A.; Coren L. Apicella and Rodrigo A. Cárdenas. Masculine Voices Signal Men’s Threat Potential in Forager and Industrial Societies. Proceedings of the Royal Society. 2011. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2011.0829
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/deep-voice-signals-potential-threat-use-body-language-dominance/

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Sally D. Farley, Susan M. Hughes, Jack N. LaFayette. People Will Know We Are in Love: Evidence of Differences Between Vocal Samples Directed Toward Lovers and Friends. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 2013; 37 (3): 123.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/are-they-cheating-research-says-voice-may-betray-them/

Susan Hughes, Justin Mogilski, Marissa Harrison. The Perception and Parameters of Intentional Voice Manipulation. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 2014 DOI: 10.1007/s10919-013-0163
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/her-voice-is-hot-his-is-not/

Sturman, Edward D. Invluntary Subordination and Its Relation to Personality, Mood,
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http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/nonverbal-submission-men-women-depression-critical-examination-use-disuse-submission/

Sei Jin Ko; Melody S. Sadler and Adam D. Galinsky. The Sound of Power Conveying and Detecting Hierarchical Rank Through Voice. Psychological Science. 2014. DOI: 956797614553009
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/power-produces-dominance-voice-study/

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Body size reduction, Closed body language, Emotional body language, Low confidence body language, Low confidence hand displays, Negative body language, Protective reflexes, Submissive body language

Body Language of Thumb Hiding

by Chris • October 29, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Thumb Hiding

Cue: Thumb Hiding.

Synonym(s): Hiding The Thumb, Tucking The Thumb In.

Description: Placing the thumb of the same hand inside the clasped fingers, or placing only the thumbs in a pants pocket with the remainder out, are two ways thumbs can be hidden.

In One Sentence: Thumb hiding indicates insecurity.

How To Use it: Hiding the thumbs is a negative cue and is associated with negative feelings so should generally be avoided. That being said, it is rarely noticed by others so if you feel more comfortable putting your hands (and thumbs) in your pockets, feel free to do so. One should generally avoid this, however, in front of large audiences as the cue is seen as indicating insecurity.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “I’m insecure, timid, or feel social discomfort so I’m hiding my thumbs from view.”

Variant: See Thumb Displays or Thumbs Up Posture.

Cue In Action: a) His mom re-introduced her friend’s daughter – a cute girl. Her son blushed, stuffed his thumbs into his back pocket, put his head down. They were childhood friends, but she had grown up. b) He balled up his fist and tucked his thumb inside his palm when he heard that he’d have to redo the entire presentation. c) The teenage boy thought he was cool, but his thumbs were tucked in his pockets with the rest of his hand hanging out revealing his hidden insecurity.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Hidden thumbs can be found when people are timid and insecure. The polar opposite to the thumb display is the hidden thumb. This posture says “I’m unsure of myself” and denotes low confidence and low status.

Cue Cluster: Watch for submissive cues such as shoulders rolled inward, head lowered or bowed, feet together or crossed at the ankles and eyes averted.

Body Language Category: Body size reduction, Closed body language, Emotional body language, Low confidence body language, Low confidence hand displays, Negative body language, Protective reflexes, Submissive body language.

Resources:

Andric, Michael ; Solodkin, Ana ; Buccino, Giovanni ; Goldin-Meadow, Susan ; Rizzolatti, Giacomo ; Small, Steven L. Brain function overlaps when people observe emblems, speech, and grasping. Neuropsychologia, 2013, Vol.51(8), pp.1619-1629

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Gentilucci, M., Bernardis, P., Crisi,G., & Dalla Volta, R. (2006). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of Broca’s area affects verbal responses to gesture observation. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 18, 1059–1074.

Goldin-Meadow, S. (1999).The role of gesture in communication and thinking. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 3, 419–429.

Goldin-Meadow, S.(2003). Hearing gesture: How our hands help us think. Cam-bridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.

