Understanding body language

session 1

Beyond
words…

1
 Introduction

Head movement(e.g. nodding)

Closeness(e.g.invading someone’s space) Hand movement(e.g. Waving)

Non-verbal communication

Eye
Postures(e.g.slouching) movement(e.g.winking)

Facial expression(e.g.frown)
 Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this session, you will


be able to:
Develop understanding of non-verbal
communication;
Realise the importance of body language;
Illustrate how body talks with face.


BODILY SPEAKING…
§ According to the social anthropologist, Edward T. Hall,
in a normal conversation, 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).
§ Communication researcher Mehrabian found only 7% of
a message’s effect are carried by words; listeners
receive the other 93% through non-verbal means.

4
 Definitions
 Body language is a form of non-verbal communication,
consisting of body pose, gestures, and eye movements.
 Non-verbal signals are unconscious parts of our
behaviour.
 It is the non-spoken communication that goes on in
every face-to-face encounter.


 Types of body language

Positive
Body Language

Looking toward
Smiling someone
Nodding
 Negative
Body Language

Crossing arms Rolling eyes Clenching

and looking fists
away
Do’s and Don’ts
Smile (universal)
Don’t cross arms/legs (defensive)
Have eye contact, but don’t stare
Don’t stand too close (personal space)
Keep a positive and open attitude

 Magic face
Cannot be easily hidden
Important source of non-verbal
information
Conveys variety of emotions



 Magic face
Head movement
Eye movement
Facial expressions
Ears

Nose

Lips and mouth



 Head movement
Shaking head
 -’No’ in most countries;
 -’Yes’ in Bulgaria, parts of Greece, Iran
 Nodding head
 - ‘Yes’ in most countries;
 - ‘No’ in Bulgaria, parts of Greece, Iran

 Eye movement
Centred focused

Looking up thinking

Looking down guilty

Looking away bored

Rubbing eyes tiredness

Facial expressions

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 “I can’t believe it! That is unfair!”
Happy

“It’s been a long day. I can’t keep my eyes

Sad

Angry
“I lost my wallet!”

Tired “I got an A in Maths!”

Confused “I don’t know what to do.

 Facial expression

surprise anger fear joy sorrow disgust contempt

 Ears


Ear cupping Speak up

Ear rubbing I don’t wish to hear

that
Ear covering Stop that noise
 Nose

Nose holding Something smells bad

Nose pointing Me (Japan)

Nose kiss Friendly welcome (Arab)

Nose wrinkle disgust

 Lips and mouth

Lips biting angry

Lips kissing love

Lips touching with finger be quiet

Lips wide open surprise

 Lips and mouth

Mouth clasp I should not have said that

Mouth fan My mouth is hot

Mouth shrug Disclaimer (western world)

Mouth smile pleasure

 Language of the Legs and
Feet
I am very relaxed.

Crossing
at the
Knee
Ankle I I am assertively relaxed.

on Knee
Leg Lock
Position

I am slinkily relaxed.
Foot Tapping or Wagging

Bored/nervous
 THANKS! AND …..
∗ YOUR
∗ thoughts
∗ experiences
∗ questions

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