Body Language

Zhejiang University of Finance & EconomicsDong Fang College

Toriano Cook

What is Body Language?

We can communicate using gestures, movements and signals without speaking.

Sometimes, how we feel or what we mean can be expressed by how we move our bodies or the expressions on our face.

Important to remember that some body language is cultural, so what may mean one thing here, may be something totally different there.

Using your body to speak

How would you tell me yes using your body language? How about no?

How do you show someone you’re happy?

How do you show someone you’re sad?How do you let me know that you’re

angry and I should probably leave you alone?

What do you mean when you…

Shrug your shouldersAvoid eye contact with someoneYawn when listening to someoneWave your hand at someoneSit with your arms and legs crossedStare at someoneSit upright on the edge of the chair

“Body Language”

Hand Gestures

We use our hands to communicate.Either we use our hands to express

and idea or we don’t use them at all to avoid miscommunication.

What are some common hand gestures used here in China?

Are there hand gestures considered to be bad and avoid by visitors?

Good or Bad Hands

In the US and Canada, this is a very rude gesture that might start a fight if you use it. You should avoid raising your middle finger and especially at another person (unless you want to fight!)

Good or Bad Hands

In the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, make sure that when you have your fingers in the V shape, your palm is facing outward. Otherwise, it’s the same as the middle finger in America.

Good or Bad Hands

Making a circle with your index finger and thumb in France means "zero" or "worthless." In Venezuela, Turkey, and Brazil, it's vulgar and will offend people… A LOT!!!

Good or Bad Hands

In the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka, and Africa, the left hand is traditionally seen as unclean, because it is associated with cleaning yourself after using the bathroom. So not okay to eat using your left hand.

Good or Bad Hands

In Korea, this is how people call their dogs. The proper way to wave is to move your hand up and down with your palm facing down.

Private Space ...

You are on a crowded elevator, subway or bus.

What is your private space?

Personal Space In The West

Intimate Touching 15cm - 45cm

Personal Close: 0.5m -

0.75m Far: 1m - 1.5m

Social Close: 1m – 2m Far: 2m – 3.5

Public Close: 3.5m –

7m Far: 7m or

more

If you invade my space…

Reactions to an invasion of your space Feel troubled Get defensive Become

aggressive

Looking

How long do you look? Staring- dehumanizes or challenges Glances - socially acceptable timing Appraisal- may indicate interest

Do you look when you talk?Do you look when you listen?