We look and let out eyes slide away. We look for longer periods when the other is talking than when we are speaking. The eyes mirror a great deal of feeling in subtle ways, whether open wide or squinting, twinkling with laughter, glowering with anger, or becoming red and watery with sadness. While the facial expression tells how a person is feeling, the rest of the body usually indicates how the person is coping with those feelings. Body movements can also serve as illustrators and regulators.
Illustrators are nonverbal movements that accompany and illustrate verbal communication.
People reveal a lot about themselves by the way they sit, stand and walk. Holding oneself relaxed and erect is often interpreted as confidence, while hunching over is seen as lack of self-esteem, sadness or even depression. Excessive rigidity can indicate formality or tension. When people give you their attention, they usually turn and face you squarely. Often they learn your direction and sometimes without intending, they usually turn and face you squarely.