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Amplifier, Appease, Courtship display, Fearful body language, Indicator Of Sexual Interest (IOsI), Nonthreatening body language, Readiness to submit postures, Stressful body language, Submissive body language

Body Language of Smiling

by Chris • October 28, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Smiling

Cue: Smiling.

Synonym(s): N/A

Description: The lips are stretched toward the ears and curled upwards in a u-shape.

In One Sentence: Smiling is a sign of submission and happiness.

How To Use it: Various smiles create various impressions in others. A smile should suit the context as well as your desired end goal. See Variant for the types of smiles and their associated use. However, understand that generally speaking, the smile is a universally signal of submission and appeasement.

Context: a) General b) Dating.

Verbal Translation: “I’m stretching my lips out and upward in a u-shape because I’m happy, fearful, or stressed.”

Variant: See Smiling, Fear Smile, Friendly Smile, Frown (the) or Downturned Smile, Honest Smile or Duchenne Smile, Jaw Drop Smile, Nervous Smile, Polite Smile (the), Uneven Smile Or Lopsided Smile, Upper Lip Smile, Artificial Smile or Fake Smile, Nervous Smile, Honest Smile or Duchenne Smile, Contempt Facial Expression.

Cue In Action: a) Two strangers passed on the street, smile at each other to show that they acknowledge each other, and continued on their way. b) She had a big grin on her face each time she saw her new boyfriend. He made her feel special.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Many biologists think smiles have roots as a fearful gesture, as a sort of “fear grin.” Today though, human smiles are a universally submissive gesture but they can also symbolize pleasure, amusement, aggression, or anxiety (grimace). These other emotions never truly supersede the most common purpose of the smile, which is to show submission.

Smiles are controlled by two sets of muscles: the zygomatic major muscles, that run down the side of the face to connect to the corners of the mouth and the orbicularis oculi muscles that pull the eyes back.

Smiles are our way we to show that we are non-threatening and wish to maintain peace. Those that lack smiles altogether or who smile infrequently are much more dominant and want to be seen as such. Today smiles usually indicate happiness, but they can also be present during fear and stress.

Smiling frequently can sometimes be sexual, but accompanying signals, coupled with the proper context, must be assessed to create certainty. Women will smile for a great variety of reasons and will smile regularly to appease men for no other reason besides habit. Smiling is a natural part of being a woman and while smiling alone is submissive, it doesn’t necessarily indicate sexual interest. Accompanying signals must adjoin smiling for it to be a true sexual signal. However, smiles due tend to appear most from happiness, and as a result of genuine feelings of optimism. They also indicate confidence and hopefulness. Smiling has also even been shown to be infectious.

Cue Cluster: a) Smiling can be a stand-alone signal of appeasement or submission i.e. that a person is no threat which requires no additional cues. b) If smiling is done over a shoulder, with pouting lips and partly closed eyes, as in the sideways glance, it should be taken as a sexual cue, but absent, should be construed only as a regular appeasement gesture and nothing more.

Body Language Category: Amplifier, Appease, Courtship displays, Fearful body language, Indicators of sexual interest (IOsI), Nonthreatening body language, Readiness to submit postures, Stressful body language, Submissive body language.

Resources:

Aggarwal, P., & Mcgill, A. (2007). Is that car smiling at me? Schema congruity as a basis for evaluating anthropomorphized products. Journal of Consumer Research, 34, 468–479.

Abel, Ernest L. and Michael L. Kruger. Smile Intensity in Photographs Predicts Longevity. Psychological Science. 2010. 21(4): 542-544.
Seder, J. Patrick and Shigehiro Oishi. Intensity of Smiling in Facebook Photos Predicts Future Life Satisfaction. Social Psychological and Personality Science. 2012. 3(4): 407-413.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/facebook-smile-predicts-life-satisfaction/

