C
Cadence Intonation (linguistics), the variation of
pitch and tempo in speech tempo. The pace often slows when people are
concentrating.
Canalizing To give a particular direction to or
provide an outlet for something.
Casual crowds A group or gathering whose members are
unaware that they are part of a crowd and yet they obey the rules, often
complex ones such as pedestrians walking in various directions but avoiding
contact, through following unwritten, unconscious rules.
CAT communication accommodation theory People adopt
aspects of speech patterns in efforts to strengthen bonds or acceptance, or influence
a relationship. This includes reducing differences of dialect, accent and word
usage when wishing to emphasis contrast, and increasing the similarities/regularities
when seeking approval.
Catapult A body position in which the hands are
clasped behind head, elbows back, chest puffed out, legs stretched out. The
result is an increased body size suggesting confidence, self-satisfaction, or
high status, but as this makes the individual look threatening it can be
considered disguised aggression.
Categories Humans learn concept by separating the
similar and grouping them. We infer or summarise once a person has been placed
in a category. It’s categories that allow people to compare and contrast.
Cathartic A cathartic behaviour providing
psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions; causing
catharsis, such as exhalation which can express relief.
Center-stage effect People situated in the middle of
a group tend to be overlooked, or paid less attention to, than other members. Typically,
this applies to lectures, with public speakers making more eye contact with
those to their left and right sides.
Certainty A firm conviction or lack of doubt, which can be signalled by a single nod, erect posture, power posing, solid gestures and handshaking, plus a swiftness of dismissive behaviours if/when their conviction is challenged.
Chair straddle As with the power pose stance, the
feet placed beyond the width of the hips, but this time the doer straddle a
chair, with the back of the seat in front of them. Despite the obvious use of a
barrier this is considered a dominant, masculine pose, and phallic display
(despite the chair covering this area).
Chameleon effect A term first used by Chartrand &
Bargh, chameleons are mimics, assuming the attitudes, appearance and actions of
others they wish to emulate or impress, possibly to influence. The opposite to ‘leopards’
who make effort to fit in, says King, chameleons are adept at reading people
and are continually adjusting to fit in.
Channels of communication These are many different
ways in which people communicate messages. Some categorise them as facial
expressions, body language, voice, verbal content, verbal style and
back-channelling; others as haptics, vocalics, kinesics, proxemics, etc.
Checking belongings When people are in stressful situations they often check their belongings. Perhaps patting a pocket to check a wallet's presence, moving their phone closer, pulling a bag close, or checking tickets prior to a performance or journey. These reassure and keep the brain busy, releasing mental energy.
Cheek biting A pacifier performed when experiencing stress. A self-restraint or self-punishment action as an individual attempt to gain control.
Cheek biting A pacifier performed when experiencing stress. A self-restraint or self-punishment action as an individual attempt to gain control.
Cheek framing When the jaw is rested on a thumb with
the hand’s index finger vertical alongside the cheek. Often performed when a
doer, in thought, is weighing up their options or considering how to process
the information they are hearing.
Cheek screw A rotating straight forefinger is pressed
into the centre of a cheek, commonly used by men in Italy to signal that a
woman is attractive.
Cheek touch Often a pacifier, when someone touches
their cheek it can be to relieve stress. It may also signal boredom.
Cheeks Can be revealing, both in their appearance and
movements. From blushing to smiling, to make up and beards - or the width of
one’s face - cheeks communicate.
Chemosignals Human communicate their emotional states
to each other through chemical signals. For example, the smell of fish enhances
suspicion. Fear signals confer a survival advantage through sensory
acquisition, whilst a disgust signals trigger sensory rejection, another
survival enhancer.
Chest puffing Like many other animals, humans puff
out their chests when aiming for territorial dominance. This can be a display
of aggression when space has been violated. Chest puffing, if combined with the
pulling in of the stomach can also be an attempt to make oneself more sexually
attractive.
Chewing Oral comforting actions can come in the form
of object adapters including the likes of chewing a pencil or gum, or nail
biting. They are often performed when the brain requires the release of calming
endorphins such as those stimulated through chewing. This action also helps the
face move, which is shown to be preferable to receivers than seeing a stone
face.
