Slide 1

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 2

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 3

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 4

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 5

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 6

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 7

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 8

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 9

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 10

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 11

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 12

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 13

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 14

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 15

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 16

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 17

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 18

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 19

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 20

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 21

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 22

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 23

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 24

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 25

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 26

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 27

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 28

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 29

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 30

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 31

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 32

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 33

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 34

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35


Slide 35

BODY LANGUAGE

HOW DOES BODY SPEAK?
-

-

Like any spoken language,
body language has words,
sentences and
punctuation.
Each gesture is like a
single word and one word
may have several different
meanings.

3

BODILY SPEAKING…




According to the social anthropologist, Edward
T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two
persons, less than 35% of the social meanings
is actually transmitted by words.
So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the
body (non-verbal channel).

4

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BODY
LANGUAGE?




*

A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988.
An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997
An American couple in New Zealand in 1999
…

5

LET’S EXAMINE HOW BODY COMMUNICATES,
FROM HEAD TO TOES

6

HEAD
-

Nodding the head
-

-

Tossing the head backward
-

-

“Yes” in most societies
“No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, and Turkey
“yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos

Rocking head slowly, back and forth
-

“yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures
7

FACE

8

FACE
*

*

Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and
attitudes, but…..
The Asians are sometimes known as
- emotionless
- mixed-up emotion

9

EYES
*

Eye contacts
-

*

Raising eyebrows
-

*

Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe
Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa

“Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries
“Hello” in the Philippines

Winking eye
-

Sharing secret in America and Europe
flirtatious gesture in other countries
10

EYES
*

Closed eyes
-

bored or sleepy in America
“I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan,
Thailand, China

11

EARS
*

Ear grasp
-

*

Cupping the ear
-

*

“I’m sorry.” in parts of India
“I can’t hear you.” in all societies

Pulling ear
-

“You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

12

NOSE
*

*

Holding the nose
- “Something smells bad.” universal
Nose tap
- “It’s confidential.” England
- “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

13

NOSE
*

*

Pointing to nose
- “It’s me.” Japan
Blowing nose
- In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at
social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

14

LIPS AND MOUTH
*

*

*

Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss..
Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon
a waiter in Mexico.
Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s
good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

15

ARMS
*

*

*

Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this
stance signals aggression, resistance,
impatience, or even anger.
Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of
ease and control.
Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice
in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual
respect for others.
16

HANDS
*

*

Of all the body parts, the hands are probably
used most for communicating non-verbally.
Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning,
or farewells.

17

HANDS
*

*

The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by
Americans as the gesture of “come here.”
The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted
in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the
signal for “no.”

18

HANDS
*

Beckoning.
*

*

The American way of getting attention (raising a
hand with the index finger raised above head) could
be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two”
in Germany.
The American “come here” gesture could be seen
as an insult in most Asian countries.

19

HANDS
*

Handshaking is a form of
greeting in most Western
cultures.
*

*

In the Middle East, a gentle grip is
appropriate.
In most Asian cultures, a gentle
grip and an avoidance of direct
eye contact is appropriate.

20

HANDS
*

Hand-holding among
the same sex is a
custom of special
friendship and respect
in several Middle
Eastern and Asian
countries.

21

FINGERS
*

The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger
form a circle) means
*
*
*
*

“fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures,
“zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe
“money” in Japan
an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and
some other countries

22

FINGERS
*

“Thumb-up” means:
*
*
*

*

“O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures,
“Up yours!” in Australia
“Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany

Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia,
New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and
most African countries.

23

FINGERS
*

Pointing.
*

*

*

Pointing with the index finger
is common in North America
and Europe.
But it is considered impolite
in Japan and China where
they favor using the whole
open hand.
Malaysians prefer pointing
with the thumb.

24

LEGS AND FEET
*
*

*

In Asia, do not point with your toes.
In Asia and some European countries, putting
feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture
is very disrespectful.
Sitting cross-legged, while common in North
America and some European countries, is very
impolite in other parts of the world.

25

WALKING
*

Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For
example,
*

*
*

In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern
countries, men who are friends may walk holding
each other’s hand.
In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a
pace or two behind male companion.
Asians often regard Western women as bold and
aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a
more upright posture.

26

FOR ALL OF US…
 Becoming

sensitive to the clues of
body language can help us
communicate more effectively with
students.

27

 We

can understand what students
are saying even when they are not
talking.

28

 We

can sense when students are
silent and digesting information, or
when they are silent and confused.

29

 We

can share feelings too strong or
too difficult to be expressed in
words,

30

 Or

decode secret messages
passing silently from person to
person,

31

 And

we may spot contradictions
between what students say and
what they really mean.

32

 Finally,

we can learn to be more
sensitive to our own bodies – to
see how they express our feelings
and to see ourselves as others see
us.

33

 We

do not have
bodies; we are
our bodies.

34

REFERENCES


2005 NACADA National Conference

Kris Rugsaken
 Ball State university
 Muncie, Indiana


35