Colonnesi, Cristina; Susan M. Bogels; Wieke de Vente and Mirjana Majdandzic. What Coy Smiles Say About Positive Shyness in Early Infancy. Infancy. 2013. 18(2): 202–220. ISSN: 1525-0008 print / 1532-7078 online
DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-7078.2012.00117.x
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/nonverbal-meaning-coy-smiles-infants/

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Appease, Closed body language, Courtship display, Defensive body language, Disengagement body language, Embarrassment (nonverbal), Escape movements, Fearful body language, Intention movements, Nonthreatening body language, Palm power, Protective reflexes, Readiness to submit postures, Submissive body language, Universal gestures

Body Language of Shoulder Shrugs or Shoulder Rise

by Chris • October 28, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Shoulder Shrugs or Shoulder Rise

Cue: Shoulder Shrugs or Shoulder Rise.

Synonym(s): Shrugs, Ducking, Hunched Shoulders, Turtling, Head Ducking.

Description: The shoulder shrug posture happens as the head seems to sink inside the shoulders, however, what is really happening is that the shoulders are slowly being raised so the neck disappears taking the head with it. It is as if the head is being swallowed by the shoulders. Shrugs can appear as micro-movements barely perceivable or as full on shrugs where the shoulders nearly touch the ears.

In One Sentence: Shoulder shrugs indicate lack of knowledge and ultimately submission.

How To Use it: Shrug the shoulders when you don’t know the answer to a problem or you wish to show submission. Shoulder shrugs can be used to show others that you accept defeat when it is coupled with a lowered head. Therefore, you may consider using it when pleading for forgiveness.

In dating, women can use the shoulder shrug to take on a smaller profile in order to create the impression of submissiveness and therefore elicit a protective and caring partner. Children and men can also do the same. When submission occurs, it produces a sympathetic response when it is seen by an empathetic viewer.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: a) “My shoulders raise for a nano-second showing that I don’t know the answer.” b) “My head pulls down to my shoulders, palms up as a shield, eyebrows raised with my head tilted shows that I’m drawing inward and don’t want to get involved – so leave me out of this.” c) “I’m sorry I don’t know the answer and I’m shrugging to show others that I’m not a threat and wish not to provoke. In other words, I’m sorry I don’t know, but please go easy on me. I’m not a target, I’m submissive.”

Variant: Shrugs contain key elements such as hunched shoulders where the shoulders are raised and lowered, hands twisted into the palms up position (one or both hands), lowered mouth corners (while hands and head remain still), raised eyebrows (which shows astonishment, indifference, and bewilderment). Each variant, independent of one another, can carry the meaning of the shrug.

See Uneven Shoulder Shrugs and Palm Up Displays or The Rogatory Posture.

Cue In Action: a) The teacher called on Dave but he didn’t know the answer because he hadn’t read the report. His shoulders flinched upward, barely raising, as he froze like a deer in the headlights. b) There was a mess in the staff room and the boss had made a point of rounding up the culprits to get the job done. She invited them to step forward, but in unison the staff raised their shoulders as if they were not to blame and didn’t want to help fix the mess. c) After cussing her out without giving her time to explain, he felt it was his duty to offer a box of treats and flowers. He lowered his head, turned his palms up and shrugged his shoulders. He didn’t need to say anything. She understood he felt sorry for what he had done.

Meaning and/or Motivation: A universal expression of doubt and uncertainty. Shoulder shrugs can signify apology, disbelief, ignorance, indifference (lack of interest), helplessness, resignation, discomfort, low self-confidence, insecurity, weakness or powerlessness and shame. Many negative emotions are expressed through shoulder shrugs.

A shrug can also mean that you don’t know the answer, that you don’t want to get involved, or imply submissive apology.

Shoulder shrugs in a business context are usually found when someone is centered out on their poor performance. The origin of the “head turtle” is to protect it from harm. For example, when people hear a very loud bang, they will quickly pull their heads inward and down, and tuck in their chins. However, when it is done out of shame, it happens more slowly and deliberately so as to draw even less attention.

