In this post I will be talking about what is probably the easiest category of body language to recognize, anger.
I say that it is the most easily recognizable because more often than not the mannerisms that show during anger are fairly blatant. While there are some gestures that may be unique to individuals there are a set of movements that are very common to most people.
Clenched Fists – Clenched fists are a signal that a person is angry and potentially ready to fight.
Furrowed Eyebrows – Furrowed eyebrows is also a useful indicator when attempting to tell if a person is angry. This is when the inner eyebrows, the ends closest to your nose, press downward and inward towards the nose.
Nostril Flare – The nostril flare can also mean that a person is in a state of fury. This can allow more oxygen into the lungs in time of anger and thus in times of increased heart rate.
Spatial Invasion – Spatial invasion in this case is when one person who is angry with another, leans toward the other invading their personal space.
Narrowed Eyes – A person who is in a state of rage may narrow their eyes. This gesture is often seen with the before mentioned furrowed eyebrows.
Tightening Lips – An angry person may also tighten their lips, rolling them slightly inward. Sometimes this can be seen in combination with a frown.
Lowered Stance – A person in rage may also lower and “strengthen” their stance. When in a fight or preparing for a fight (whether verbal or physical) this is a movement to help stabilize the body for fighting.
Yelling – A person may yell or even let out a sort of roar or grunt during serious fits of anger.
Now, again I must reiterate that body language is contextual. Meaning seeing only one of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean that a person is angry. Since everyone is different people may also showcase their anger in different ways; whether it be violent “loud” motions, stomping their foot, biting their lower lip or anything else.
Below I have included a clip from the famous animation studio Pixar’s movie, Toy Story. In this clip we see an animator’s view and rendition of anger. You will see some of the gestures mentioned above in the character Woody’s actions. Enjoy.
References:
Angry Face - Pic -http://www.ziinews.com/
Toy Story - Youtube link -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXu6lQqhieA&feature=related
Although in fairness, it’s not an absolutely reliable way of calculating such figures, as this study was conducted for a telecoms company over the telephone. Therefore, the person on the other end could hear the words and the tone of voice but lacked the visual input of the Flirting Body Language.
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