There are many form of communication and sometimes a person's body language can actually indicate more things than the spoken word. Learning to understand body language can be very beneficial both in the work environment as well as on a more personal front. Body language reveals personal feelings and reactions to other people's feelings. However is has yet to be proven to be a science form and is not a real indicator to anything as it can be and is often manipulated. Most powerful people use this form of the unspoken word to make judgment calls which have proven to be a very effective way of getting and giving information. Some quarters qualify any and all movements in the body to be categorized as body movement; while others go even further to say that even breathing techniques fall in this category too.
When meeting someone for the first time, it is often a benefit to be able to read their body language signals to assess either the person or situation.
However again it may not be the best way to form an opinion because as mentioned earlier, body language can be manipulated. The art of body language is constantly being exchanged and interpreted between people on different levels of alternative communication.
While an individual is busy reading the body language of those he or she in interacting with, they at the same time are also reading the individual's body language. People who make it a habit of reading body language sign always have the advantage over any situation the thus having some knowledge on this subject would be good. In order to be able to read the various body language signals fairly accurately, one must first have a basic knowledge of all the possible positions and meanings attached and projected by these various poses. When a person's demeanor personifies confidence the body language projected would be a brisk and erect walk. This movement successfully conveys the image and mind set of someone focused and sure of themselves.
The classic stance of hand on hips and legs slightly apart typical of people trying to portray authority actually reads as being ready for any outside reaction and potential aggression tendencies. It can also be used as an intimidating tool.
Sitting with legs slightly apart for men signals confidence and a very relaxed demeanor. This body language interpretation also applies to sitting with hands clasped behind the head and legs crossed or stretched out.