Shrugging is also done when people want to appear less significant so they go overlooked and are ignored rather than called on. In business, the head duck will occur when subordinates meet with superiors as they try to stand out less and look less significant or when employees wish to be overlooked during status reports at a boardroom meeting. It might also happen in class when the professor is calling on students who don’t have the answers, or when athletes have to walk back in shame to their dressing rooms after losing an important match.

The shoulders hunching up with palms up indicate a desire to hold a more narrow and protective posture hence it is submissive like a turtle going up in its shell.

The shoulder shrug can also appear in a dating situation where women appear meek and submissive. Shrugging is a childlike posture and happens when a woman let’s her guard down. It is often subtle and occurs subconsciously as a small raise of the shoulders and sometimes is accompanied by an eyebrow flash. Other times it is more pronounced and the head lowers or bows in unison. In this case, the shrug may be held for some time.

Cue Cluster: Shrugs often appear coupled with cowering, eyebrows lifted, palms up, head lowered, head bowed, eyes cast upward and widened, frowning or downturned smiles.

Body Language Category: Appease, Courtship displays, Closed body language, Defensive, Disengagement body language, Embarrassment (nonverbal), Escape movements, Fearful body language, Intention movements, Nonthreatening body language, Palm power, Protective reflexes, Readiness to submit postures, Submissive body language, Universal gestures.

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Amplifier, Appease, Barriers, Blocking or Shielding, Body cross, Body size reduction, Clenching and gripping, Closed body language, Comfort body language, Defensive body language, Emotional body language, Low confidence body language, Nervous Body Language, Protective reflexes, Pseudo-infantile gestures, Submissive body language

Body Language Of Self-Hugging or The Double Arm Hug

by Chris • October 28, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language Of Self-Hugging or The Double Arm Hug

Cue: Self-Hugging or The Double Arm Hug.

Synonym(s): Self-Administered Hug, Double Arm Hug, Hugging The Self.

Description: Self-hugging can be done by grabbing both arms across the body, in extreme cases to each shoulder, or by clasping one arm onto the arm, elbow or shoulder on the opposite side (Partial Arm Cross or Incomplete Arm Cross). At times, the hands will pacify by rubbing the shoulders.

In One Sentence: Self hugging is a cue signaling the desire to be comforted.

How To Use it: Self hugging replaces the need for the comfort of another. Thus, it is to be used when one does not wish to rely on the care of others, but when one still wishes to receive a caring touch. The cue is generally perceived in a negative light so should be used only in instances when one is not concerned with appearing vulnerable. Self-hugging in a business meeting, for example, is ill advised. However, hugging the self is perfectly acceptable in the privacy of your own home, or when surrounded by close friends or family where we are generally permitted to show our softer side.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “I’m awkward and self conscious so I’m wrapping myself up in a self embrace to provide comfort and care as my parents provided to me in my youth.”

Variant: See Partial Arm Cross or Incomplete Arm Cross, Fetal Position (The), Self-Stroking or Auto Contact, Hand Gripping Upper Arm or Wrist Behind Back.

Cue In Action: It was the first time away from her parents at camp and most of the other girls were getting along fine and seemed to know each other from last year. Autumn was left by herself in line and looked awkwardly at the others while wrapping her arms around herself in a self hug. She was reminded of the care she got from her parents.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Hugging one’s self is both defensive and a closed body position. People who hold this posture exclaim that they are cold, but in reality, the cold sensation stems from feeling awkward, timid, self conscious, or distress. Self-hugs, done in this way, remind us of the care and comfort we received from mom and dad, and when found in adulthood, indicate a need for reassurance.

In adulthood, self-hugging is found when we’re insecure, self-conscious, afraid or defensive, generally. Because it’s generally not appropriate to show vulnerability to others and seek support from other’s we instead hug ourselves discreetly. The astute body language reader will notice this signal and step in to help make the carrier of the signal feel better.

Cue Cluster: Watch for submissive cues to accompany the self-hug such as head lowered or bowed, eyes up-cast, shoulders hunched over and toes pointed inward.