Chin Chin behaviour communicates and protects. Even a
static, neutral chin sends a signal. Chin size for example, as it can be an
indicator of testosterone levels. If a palm covers the chin, preventing its
movement, it can be that an attempt to hide an emotion is taking place, or that
the person is bored.
Chin down If fleeting and combined with wide open
eyes, surprise can be assumed. A dropped chin can also be part of a
smile but it’s usually done when hearing bad or sad news. If done with lowered
shoulders it may signal refusal.
Chin flick This involves placing the fingertips of
one hand under your chin, pointing to the neck, before scraping and flicking
the fingers outwards, towards the target of the message, which says, no, I
can’t or I don’t wish to, communicated in an insulting manner. More commonly
performed in France and Italy.
Chin jut This appears to be a universal sign of
aggression or aggrievance, usually combined with superiority and arrogance. This gesture exposes
the throat, demonstrating prepared risk or fearlessness, often directed at a competitor in a challenging way. It can also be performed as an adaptor, especially by men wearing shirts (ventilating). Del Boy (from Only Fools and Horses) does this habitually. The chin jut action has a cultural significance too, as it's used to point directions or signal agreement in certain Eastern countries.
Chin lift Raising the chin often signals a feeling of confidence or superiority.
Chin point By stretching the neck and pointing the
chin, direction can be signalled. This is favoured to pointing with a finger or
hand in some countries.
Chin quiver/wrinkle The puckered or wrinkled chin may
be a defensive action such as pulling away from a threat. Often combined with a
withdrawn chin, if the lips pout it can be a show of defiance.
Chin stroke Associated with thinking and curiosity, this auto-contact
movement is a common pacifier.
Chin tuck Protects the vulnerable neck area - protect
the trachea and carotid artery - especially if combined with the shoulders
raising (or head lowering). The chin tuck lowers the head in a submissive
gesture if the eyes gaze downward. A tucked chin is form of
withdrawal/distancing but if the head is tiled back it can signal superiority
and contempt.
Chin withdraw Similar to the chin tuck, it can be a
sign of distancing and protection. The chin pulling back may show doubt or anxiety.
Choreographed gestures If planning a speech or
rehearing a performance it’s useful to choreograph gestures. Composing the
order and timing of movements helps one’s own memory and facilitates greater
audience comprehension.
Clasped hands Can be a sign of self restraint or psychological
turbulence, tension being displaced to the grip, the more intense the grip, or
interlocked the fingers, the more stress is being experienced. If the clasped
hands are raised it may mean frustration. When attempting to deceive it’s also
true that fewer gestures and more hand clasping is undertaken. However, the
handclasp doesn’t usually relate to stress or anxiety if the clasp is light of
grip. If the back of one hand is placed in the palm of the other, either in
front of the stomach or behind the back, it may simply be a position of
comfort. Locking fingers is common on done for many reasons. Check for the looseness of (or tension in) the fingers as well as accompanying behaviours.
CLEM conjugate lateral eye movements Coordinated
movements of the eye laterally from side, controlled by the paramedian pontine
reticular formation. These involuntary eye movements can signal a mind in the
process of making a decision or reflecting. Harnad noted that rightward
movement is associated with symbolic thinking, while leftward movement
associated with visual thinking.
Clenching Humans clench many different muscles
at times of stress. A clenched fist can signal frustration or anger, clenched
hands restraint or a negative attitude, and clenched buttocks anxiety or fear.
Tight lips with a clenched jaw are universal signs that something is wrong.
Closed body language When the body becomes smaller
and withdrawn, usually with crossed limbs, a closed posture is adopted. Props
can also be used to close off engagement. A sudden movement to a closed
position can signal a negative change in mood. However, when someone is cold,
their body language looks much like a closed, defensive position. When feet are brought together in a seated position, look for tension in the legs. This is an emotionally closed posture, unlike the same position but with more relaxed muscles.
Clusters When decoding body language it is always
worth looking for clusters, combinations of three or more indicators suggesting
the same message.
Cocooning A recoiling action such as curling up or
self-hugging, aimed to shut off outside disturbance. More subtle versions like
looking at a phone whilst listening to headphones can also be a cocooning
behaviour.
Co-evolution The process by which the simultaneous
development of two or more organisms occurs. It could be two animals that have
coevolved due to a mutual dependency, influence or interaction such as predator
and prey, or the beneficial partnership between human and dog.
