Even when you are not speaking you are sending out volumes of information about yourself. Body language is a universal language that sends out silent signals to the people around us. You do not have to be an expert in body language to pick up the signs of communication that are being sent out.
Sending the right signals can affect everything from job negotiations to keeping peace in your relationship. Most people know a little bit about body language like if someone is standing with their arms folded in front of them they are pretty much closed off to what you have to say. The arms folded indicate that they are “protecting” themselves from what you are saying.
Body language hands clasped in front is a popular stance for many people. The experts on body language have had somewhat of a falling out on how this should be interpreted. While some believe that hands clasped in front are a sign of confidence others believe that it is actually a sign of frustration. Ultimately the truth is likely somewhere in the middle.
What We Are Taught
Every child is taught to fold their hands on the desk in school by interlacing their fingers. Body language hands clasped in front may simply be a throw back to what most children were taught when they are left to wait for the next set of instructions from the teacher.
Children are also taught this folded hand pose when they are praying so it can also be a throwback behavior to that as well.
It may simply be a waiting posture or a sign of respect to the person that is talking.
The Rest of the Body
Whether it is a sign of frustration or a sign of confidence really depends on how the rest of the body is looking. If the shoulders are taut and tight while the hands are folded in front than it may be a sign of stress or nervousness.
If the shoulders are relaxed and the persons face is relaxed than it may be a sign of confidence. If the hands are folded loosely that is also a sign of a great deal of comfort in the situation and confidence.
It the grip is tight than you can expect that the person you are dealing with is somewhat uncomfortable, frustrated with the situation or stressed.