Body language

True or false?

1. Body language is largely instinctive, thus difficult to change.

2. While delivering a speech, you shouldn’t look at people individually; look at something that is behind them to „take all of them in” at the same time.

3. Where the members of the audience are seated is of no importance as long as they can hear you.

4. The closer you stand to your audience, the friendlier you seem.

5. Body language signals may mean different things in different contexts.

Aspects of non-verbal communication

Body movement (kinesthetic behaviour)- signs based on agreement- gestures- organisers- emotives- accommodators

Facial expression Paralanguage Occupying the space Objects

Nature or nurture?

Nature

- fear,anger, surprise, disgust

- smile

- emotions – eyes!

- mirror

Nurture

- personal space

- touching

- signals of yes/no

- gender differences

Eye contact

Dilated pupils reflect emotional involvement Pupil movement reflects thinking processes Eye contact – control Audience should be facing

Never

- look at the ceiling

- fix your stare at one enthusiastic face

- wear dark glasses

Facial expression

Avoid a poker faceIdentify with your message:

Reflect emotions related

to the contentKeep smiling (?)

Gestures

Free your arms and handsGestures - extensions of thoughts

Avoid compulsive movements

- rubbing nose, turning a ring

- moving praying hands in front of you

- tapping with fingers on the desk

- sweeping hair from your face

- adjusting collar

Body position

Plant yourself firmly on the ground

Avoid Crossed legs Bent legs with closed knees Swaying to and fro Putting your weight from one leg to another Stiffness (closed legs, closed arms/hands)

Establish your space bubble- Move-occupy your space bubble - Sitting- Do not hide behind barriers (pulpit, desk, papers)- Avoid finding support on table, blackboard, tc.- Don’t stand too close

Clothing

Comfortable, familiar Match the formality of occasionMake a contrast to your backgroundAvoid

Rich patterns, excentric clothes Tight collars/belts/sleeves Jingling necklaces and noisy shoes Too warm clothes

Openness

Do not cross your arms and legsThe act of openingOpen hands – nothing is concealed (vs.

clutched fists – nerves)Relaxed, prolonged

eye contactMirror

Attentive listening

Smile and nod slowly when listening (vs. Quick nod=impatience)

Lean towards your partnerStand still Tilted head

Deceptive and nervous body language

A lack of eye contact Excessive hand movements Biting fingernails Chewing the inside of the mouth Drying mouth Control (stiffness,

hands in pockets) Rubbing nose

Dominant body language

Making the body large and high Hands on hips Legs apart Chin up Erect position Standing on a pulpit Keeping a distance

Breaking social rules- Imposing informal terms or talking down- Invasion of personal space- Interruption or never waiting for a response- Dismissive gestures, facial expressions

Eyes- Prolonged staring- Avoiding looking

at partner

Defensive-submissive body language

Covering vulnerable physical areas (chin down, knees together, crossed legs, arms across chest or face)

Using a barrier

(pen, papers, table)

Seeking escape (flicking the eyes side to side, leaning away)

Keeping smallRigidity

Control your body language

Establish your personal space Practise speaking while walking Strive for an open position Keep your hands free to

emphasise message Watch yourself – look out

for compulsive acts Practise eye movement Learn to listen