How to learn the signs of nervousness using body language rules?

Nervousness is a sign that you are not comfortable with or in the current situation. It is a psychological state of mind, nervousness is characterized by a feeling of restlessness, apprehension and worry. At times, it helps in completing a task much more efficiently. However, excessive nervousness is harmful and may cause physical, emotional, psychological as well as cognitive impairment in a person.

According to Mehrabian, 55 percent of our communication is done through body language, 38 percent is done through tone of voice and 7 percent is done through our words. Our body language exhibits far more information about how we feel than it is possible to articulate verbally. Our body movement includes the heads, eyes, shoulders, lips, eyebrows, neck, legs, arms, fingers, orientation, hands and gestures. Together these pieces can convey if we’re comfortable, unhappy, friendly, anxious, nervous and many other messages. You should be aware of your body movements as it can help you hide your nervousness at occasions when you should look confident. With the right information and a little practice, we can train ourselves to overcome most of our negative body language habits.

Learning body language isn't something you can master overnight, but you can learn a few basic rules to help you.

Signals conveyed by nervous people include:                           

• Their fists are clenched.
• Their hands or feet are tapping.
• The bottom edges between the fingers of one hand are clenched with
• the bottom edges between the fingers of the other hand. This is the position of the hands when praying.
• Hands are interlocked (flesh between thumb and index finger of one hand joined with flesh between thumb and index finger of another hand) and pressing each other.
• They speak in a high-pitched, fast-paced, stuttering voice
• They whistle to conceal and fight their nervousness.
• They are often clearing their throat.
• One hand is clutching the other hand, wrist, arm, or elbow.
• Their arms are at the back, where one hand is pressing the wrist or arm.
• Their arms are crossed, but they are gripping their biceps.
• Their legs are crossed while standing.
• They have a wilted handshake, palms pointing upwards.
• Their eyes evade you.
• Their ankles are locked or glued to each other. When accompanied by clenched fists, this may indicate that they are holding back strong emotions or feelings.

How to hide signs of nervousness?

1. Being totally relaxed
2. Relaxed shoulder
3. Relaxed movements
4. Relaxed thinking
5. Slower movements (Slow down all your movements to at least half speed)

Nervousness can be felt in your voice, so slow down your rate of speech (Not slow motion, but rather a speed that shows you are in no hurry to get your point across)

Useful links:

* 25 Acts of Body Language to Avoid

 * Body Language Basics

* The Body Doesn't Lie

* How to Read Body Language