Your action can speak louder than your words. It is important to know another language and how to communicate without words when you are in another country. Before saying anything, people communicate with each other by using gestures. However, many gestures have different meanings, or no meaning at all, in different parts of the world.

In the United States, nodding your head up and down means “yes”, while in some parts of Greece and Turkey, it means “no”. In the southeast of Asia, it is a polite way of saying “I heard you”.

Today in the USA, when someone puts his thumb up, it means “Everything is all right.” However, in Greece it is bad manners to do so. Also putting your clasped hands up above your head means “I am the winner.” It is the sign which players often make. In Russia it is the sign of friendship.

In the USA, holding your hand up with the thumb and index finger in a circle, and the other three straight means “Everything is OK.” In France, it means “You are worth nothing.”

It is also important to make eye communication. If you look down when talking to an American, he or she may feel that you are shy, or you are trying to hide something.

Besides these, you should also know there are some topics that can not be talked about, such as age, weight and marriage. You can talk about the weather, work, sports, food, where one lives and news of the day.

Body language is the quietest, most secret and most powerful language of all.It is said that our body movements communicate about 50% of what we really mean while words themselves only do 7%.So while your mouth is closed, just it is your body language that is saying.

When it comes to body language at the office, you may be making some big mistakes that could cause you trouble.The following are some tips on what you should not do when using body language at your office.

Don't touch your co－workers, even if it's on the back of the arm or shoulder.Many of your co－workers are not comfortable with any body contact (接触) with others.Be careful not to touch anyone at your office.

Don't avoid eye contact.Eyes can speak.Lack of eye contact means cheat, and it can also point to no safety or lack of confidence.Trust and confidence are things you will communicate to the other person if you hold eye contact 50% of the time.

Don't have a bad handshake.You're going to show your kindness at once with a firm palm (手掌) to palm handshake.Showing the palms of your hands is an amiable gesture as it shows that you have a peaceful purpose.It means acceptance, and that you're open to new ideas.Be careful of the dead fish handshake.

Don't lean (倾斜) your head while listening to others.When listening to others, you should listen to him or her carefully with your head straight.For women especially, you think you are expressing interest by leaning your head when you are listening to others, but you actually come across as if you don't understand what's going on.