Body Language Category: Amplifier, Appease, Barriers, Body cross, Body size reduction, Blocking or Shielding, Comfort body language, Clenching and gripping, Closed body language, Defensive body language, Emotional body language, Low confidence body language, Nervous body language, Pseudo-infantile gestures, Pacifying body language, Protective reflexes, Submissive body language.

Resources:

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Amplifier, Appease, Body size reduction, Indicator Of Sexual Interest (IOsI), Pseudo-infantile gestures, Readiness to submit postures, Submissive body language

Body Language of Pigeon Toes or Tibial Torsion

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Pigeon Toes or Tibial Torsion

Cue: Pigeon Toes.

Synonym(s): Tibial Torsion, Toes Pointed Inward.

Description: While standing, the toes are pointed inwards toward each other.

In One Sentence: Pigeon toes indicate submission.

How To Use it: The pigeon toes posture is most effective when used by children and women as it is submissive in nature. Men can also use the posture, however, their challenge is finding a sympathetic partner who will read the cue and react in ways that benefit them. That being said, when children and women wish to show submission and lessen punishment or gain special treatment or favours, pointing the toes inward and taking on a smaller profile, is the answer. Pigeon toes can work to women’s advantage in dating as it shows their willingness to submit.

Context: a) General b) Dating.

Verbal Translation: “When I point my toes inward, I’m shrinking my body profile so as to appear more submissive and docile.”

Variant: See Splayed Feet or Feet Pointed Outward.

Cue In Action: a) The kid was upset and scared of the teacher, he turned his feet inward, lowered his head and began to sob. b) She stood near the bar, turned her feet inward and batted her eyes at the cute boy – she felt smitten, girly, attractive.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Having the toes pointed inwards, often called pigeon toes or anatomically “tibial torsion” is a submissive body posture.

Children, and women who are smitten, will point their toes inwards to show their meekness signaling their willingness to be lead by more dominant individuals. Pigeon toes makes the body appear smaller forcing it into a less threatening profile.

In a sexual situation, aiming the toes inward indicates submission and is usually performed by the woman in this context. This claim assumes that most women wish for and choose more dominant men than themselves, which of course isn’t always the case. However, when the cue persists, it can be assumed that she’d rather follow than lead.

Body Language Category: Amplifier, Appease, Body size reduction, Indicators of sexual interest (IOsI), Pseudo-infantile gestures, Readiness to submit postures, Submissive body language.

*No Photo, Dominant body language, Social touching, Submissive body language

Body Language of Palm Up, Palm Down and Palm Even Handshakes

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Palm Up, Palm Down and Palm Even Handshakes

Cue: Palm Up, Palm Down and Palm Even Handshakes

Synonym(s): N/A

Description: a) A handshake where the hand is presented with the palm up. b) A handshake where the hand is presented palm down. c) The hand is presented palm even, vertical.

In One Sentence: Palm orientation, up, down, or even, indicates submission, dominance and equality, respectively.

How To Use it: Use the type of handshake for the type of relationship you would like to create. Use palm even when you want to create an equal relationship, palm down to show your dominance over someone, and palm up to show you wish to submit. For example, women can offer their hand palm up to men they find interesting whereas a domineering boss could offer his hand palm down to keep his employees in their place.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: a) “I’m offering my palm up because I want to be lead or be taken care of and want to be in the lower submissive position.” b) “I want to be in the upper palm position so I can dominate other people and be in control of them.” c) “I’m presenting my palm vertically to show that I neither want to dominant nor be submissive.”

Variant: See Country Handshake (The), Cold Dead Wet Fish Handshake, Double Gripper Politician Handshake or Double Hander (The), Short Grabber/Finger Grabber Handshake, Oddball Handshake, Palm Up, Palm Down and Palm Even Handshakes, Stiff Arm And Thrust Forward Handshake, Death Grip Handshake, Wrench Forward Handshake, Undershaker Handshake, Wrist Hold Handshake, Wrist Hold Handshake and Upper Arm Grip Handshake, Limp Fish Handshake, Teacup Handshake, Arm Twister Handshake (The), Firm handshake, Fist Bumping.

