Body language

The Chest, Torso And Belly

The Chest, Torso And Belly

The torso is home to the majority of our vital organs, is generally our largest body part by mass, and is the area of the body we tend to cover up first when we feel threatened. It is the body's billboard, offering clues (with the help of our clothing) about who we are, what group we belong to, what we do for a living, even how physically fit we are. And of course, much of the body's essential organs-the heart and lungs among them-are located in the torso. Our torso, while rarely recognized in the study of nonverbals, is actually a very good place to collect information about people, from life choices to how they feel.

326. CHEST HEAVING, RAPID BREATHING-A heaving chest and rapid breathing usually indicate stress, concern, fear, worry, or anger. Context of course is important as there are many reasons for this behavior. including age, recent physical exertion, anxiety, or even a heart attack. What is important is to observe and be ready to take action if necessary.

327. SHALLOW, FAST BREATHING-Breathing that is shallow and fast usually indicates fear or anxiety, perhaps even a panic attack. Watch for the shallowness of a person's breath to gauge their anxiety level. The shallower and more rapid the breathing, the greater the distress. Useful is to get them to take one long inhale then exhale for as long as possible (3 to 5 seconds) then repeat. This helps to lower the breathing rate.

328. PRESSING ON CHEST-In tense situations, a person will press on their own chest/diaphragm area with the thumb and middle finger (sometimes all of the fingers) in order to relieve sudden pent-up stress. The self- administered pressure on the solar or celiac plexus, near the center of the chest, which is rich in nerves, seems to have a pacifying effect when pressed upon. The pressure can be very light or extremely forceful depending on the needs of the individual. It is not unusual for someone receiving horrible news to press on their own chest.

329. CLAVICLE MASSAGING -Under stress, individuals will massage the clavicle (collarbone) on the opposite side (e.g., placing their right hand upon their left clavicle). The arm drawn across the center of the body provides a feeling of protection, while the repetitive touching of the clavicle acts to soothe the person. This area of the body is very sensitive to touch one reason it is considered an erogenous zone.

330. REPETITIVE HAND RAKING OF CHEST-Repetitive massaging of the upper chest area with fingers and thumb moving rake-like back and forth is usually a good indicator of insecurity, concern, or issues. This behavior is an extremely reliable indicator of anxiety or even a pending panic attack. What stands out with this behavior is how the curled-up fingers are used, like a claw or a rake, to perform this behavior rather than using the full palm of the hand.

331. PALM ON CHEST-In many cultures, people place the palm of the hand on the chest to convey sincerity and as a gesture of goodwill when meeting others. In my experience, both the honest and the deceptive will do this behavior and so we should treat the behavior as neutral. It is neither evidence of honesty nor of sincerity though it may be offered as such. In a forensic setting, if someone says "I didn't do it," as they place their palm on their chest, it should not receive any greater weight or value no matter how well performed. Having said that, I have noted over the years that truthful people tend to press with more force, fingers wider apart, and with the full palm against their chest, whereas those who are attempting to deceive tend to make contact primarily with their fingertips, and not very forcefully. Still, there is no single behavior of deception and this certainly is not. You would be wise to merely consider this behavior and how it is performed among other behaviors before you come to any conclusion about a person's honesty or sincerity.