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UNDERSTANDING THE HEAD
The head is very significant in body language.It tends to lead and determine general body direction, but it is also vital and vulnerable being where our brain is, so the head is used a lot in directional (likes and dislikes) body language, and in defensive (self-protection) body language too.
A person's head, due to a very flexible neck structure, can turn, jut forward, withdraw, tilt sideways, forwards, backwards and all of these movements have meanings. The head, when our hands interact with it - is therefore dynamic and busy in communicating all sorts of messages - consciously and unconsciously.
When evaluating body language, pay attention to the following head movements and gestures:
The head is very significant in body language.It tends to lead and determine general body direction, but it is also vital and vulnerable being where our brain is, so the head is used a lot in directional (likes and dislikes) body language, and in defensive (self-protection) body language too.
A person's head, due to a very flexible neck structure, can turn, jut forward, withdraw, tilt sideways, forwards, backwards and all of these movements have meanings. The head, when our hands interact with it - is therefore dynamic and busy in communicating all sorts of messages - consciously and unconsciously.
When evaluating body language, pay attention to the following head movements and gestures:
![Picture](/uploads/2/7/6/9/27694615/2916845.jpg)
Fast head nodding
Vigorous head nodding signifies that the listener feels the speaker has made their point or taken sufficient time.
Head Tilting
A signal of interest, and/or vulnerability, which in turn suggests a level of trust. Head tilting is thought by some to relate to 'sizing up' something, since tilting the head changes the perspective offered by the eyes, and a different view is seen of the other person or subject. Exposing the neck is also a sign of trust.
Chin Up
Holding the chin up naturally alters the angle of the head backwards, exposing the neck, which is a signal of strength, resilience, pride, resistance, etc. A pronounced raised chin does other interesting things to the body too - it tends to lift the sternum (breast-bone), which draws in air, puffing out the chest, and it widens the shoulders. These combined effects make the person stand bigger. An exposed neck is also a sign of confidence. 'Chin up' is for these reasons a long-standing expression used to encourage someone to be brave.
Vigorous head nodding signifies that the listener feels the speaker has made their point or taken sufficient time.
Head Tilting
A signal of interest, and/or vulnerability, which in turn suggests a level of trust. Head tilting is thought by some to relate to 'sizing up' something, since tilting the head changes the perspective offered by the eyes, and a different view is seen of the other person or subject. Exposing the neck is also a sign of trust.
Chin Up
Holding the chin up naturally alters the angle of the head backwards, exposing the neck, which is a signal of strength, resilience, pride, resistance, etc. A pronounced raised chin does other interesting things to the body too - it tends to lift the sternum (breast-bone), which draws in air, puffing out the chest, and it widens the shoulders. These combined effects make the person stand bigger. An exposed neck is also a sign of confidence. 'Chin up' is for these reasons a long-standing expression used to encourage someone to be brave.
The author of this site does not claim to be a professional in body language. Information provided in this site came from various sources and personal observations. Sources and additional reading material are included.