Cue In Action: a) b) A cute boy came up to her and introduced himself. He extended his hand to shake hers while introducing himself. She instinctively put her hand out palm up as if she was ready to hold his hand and submit to him. b) The boss extended his hand out to his employee – always palm down forcing his employees to take on a palm up orientation in order to complete the handshake. c) They met palms vertical showing that neither wished to display dominance, nor submission.

Meaning and/or Motivation: a) When someone presents their hand palm up “offered” as a handshake they wish to be, or appear, submissive. They want to be on the bottom and be dominated or be lead by other people. We will usually see women or feminine men offer a hand in this way. It usually appears as if they desire their hand to be held rather than shook. When men do this but don’t wish to appear submissive it leads to lack of credibility.

b) When someone presents their hand palm down during a handshake, they wish to dominate. They want to have their hand on top, to be on top, and force the other person into a palm up orientation. Sometimes people will try to maneuver their way to a top down position by twisting.

c) When the palm is vertical, then the person doesn’t want to dominate or be submissive.

Cue Cluster: The palm up and palm down handshake will be accompanied by submissive and dominant body language respectively.

Body Language Category: Dominant body language, Submissive body language, Social touching.

Resources:

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Amplifier, Appease, Courtship display, Indicator Of Sexual Interest (IOsI), Nonthreatening body language, Pseudo-infantile gestures, Readiness to submit postures, Submissive body language

Body Language of Neck Exposure

by Chris • October 24, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Neck Exposure

Cue: Neck Exposure

Synonym(s): Exposing The Neck, Showing The Neck.

Description: A cue originating primarily from women in dating and children in general where the neck is exposed by removing long hair or canting to the side.

In One Sentence: Neck exposure is a submissive signal.

How To Use it: Women benefit best from using the neck exposure nonverbal signal as it tells others that they are willing to submit. In dating, exposing the neck by canting the head to the side is alluring to men as it shows attraction. To amplify the posture, brush hair aside or lightly stroke the neck to draw gaze in that direction. Eye contact helps anchor the cue to a specific person.

Children can also benefit from the posture in much the same ways as women because it shows that they are not willing to put up a fight. This usually elicits a helping response from adults.

Context: a) General b) Dating.

Verbal Translation: “I’m trusting and submissive of your dominance and am showing you this by exposing my vulnerable neck by canting to the side or removing my hair.”

Variant: See Wrist Exposure Displays, Head Tilted or Head Cocked To The Side.

Cue In Action: a) She really wanted a pony so she canted her head to the side, twirled her hair around her finger to reveal her neck as she gazed up at her Dad doe-eyed. b) She really wanted him, so she canted her head to the side, twirled her hair around her finger to reveal her neck as she gazed up at him doe-eyed.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Exposures of the neck are a visceral responses linked to submissiveness and are displayed during courtship by women and by children.

Children are often seen bending or canting their heads to the side in order to elicit a protective response in adults.

Women will do likewise when sexually aroused. In a dating context, women show their trust and willingness to submit to men, by revealing their necks. While the neck is not inherently sexy on its own, it is a way that people signal trust when facing authority. The neck contains many nerve endings so are very sensitive. A woman’s neck is also far less robust, more dainty, longer than mens’, with less musculature. The neck is an extremely vulnerable part of our bodies which we defend rigorously if attacked, and the genes we have as a result of eons of evolutionary history supports this. One well placed bite to the throat by cat like predators instantly immobilizes their prey.