Cognitive ease Concerned with how our brains process
a piece of information, cognitive ease is the measure of how easy this is. The
Cognitive ease associated with something will alter how we feel about it and
whether we are motivated to invest our time and effort in it. Cognitive ease
can help people who have an easy to pronounce name or familiar face. It feels
good, but also gives us a false sense of security because it makes us think we
understand far more than we actually do.
Cognitive dissonance The mental discomfort
(psychological stress) experienced by a person who holds two or more
contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values. This state of having inconsistent
thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes especially applies to behavioural decisions and
attitude change.
Cognitive style Describes the way individuals think,
perceive and remember information. Learning is more efficient is a teacher has
a similar cognitive style to their pupil.
Cold reading Without the prior knowledge of
baselining, or sometimes even context, high-probability guesses are made from
signals picked up instantly. Using various cues such as posture, attire,
gender, ethnicity, age, hairstyle, information is quickly gathered and tested
to form impressions.
Collar pull Ventilation performed when ‘hot under the
collar’. A similar action to sweeping hair away, the collar pull usually
involved two fingers running along the inside of the collar when stress
requires the need for air. The tingling sensation in the neck tissues, perhaps
caused by lying, or increased blood pressure and subsequent sweat, can lead to
this behaviour.
Collective intentionality Characterises the
intentionality that occurs when two or more individuals undertake a task
together. To communicate emotion both sender and receiver need a shared
understanding of it. It may be that the accepted look of emotion – its
corresponding facial expression – is no more than an agreed set of muscular and
cardiovascular changes in the given context, necessary to communicate emotion.
Comfort blanket An object that brings psychological
comfort or eases anxiety. Also known as a security blanket is refers to the
common item that infants cling to at bedtime or carry around with them, typically
covering their ventral region. Not restricted to blankets, these object can be
other props.
Comfort dividend The benefit gained by putting people
at ease, perhaps by making their environment comfortable.
Compassion Sympathetic pity and concern for the
sufferings or misfortunes of others, compassion is a basic human nature. When
observing suffering most humans feel compassion, something we feel more readily
when watching than other emotions.
Complexion The combination of the hot, cold, moist,
and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a
body, people now see complexion as the general hue or appearance of the skin
and especially of the face.
Compound gestures Involve many independent key elements.
Examples are shrugging (palms up, shoulders hunched etc) and laughing (head-back,
closed eyes etc).
Compressed lips Perhaps originating from a response
to foul tasting food, tight lips with a closed mouth is a common reaction to
seeing or hearing something we deem negative. Compressed lips also signal
concealment.
Congruence Physical actions should be consistent and
one’s physical attitude should match a mental one. There should be congruence
between body expressions (posture, gait etc) and facial expressions, tone of
voice and other nonverbal channels of communication, if a message is to be
encoded successfully. If these are not aligned the message may not be
effective. Incongruence with lead to the most negative messages of a mixed
signal being that which is decoded.
Conscious gesture This is a deliberate action, made
with the sender’s awareness, and typically made to send a message.
Comfort display Behaviour which suggests that the
doer is feeling comfortable or relaxed, such as open, splayed body language.
Concealed irritation The act of attempting to hide an
emotional reaction or feeling by consciously masking or adopting a different
expression. In some cases this concealment can be unconscious, such as the
contempt expression, which attempts to hide and suppress.
Confidence Confident people take up more space both
vertically, in the form of erect postures, horizontally, in terms of
spreading out, and their gait, with striding out or bouncing steps and swinging arms. This space filling also includes legs being stretched out when sitting. Gravity defying behaviours of the face (chin up, nose raised)
can signal confidence, whilst confident people use fewer (but bolder) gestures, and usually keep their palms and thumbs visible. The antithesis is apprehension. Raised/visible thumbs, even when arms are crossed, can show confidence.
Conflicting The human brain can’t hold on to two
conflicting ideas without discomfort, and mixed emotions are common, so we
employ compound expressions and mismatched displays. These usually send
incongruous signals, and the more negative emotion often ends up being the one
decoded. Examples of conflicting emotions can be seen with a twisted face, or
the body swaying from side to side, as the desire to leave and stay creates
conflict. Other restless behaviours are often evident when a person is conflicted, such as tapping and pacing. It can simply be that the words sound positive but the actions suggest
otherwise (conscious v unconscious).
