Body language of shyness: The nonverbal actions of shy men or women can help you understand the nonverbal actions that someone would take.
Many times introverts or shy people will have many of the same traits or characteristics. Just because someone may have one or two of the traits of a shy person does not mean that the person is shy. It is always important to base line the body language of a man or woman before you draw your conclusions or thoughts about who or what they are. Whether it is for business, pleasure or even dating these signs and signals will help you interpret how to interact with a shy person.
Nonverbal communication of a shy man or woman may include:
- · Little or no eye contact
- · Less proximity around others
- · Nonverbal actions of the arms and or head
Many times people who are shy have little or no eye contact with others. You may see a man, man woman or child try to avoid eye contact with others while out walking around in public or even private. For some this may be a condition that becomes consistent over time and become a normal action.
Shy people know that eye contact may create conversation or interactions. Many times interactions with crazy people happens because good or strong eye contact is made.
Proximity of shy people and others
When a shy person is around others you may see that they do what they can to stay away from the people that they do not know. Even with some friends you may or may not see the shy man or woman even near or in the Bell Bubble or within the intimate distance of friends. In a social setting you may not see a shy person in the center of the room without a friend or group of friends. Shy people tend to stay out of the possibility of even being the center of attention.
Many times shy people will not wear flashy clothes but there is a chance that some will do so to get attention drawn to them so that people will approach them.
Nonverbal actions of shy people
As you observe the nonverbal actions of shy men or women you may see that their arms are folded or their head may be down. Now this isn’t always the case just as with every other aspect of body language there isn’t always exact actions that take place but many common ones that you can baseline.
How to interact with shy men or women
Interacting with shy people can go wrong if you act too quickly because not all of the time are they used to close proximity or others talking to them. You will want to watch the body language of a shy man or women as you approach them as you will literally see them start to get uncomfortable when you have entered into their private space and that space may be larger than for someone who is very outgoing.
When approaching a shy woman you would want to enter into her field from an area what she can she and the best way may be from an angle instead of head on or from behind.
You will not want to touch a shy man or woman too quickly as this may be too much for them to process.
Smiling may help with your endeavor but if you smile too much or too hard it may seem a little creepy or that you are trying too hard.
With shy men or women it is important to be patient with them as you interact with them just like anyone else but it may take even more time than normal
As always I would like to thank you in advance for your comments and or questions about the body language of shy men or women.
Now go implement!
Scott Sylvan Bell
Body language expert Scott Sylvan Bell explains the body langauge of shyness: video credit
Good advice on how to deal with shy people.
EcoFriendlyMatters @ EcoFriendlyLink
Best mosquito repellent is non-toxic
Scott, very good points on shyness. I realize that i sometimes exhibit the body language signs of shyness when I am tired, so another good reminder about base lining.
Sonya Lenzo
http://sunnyincostarica.com/costaricafrugalretirement/
Never knew that folding ones arms could be attributed to shyness. Maybe, as Sonya said, tiredness brings out the cues the body wants, like “don’t talk to me, I want to go to bed”.
Interesting as always, Scott!
Mark Hogan
How do you differentiate the body language of shyness from apathy or indifference or rejection or hiding something?
Octavio
Lapiceros Publicitarios Lima Peru
What about exercises to change shyness to normal just with body language. Is tht possible?
Hanks
Regalos Publicitarios Chile
Thanks for the tips on talking with shy people.
Elderly and Application of Ice
Good point, Scott, something I am guilty of … the old touch that is generally a barrier breaker for sales … I do it unconsciously and sometimes, rarely, I get a very negative reaction (shy person).
I’m glad you posted about the body language of shyness. Some people confuse shy with arrogant or aloof.
Cherie Miranda
Meditation, Guided Imagery, Yoga, Deep Breathing, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation: What Do They Have in Common?
Hi Scott,
Always amazing information!
Looking forward to tomorrow!
When does the caregiver get care?
What you say about Body language is quite controversial and resonable to understand.
Thanks for sharing that.
All the best,
Marc
Lapiceros Publicitarios Lima
Always excellent Posts, Scott … thank you for the information on shyness.
It is often hard to tell that people are shy or if they are a jerk…this definatley helps.
Sales Expert
shy people and hopefully everyone else don’t like people who smile too much and are creepy!
Scott, great explanation on how to approach shy people, especially women. I appreciate the advice about proximity and how to respect boundaries. Thanks.
What Is Body Language: 2 Reasons To Care
Good excerpt on shyness as so many people we see in real life, they really dont know how to reply or even talk to unknown and strangers
Anyway nice thing to share..
Marc
Lapiceros Publicitarios Lima
Scott,
I’m glad that you’re not a shy person.
Yours In Health1
G.E. Moon II
What Is Your Vitamin D Level?
Good insights on the body language of shyness. Similar to what Cherie mentioned, I’ve often been mistaken as being aloof when in fact I’m quite shy and have to exert considerable energy to overcome that and interact with others.
Michael
Pete Smith
I am extremely shy in a large group and I always appreciate someone coming up to me first. So true about coming up at an angle, it makes people less intimidating.
Yours In Health!
Dr. Wendy
THe Bell bubble = proximics?
Lyle R. Johnson
Close Sales using Basics
Talking with eye contact really helpful in deceasing shyness level
Thats my own Experience
Marc
Lapices Publicitarios Chile
Hi Scott!
Thanks for the explanation about shy people’s body language. I will remember to approach shy people the way you said it, I try to talk the same way to everybody but I understand that shy people migth feel uncofortable on the first contact.
Hiposis y autohipnosis
I generally refuse to talk with anyone who keeps sunglasses on … that is not shyness, really, but they are hiding something (I believe) or they are, in fact, hyper-shy.
Lyle R. Johnson
Sales Compliance from Simple Request
Thanks for the reminders about shyness and eye contact. That will be useful.
Be Well.
Jc
Great advice! Once again you over deliver. I am not sure if I want to tell anyone about your blog…. or keep it all too myself! LOL
Musicians ask these questions