Body Language Basics: 19 Tips To Help You Understand Others Better Main / Relationships Understanding the body language of people around you enables you to read into their minds and emotional states, which leads to better communication overall. In many cases, body language can reveal more information than words can express. This can apply to both work and personal relationships. A word of caution, interpretation of body language is not a science, more like art. There is no way that you can be 100% sure of what a gesture means, so use the below information as a general guideline only. 1. Crossed Arms Indicates a state of unwelcoming or blocking when someone is not interested in having a conversation. Could also mean a state of self-calming when someone is worried or anxious. 2. Avoiding eye contact If someone sitting in front of you tries to avoid eye contact, it probably indicates that they are not confident , ashamed , or feel anxious. 3. Inte...