What is body language? Definition and examples in speaking
Body language is the information people pick up from your posture, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact and movement, alongside your words. When you speak, it tells listeners how sure you are, how you feel about them and whether your words match what you mean.
Body language when you speak
| Signal | Example | What listeners often read into it |
|---|---|---|
| Stance | Weight on both feet, about hip-width apart | Settled, ready |
| Rocking, shifting or pacing without purpose | Nerves | |
| Gestures | Open hands at waist height when explaining | Open, sure of the point |
| Hands gripping the lectern, or in pockets throughout | Tense or holding back | |
| Face | A small smile on your opening line | Warmth, glad to be there |
| A concentrated frown while you think | Can read as displeasure, even when it isn't | |
| Eye contact | Looking at one person per sentence, around the room | Talking to people |
| Eyes on the slides or notes most of the time | Reading, not talking | |
| On video | Looking at the camera when you make a key point | Eye contact, as far as they can tell |
Same words, different message
Say "I'm confident we'll hit the deadline" twice. First with arms folded, eyes down and a quick shrug. Then standing still, looking at the person, with a short pause before "hit". The words are identical; most listeners will believe only the second. When body and words disagree, people tend to trust the body.
Read signals with care
Body language is not a code with fixed meanings. Eye contact norms differ between cultures. Some people avoid eye contact or fidget because of disability, neurodivergence or simply habit, not dishonesty. A single folded arm may just mean the room is cold. Look for patterns and changes, not one cue.
When you're the speaker, the most useful fix is usually to know your material well enough that you stop fighting it. For specifics, see what to do with your hands and eye contact on video calls.
Questions people ask
What are examples of positive body language?
An upright but relaxed stance, open hand gestures, eye contact with different people and a natural smile at the start and end.
Does body language matter on a phone call?
Indirectly. Standing up and smiling change how your voice sounds, even though no one can see you.
Can you fake confident body language?
You can practise it, and it may feel unnatural at first. It holds up best when your preparation is solid underneath.
What body language should I avoid in an interview?
Looking at the door or your phone, checking the time, and slouching low in the chair are the most commonly noticed.