Body language
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Transcript Body language
Body language
True or false?
1. Body language is largely instinctive, thus
difficult to change.
2. Body language signals may mean different
things in different contexts.
3. 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.
4. Where the members of the audience are
seated is of no importance as long as they can
hear you.
5. The closer you stand to your audience, the
friendlier you seem.
Aspects of non-verbal communication
Body movement (kinesthetic behaviour)
- signs based on agreement
- gestures
- organisers
- emotives
Facial expression
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 - emotional involvement
Pupil movement - 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 face
Identify with your message:
Reflect emotions related
to the content
Keep smiling (?)
Gestures
Free your arms and hands
Gestures - 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 occasion
Make a contrast to your background
Avoid
Rich patterns, excentric clothes
Tight collars/belts/sleeves
Jingling necklaces and noisy shoes
Too warm clothes
Openness
The act of opening
Do not cross your arms and legs
Open hands – nothing is concealed (vs.
clutched fists – nerves)
Relaxed, prolonged
eye contact
Mirror
Attentive listening
Smile and nod slowly when listening (vs.
Quick nod=impatience)
Lean towards your partner
Stand 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
Using a barrier
(pen, papers, table)
Seeking escape (flicking the eyes side to
side, leaning away)
Keeping small
Rigidity
Control your body language
Establish your personal space
Practise speaking while walking
Strive for an open position
Keep your hands free
Watch yourself – look out
for compulsive acts
Practise eye movement
Learn to listen