Confirmation look/glance Often performed after information has been given in a conversation, this look is a way of checking that the statement has been heard, understood or believed by those (or a particular important person) in earshot.
Confusion From the receiver’s position, confusion equals mistrust; it’s a reason people find clowns or dolls unsettling, their expressions are fixed and unnatural, they are confusing. Displays of confusion include repetitive movement, shifting, fidgeting, and pacifiers, especially face rubbing. Other signs include eyebrow pinching and attempts to restore order. Dimitrius & Mazzarella state that the people pick up and put down items when experiencing confusion.
Confusion From the receiver’s position, confusion equals mistrust; it’s a reason people find clowns or dolls unsettling, their expressions are fixed and unnatural, they are confusing. Displays of confusion include repetitive movement, shifting, fidgeting, and pacifiers, especially face rubbing. Other signs include eyebrow pinching and attempts to restore order. Dimitrius & Mazzarella state that the people pick up and put down items when experiencing confusion.
Connection A relationship in which a person is linked or associated with someone or something else. The presence of a Duchenne smile, allo-contact, an open posture, close proximity (including leaning) and easy eye contact are signs of connectedness as are mirroring and matching behaviours.
Contagion People pass feelings to one another. This emotional
contagion can occur with every encounter experienced as we may feel an echo of
another’s mood, something that can spread to others.
Contempt facial expression The feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration. This lack of respect can spark a smirk in which a corner
of the mouth tightens (usually the left side). This one side’s cheek dimples,
or pulls up toward the eye and ear. It may be accompanied by a scoff/snort, rolling of the
eyes or askance look. The asymmetrical expression, often accompanied by anger,
denotes a feeling of moral or social superiority and of not wishing (or needing) to engage. It’s
often misread and misattributed, as the contempt is as likely to be for a
situation as it is a person. It could also be a flirting face.
Context Consider the environment or situation a
behaviour is taking place in. The brain’s hippocampus provides a memory of
context which is vital for emotional meaning. Context is usually needed for
cues to be deciphered credibly. As with words, half of which are not heard or
understood in isolation, images are ambiguous without context. Surroundings affect
behaviour. Knowing this, an environment can be adapted or staged to elicit a
elicit desirable response.
Contradictory signals Different contradicting messages
can be sent simultaneously. The sender mat be feeling the mixed emotions but it
makes decoding difficult for the receiver. The contradiction can result in fragmented
actions and compound gestures.
Contrastors Words such as but, however, and
nevertheless, are used to contrast two statements, the former setting up the
latter, either as a way of softening the blow, adding authenticity or holding
the floor but (see what I did there) they can end up weakening both statements.
Conscientiousness The personality trait of being
careful or diligent, it implies a desire to do a task well. Conscientious
people tend to be efficient and organised it is the case that conscientious
people are generally better at reading body language.
Conscious The state or quality of awareness, human
brains are working hard when engaging the conscious or executive function. For
reasons of efficiency and expediency many skills are transferred below
consciousness, it’s a purpose of learning. Most decisions are not made as a
result of conscious thought. From first impressions, biases and gut instincts,
people need to step back and engage conscious thought before making important
decisions, when time allows.
Consequentialism Right or wrong depend on the
consequences of an act, and that the more good consequences are produced, the
better the act. Of all the things a person might do at any given moment, the
morally right action is the one with the best overall results/outcomes.
Conventional crowds Brought together by an event,
this is a group of people gathered for a purpose, or shared experience.
Cooperative side-by-side position When seated, the
most cooperation can be expected from the people by your side, with the most
from the person to the right (the right-hand man). When people know each other
well they tend to sit side by side with no barrier.
Cornering By positioning themselves as a barrier,
people can put an individual in a position from which escape is difficult
without breaking social etiquette. It can be consciously manipulative, making
the victim feel threatened or embarrassed, or unconsciously performer, with the
victim stuck listening to the local bore or salesman.
Corpus callosum Joining the human brain’s left and
right hemispheres is a band called the corpus callosum, connecting material that
allows the two halves to communicate, an interaction that seems to be more
profound in women and homosexual men, both of whom have a proportionally larger/thicker
corpus callosum.
