We communicate with more than just our words. Our hands, eyes, shoulders, and even how we sit or stand all send subtle signals, whether we mean them to or not.
These types of body language form an unspoken dialogue that can shape how we express ourselves, connect with others, and build trust. Understanding body language is a valuable skill, especially for adults who want to broaden their horizons, people with neurodivergence, and anyone who simply wants to have more fulfilling instead of awkward interactions with others.
But, it’s easy to misinterpret a gesture if we assume it always means the same thing. A person crossing their arms might be defensive, or they might just be cold. Someone avoiding eye contact may not be uninterested - they could be autistic or overwhelmed.
In this guide, we explore dozens of body language examples, including open body language, closed off body language, and more nuanced cues. Along the way, you’ll find practical body language tips, compassionate advice, and a focus on individual context, especially for people navigating neurodiversity.
Common body language
These are some of the most recognisable types of body language, often noticed without conscious effort.
1. Open palms
Showing your palms while talking can convey honesty, openness, and a willingness to connect.
2. Eye contact
Making eye contact in short, natural intervals generally signals engagement and confidence in many Australian settings.
3. Smiling
A genuine smile, often called a Duchenne smile, involves both the mouth and the eyes. It typically communicates warmth and authenticity.
4. Leaning forward
Gently leaning in while someone speaks often indicates interest, attention, and a desire to connect.
5. Nodding
Nods can show understanding or agreement, but rapid or excessive nodding might reflect nervousness.
6. Crossed arms
This posture is often seen as defensive body language. However, it can also reflect self-soothing, habit, or simply being cold.
7. Crossed legs
Where and how someone crosses their legs may suggest comfort, defensiveness, or openness, depending on direction and posture.
8. Tapping fingers
Tapping can indicate impatience, stress or anxiety. It may also be a form of self-stimulation for people with ADHD.
9. Fidgeting
Often a sign of restlessness or discomfort, fidgeting is also a common way for neurodivergent individuals to regulate focus.
10. Head tilt
Tilting the head slightly to one side can suggest empathy, curiosity, or active listening.
11. Touching the face
People might touch their face when they’re thinking, nervous, or unsure about something.
Subtle and less common body language
These gestures may go unnoticed, but can still influence how we’re perceived.
12. Clenched fists
Tightly closed fists often reflect tension, frustration, or internalised stress.
13. Tugging at ears
This may be a self-soothing gesture that reflects indecision or nervousness.
14. Hands behind the back
This can suggest restraint, formality, or hidden anxiety, depending on the context.
15. Rubbing the neck
Often a sign of unease or self-comfort, particularly in difficult conversations.
16. Self-hugging
Crossing arms tightly or wrapping them around oneself may indicate anxiety or the need for comfort.
17. Lip biting or licking
This can signal nervousness, tension, or hesitation. It may also be a sensory-seeking action in some people.
18. Playing with jewellery or clothing
Often a sign of anxiety, distraction, or sensory stimulation, especially in neurodivergent individuals.
19. Shoulder shrug
Usually indicates uncertainty or lack of commitment to a stance or answer.
20. Pursed lips
Pressed lips can suggest frustration, disagreement, or holding back a thought.
21. Rubbing the eyes
This gesture may signal disbelief, exhaustion, or emotional strain.
22. Staring intensely
Unbroken eye contact can feel intimidating. Some may use it intentionally to project dominance, while others may not realise its intensity.
Movement-based gestures
How we move, not just how we sit or stand, reveals subtle messages.
23. Walking briskly
Typically conveys confidence, purpose, and assertiveness.
24. Dragging or shuffling feet
May indicate low energy, sadness, or disinterest.
25. Glancing at exits or watches
Frequent glancing around the room, especially toward exits or clocks, can suggest discomfort or boredom.
26. Turning away slightly
Angling the body away from someone may signal disconnection, discomfort, or a wish to disengage.
Micro-gestures and facial expressions
Brief, often involuntary expressions can reveal underlying feelings.
27. Micro-expressions
These rapid facial movements, lasting less than a second, may show surprise, anger, or joy, even when someone tries to hide it.
28. Eyebrow raises
One raised brow may indicate scepticism, while both raised brows can express surprise or openness.
29. Squinting
This may show confusion, critical thinking, or suspicion.
30. Jaw clenching
A tight jaw often reflects stress, tension, or suppressed emotion.
Body language linked to confidence
These types of body language are often read as assertive or composed.
31. Steepling fingers
When fingertips touch but palms stay apart, it often communicates confidence and thoughtful authority.
32. Hands on hips
This can show readiness, assertiveness, or frustration. Context and facial expression matter.
33. Standing tall
Good posture in communication generally suggests attentiveness and confidence.
34. Controlled gestures
Intentional and measured hand movements tend to convey calm, clarity, and emotional regulation.
35. Relaxed facial expressions
A calm, relaxed face, without tension in the jaw, brows, or lips, often signals emotional stability and quiet confidence. It can make others feel more at ease and open during conversation.
Are body language and gestures universal?
Not quite. While many gestures are widely understood, interpretation depends on culture, personality, and neurodiversity.
In Australia, moderate eye contact is usually seen as respectful. However, for someone from a culture that values subtlety, direct eye contact might feel uncomfortable. Similarly, open body language is often read as friendly, but not everyone is naturally expressive.
Neurodivergent people, including those with autism or ADHD, as well as people with social anxiety or other mental health conditions, may display body language differently.
A therapist specialising in autism will tell you that someone with autism might avoid eye contact or use gestures in ways that are unique to them.
These differences are not deficits, and interpreting them requires compassion and context.
What if I’m struggling with my communication?
If reading or expressing body language feels overwhelming or confusing, you’re not alone. Here are some body language tips that can help:
Be kind to yourself: Self-awareness is a skill, not a test. Start by observing how you naturally express yourself.
Practice small changes: You might try lifting your posture, maintaining eye contact for a second longer, or observing your tone of voice.
Use mirrors or recordings: This can help you become more familiar with how you move and express yourself, without judgment.
Ask for feedback: Trusted friends or a therapist specialising in autism or communication skills can offer insight tailored to you.
Learn what feels natural: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to body language. Focus on cues that feel comfortable and authentic.
Final thoughts
Body language is a powerful form of nonverbal communication, but it isn’t universal or perfect. Interpreting gestures, posture, and facial expressions takes empathy, not just observation.
Whether you’re neurotypical or neurodivergent, understanding body language should never be about fitting into someone else’s mould. Instead, it’s about learning how you express yourself best, and how others do too.
If you’re finding communication challenging, consider speaking with a therapist specialising in autism, ADHD, or interpersonal dynamics. Support can help you feel more confident and more connected, and help you have more joy and fulfilling relationships.
