The Secret Language of Business: How to Read Anyone in 3 Seconds or Less

Chapter 4. Context and Environment

The meaning and interpretation of body language is greatly affected by the context and environment in which it takes place.

Some nonverbal behavior is appropriate in some situations but not in others; some has an entirely different meaning in some situations compared with others. In this chapter I'll explore these concepts in more detail so by the end you'll have a better understanding of how context and environment influence body language, both in terms of appropriateness and meaning.

How Context and Environment Influence Body Language

Context and environment influence body language in ways both obvious and subtle. Some are due to social norms, some are due to life experience, and some are due to individual personality and selfesteem. There are generational differences, gender differences, and cultural differences, as well.

It really all comes down to perceptions. How do you perceive the context and environment where you are right now? If you're at home you're probably dressed casually, maybe drinking a soda or a cup of coffee, and there might be music, TV, or other people making noise in the background. You may or may not be taking notes as you read, and if you are, it's probably notes in the margin of the book.

If you're in the office, however, you're probably dressed in business clothes, sitting at a desk or meeting room table, and hearing the typical background noises of the office environment. You may even have a file folder set aside where you ...