Cue Cluster: a) Children who cant their heads to reveal their necks will also lower their eyes and cast them upwards, the might show a fat lower lip to gain sympathy, they may also bat their eyes, turn their palms up pleading, hug your leg, whine and shrug their shoulders.

b) You can imagine a woman might seductively remove her long hair by bringing it over to one side, or twisting it around a finger then flexing to the side flashing her neck. She might tilt her head to the side by dropping her head and bring her hand up to carefully stroke and caress the skin on her neck just lightly, so as to draw a man’s eyes on her. In more overt cases, woman can even display sexually by coming so close that the neck invites a kiss.

Body Language Category: Amplifier, Appease, Courtship displays, Indicators of sexual interest (IOsI), Nonthreatening body language, Pseudo-infantile gestures, Readiness to submit postures, Submissive body language.

Resources:

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Arrogance or arrogant body language, Boredom body language, Disengagement body language, Escape movements, Eye Language, Indicators of disinterest (IOD), Intention movements, Pensive displays, Rejection body language, Stressful body language, Submissive body language

Body Language of Looking Away

by Chris • October 24, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Looking Away

Cue: Looking Away

Synonym(s): Not Maintaining Eye Contact, Roaming Eyes.

Description: When the eyes roam around a room during a conversation or when eye contact would normally be expected to persist.

In One Sentence: Looking away is a sign of concentration, disinterest, submission, or shyness.

How To Use it: Research has shown that looking at someone while they speak makes it far more difficult to concentrate that looking away. Therefore, break eye contact when trying to process complex ideas. When kids look away, also respect their decision as they may be doing so to better process your ideas, than your facial expressions.

In dating, looking away can signal shyness or intimidation. Understanding this can save negative feelings. Women can use looking away to signal their sexual interest in men as it signals coyness. This is especially powerful when eye contact is broken by looking down rather than looking left or right (signals scanning). Men can also indicate interest by shying away from eye contact, however, it is not as constructive when used by men, as women do not usually find submissive men as alluring.

Finally, use looking away as a signal of respect. Research shows that dominant people are more free to make and hold eye contact, especially persistent eye contact. To show your boss that you are willing to follow his lead, break eye contact more often and first. This signal will score points as it indicates a desire to please.

Context: a) General b) Business c) Dating.

Verbal Translation: a) b) “I’m thinking about something and need to concentrate which is why I’m not taking in any more visual cues from you at this time.” a) b) c) “I’m disinterested in what you are saying and trying to find an escape route or something more interesting to look at.” c) “I’m intimidated by your dominance, intimidated by your beauty, or repulsed by you. This is why I can’t keep my eyes on you.”

Variant: See Eye Aversion, Gaze Avoidance and Wandering Eyes, Staring or The Evil Eye.

Cue In Action: a) He frequently broke eye contact to check his watch or the contents of his brief case as the topic of conversation did not excite him. b) While discussing the fine details of the proposal, the junior associate frequently looked away or down to process and contemplate the information.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Not maintaining eye contact is a signal of comfort when done within context as it shows that a person is lacking fear. It frequently shows disrespect, especially during a conversation, as it indicates an aloof attitude. Eyes that look away can be contemplating or processing complex information or seeking escape routes due to boredom. Eyes can also look away because they wish to submit which is more usual for a woman to do when in the presence of a man or when a child is faced with a power authority. Eyes look away when they are repulsed or intimidated by beauty.

Eyes that look away can also be due to fear of aggression such as when faced with a domineering confrontation. A subordinate individual will often make less eye contact than a more dominant one. This indicates a desire to submit.

Eye language is important as it is often more indicative of intent than other body language. Good eye contact significantly improves the chances of making a sale during business, but at worst, helps convey better meaning and understanding.

The most effective use of eye contact is in fleeting glances, which at first might seem counterintuitive. However, prolonged eye contact is seen as rude, untrustworthy, threatening or even aggressive. When eye contact is piercing in a client, it usually means that a sale is being resisted. This is viewed as, “staring you down,” and shows a desire to find flaws in the sales pitch.

Poor eye contact or prolonged periods of looking away means the reverse; indifference or outright disinterest. This is why brief glances followed by looking away, or at the material at hand, is most appropriate in a sale, and when done by a client, the best indication that a sales call is being well received.