Cortex The cerebral cortex, also known as the cerebral
mantle, is the outer layer of neural tissue or gray matter of the cerebrum of
the human brain. The cortex is the area (of the brain) where thought, cognition
and the processing of complex sensory information takes place.
Cortisol Closely linked with stress, cortisol is a
hormone that works as a key player in the body's stress response. Often
measured in research as an indicator of stress, it plays a vital role in the
body's functioning.
Courtship displays Behaviours performed between
mutually attracted romantic partners. Women use and initiate more courtship
gestures than men, and are better as spotting sexual signals. Women also smile
and laugh more than men during courtship. Human courtship follows a predictable
sequence of actions. Among the many sexual signals are genital framing, closer
proximity, more eye gazing, matching and mirroring, and synchronised movement.
Cowboy stance Palms inwards, with thumbs are tucked
in to a belt, and the fingers pointing towards the genital area (framing it to
draw attention).
Cultural Prevalence Some gestures have different meaning in different countries or cultures. The emblem 'thumbs up' for example, can mean 'good', 'one' or even be an offensive phallic symbol in some countries.
Cranio-facial Of or pertaining to the cranium and the face.
Cranio-facial Of or pertaining to the cranium and the face.
Cross-gender behaviour Adopting a behaviour or aspect
of the social role associated with the opposite sex. It could be adopting the
clothing, hairstyle, gestures, speech patterns or gait commonly attributed to
the other gender.
Cross-mirroring A form of mirroring performed when a
similar but different behaviour is copied. For example, one person may cross
their arms in response to another crossing their legs.
Crossing arms Used for many reasons, the arm cross is often taken as a barrier. It could be that the performer is cold, seeking comfort or adopting a habitual pose, but people often see it as defensive, which it can be. There are several variations: the position of the hands (fingers and thumbs), the intensity of the clasp, etc. Is the person reassuring themselves (tight grip) or might the hands be grasping the upper arms (attempting to intimidate).
Crossing legs Traditional leg crossing is so common that its meaning is multiply, ranging from comfort to anxiety. The difficulty in making a quick getaway suggesting comfort, the body contact and protection aspects easing anxiety. Look for the direction of the knee and foot of the top leg, as this is likely to be directed towards a person of trust or interest. If legs suddenly cross or uncross it can be significant. Uncrossing legs can signal a negative emotion.
Crotch display The thumb-in-belt cowboy stance is an example of drawing attention to the genitals. Manspreading, or legs apart, leaning back, is another crotch reveal.
Crossing legs Traditional leg crossing is so common that its meaning is multiply, ranging from comfort to anxiety. The difficulty in making a quick getaway suggesting comfort, the body contact and protection aspects easing anxiety. Look for the direction of the knee and foot of the top leg, as this is likely to be directed towards a person of trust or interest. If legs suddenly cross or uncross it can be significant. Uncrossing legs can signal a negative emotion.
Crotch display The thumb-in-belt cowboy stance is an example of drawing attention to the genitals. Manspreading, or legs apart, leaning back, is another crotch reveal.
Crying Producing endorphins for the purpose of self-anaesthesia,
crying can provide a cathartic emotional release. Indeed, laughing, an
extension of crying, also produces endorphins. Evident from birth onwards,
crying can be attention seeking. In sadness, crying is typically accompanied by
adaptors.
Cultural differences People are influenced by cultural
forces such as political culture, socioeconomic situations and upbringing. Culture
plays a role in how gestures and expressions are performed or suppressed in
company. Personal space is also culturally influenced.
Curiosity An important quality relating to inquisitive thinking such as exploration, investigation and learning. It has been found that more curious people are better at reading facial expressions. Curiosity can be seen in eye behaviour that alternates between squinting and raised eyebrows/wide eyes as observation/listening takes place. Slow nodding, a tilted head and forward lean are other cues.
Curtsy A traditional gesture of greeting, in which a
girl or woman bends her knees while bowing her head. By taking a lower position
the receiver of the curtsy is offered an acknowledgement of their higher
status.
Curved arm Often performed when in a seated position,
the curved arm is a protective or distancing action with the elbow bent outward
towards a potential threat.
Cut-off Blocking actions performed when stressed. This
behaviour is done to reduce visual stimuli.