In the bad old days, experts on body language tried to decode specific gestures by attaching specific meanings to them.  We know better today; in fact, now we know that body language determines the thinking behind meaning.  Back then the idea was that each gesture had a secret meaning and once you understood it you could use that understanding to control other people.  

That’s ridiculous.  First of all, most gestures can mean a dozen things.  And second, most gestures don’t bestow magical powers of manipulation on geeky boys, for example, trying to seduce attractive co-eds.  

That school of thought came about because the first researchers of body language focused on gestures with specific meanings, or emblems as they called them.  For example, if I hold up 2 fingers with my palm facing out, most people in the US and in parts of Europe will understand that to mean “peace,” or perhaps “V for Victory.”  If I reverse the direction of my palm, some people in various parts of the world will take offense.  

Similarly, if I make a circle with my thumb and forefinger and hold it up, most people in the US and Western Europe will take it that I’m signaling “OK.”  In other parts of the world, people will take offense.  

That’s the way the study of body language began.  The arm-waving that all of us do when we’re speaking was dismissed as not meaningful.  

Now, we’ve become a little more enlightened, and we’ve learned to read that arm-waving and other motions and gestures of the body to signify, if not quite precise and specific things, intent, emotion, and attitude – much more interesting stuff.  

Popular awareness has caught up to this point, mostly, and at least well-informed people know, for example, that wide-open eyes (or pupils) signify interest.  

But there’s a further aspect of body language that most people are not aware of, and it’s the most interesting of all.  Body language doesn’t just signal what you’re thinking.  It also actually shapes what you’re thinking.  

Here’s how it works.  If you stand tall, and take up as much space as possible, your body will manufacture more testosterone, and less cortisol (a stress hormone).  You’ll actually start to feel more confident and powerful, and you will believe that you are so.

Body language determines attitude.  Think about that the next time you stand, sit, or walk.  Especially with anyone watching.  For a brilliant discussion of this, watch Amy Cuddy’s video on TED, below.