Body gestures are very important in interviews. Each gesture has meaning. Below is a list of common gestures and gestures dos and don'ts.
Body Gesture 1: leaning forward
If you are sitting at your desk having a conversation with someone and he learns towards you. The meaning of this gesture is that this person is either leaving or about to ask a question. He has something on his mind and is no longer paying full attention to what you are saying.
Body Gesture 2: crossing arms
You and I are having a conversation, we are sitting down and there is not a desk or table between us. We are facing directly towards each other. As you are speaking I cross or fold my arms.This is a common body gesture and itis a negative body gesture that say that I am either bored or unimpressed with what you are saying. If you are trying to convince me of something, then you are failing because folding arms is a defense body gesture that says I'm not taking in whatever you are saying.
Body Gesture 3: crossing legs towards you
You are sitting on a couch or sofa alongside someone. The other person crosses his legs towards you. This is a subtle body gesture that means the person crossing legs is keeping it casual. If the person crosses his or her legs towards you then he or she is trying to keep a little distance between you and him or her. If he or she crosses his or her legs away from you, then he or she is trying to move closer to you and away from the person on the other side.
Body Gesture 4: hands and palms up
You are talking to someone and as you explain your ideas you put out both hands and palms up. Putting both hands and palms up is a good body gesture when explaining because it shows clarification as in you have nothing to hide. You are opening up all that you have to the other person.
Body Gesture 5: ear pulling, eye pulling, collar pulling
You are attending a seminar. The presenters use some of these body gestures such as ear pulling, eye pulling and collar pulling. These basic body gestures suggest lack of confidence and nervousness. Anyone fidgeting with ears, eyes, or collars or fingers while giving a presentation shows that he or she is nervous and not too comfortable talking or presenting.
Body Gesture 6: sitting with hands on knees
You observe a person in a meeting edge towards the front of his chair. Sitting with hands on knees, he seems about to stand. This sitting body gestures means that this person is about to leave and getting ready to get up.
Body Gesture 7: hand gesture & facial gesture
Someone has been asked a question and before replying they stroke their chin. This body and facial gesture suggests that they are contemplating and thinking before answering. This facial and hand gesture is used often especially when the person does not really know the answer and needs to think hard. Stroking the chin could also mean that the person is not really getting the question and needs to think about what to say next.
In an interview, it is best to not stroke chin because it can also be viewed as rude. Sometimes, stroking your chin before answering means you think you are more superior than the interviewer and wiser. Stroking anything is inappropriate in interviews.