Cue Cluster: This particular eye language is dynamic. When someone submits they will avert eyes coupled with closing up their bodies from attack with head lowered, shoulders turned in and taking on a smaller profile. When someone is repulsed or disinterested, eyes will avert coupled with picking lint, checking the contents of bags, reduced agreement indicators, eye rolling, and so forth. Watch for courtship cues to measure interest when eye contact is absent. Coy looks, blushing, grooming postures, head tilt, coupled with averted eyes and cast upward to show sexual interest.

Body Language Category: Arrogance or arrogant body language, Boredom, Disengagement, Escape movements, Eye Language, Indicators of disinterest (IOD), Intention movements, Pensive displays, Rejection body language, Stressful body language, Submissive body language.

Resources:

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Argyle, M., and Ingham, R. 1972. Gaze, mutual gaze, and proximity. Semiotica, 1, 32–49.

Argyle, M. and Cook, M. Gaze and Mutual Gaze. London: Cambridge University Press, 1976.

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*No Photo, Friendship touching or friendly touching, Intimate touching, Open body language, Ownership gesture, Rapport or rapport building, Readiness to submit postures, Submissive body language

Body Language of The Head Touch (by others)

by Chris • October 23, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of The Head Touch (by others)

Cue: Head Touch (by others)

Synonym(s): Touching Someone’s Head, Hair Ruffle, Kissing The Head.

Description: When one person touches the head of another person.

In One Sentence: Touching the head of another is a sign of dominance.

How To Use it: Touch the head of others when you believe that you have a strong bond with them and want to maintain or solidify this relationship. Never touch the head of a person you feel does not trust you as this will produce suspicion or even contempt. Intimate couples can, and should, freely touch each other and part of this involves touching and stroking areas of the face and head. A dad can playfully ruffle his son’s hair to show that they are bonded together. It is also an expression of the father’s dominance over the son.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “I am more dominant than you permitting me to touch your vulnerable head. You heed my dominance and are willing to trust that I will not harm you.”

Variant: The hair might be ruffled, the head patted, or the head kissed. See Guiding Body Language.

Cue In Action: a) After returning form work, he found his son playing quietly with a video game. He snuck up behind and kissed him on the head and ruffled his hair to show his affection. b) The Pope made the sign of the cross on her forehead. c) After a long day at work, he massaged her head to show affection. d) After scoring a goal, the hockey players patted each other on top of their head.

Meaning and/or Motivation: The head is a very personal and vulnerable area of the body. Allowing others to touch the head is reserved for close relatives and intimate partners. Thus, head touching is a sign of a deep bond and trust between two people.

A Dad might ruffle his son’s hair or a wife might massage her husbands head to demonstrate affection. Kissing the head is a way a mom shows her daughter that she cares and is willing to protect her.

A subordinate employee would never touch the head of his boss but leaders of religious organizations will frequently touch the heads of their congregation.

Cue Cluster: The head touch is a cue that does not require additional cues for support.

Body Language Category: Friendship touching or friendly touching, Intimate touching, Open body language, Ownership gesture, Rapport or rapport building, Readiness to submit postures, Submissive body language.

Resources:

Bohm. 1997. Effects of interpersonal touch, degree of justification, and sex of participant on compliance with a request. The Journal of social psychology. 137: 460-469.

Debrot, Anik ; Schoebi, Dominik ; Perrez, Meinrad ; Horn, Andrea B. Touch as an interpersonal emotion regulation process in couples’ daily lives: the mediating role of psychological intimacy. Personality & social psychology bulletin. 2013. 9(10): 1373-85.

Fisher, J; Rytting, M and Heslin, R. 1976. Hands touching hands: affective and evaluative effects on interpersonal touch, Sociometry 39: 416–421.

Guéguen, Nicolas. Nonverbal encouragement of participation in a course: the effect of touching Social Psychology of Education. 2004. 7: 89–98.
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