Body language is a form of non-verbal communication that conveys messages through facial expressions, gestures, eye movements, posture, and physical behaviors. Signals are sent and received consciously or subconsciously and accurately interpreted through observing clusters of behaviors. Some key behaviors that can indicate dominance, supportiveness, negativity, or compliance include eye contact, smiling, touching, posture, and hand gestures. Factors like attitudes, appearances, expectations, and settings also impact the messages sent and received through body language.
2. Non-verbal communication
A series of conscious or subconscious signals to others
Signals are sent by—
Facial expressions
Eyes
Hand movements
Gestures of arms and hands
Leg movements
Posture
Zonal distance and orientation
4. Selecting positive behaviours
Facial Expressions:
Seven main expressions-
Anger
Disgust
Fear
Happiness
Interest
Sadness
Surprise
Most of the information is carried by eyes, eyebrows, and mouth.
5. Gaze:
Maintain eye contact when talking and when listening
Level of contact depends upon relative status of other person
Area of gaze varies in line with ‘status’
7. Body posture:
Stand with hands held loosely behind the back
Lean slightly towards the other person
Sit still, with no sudden movements
8. Bodily contact:
A controlled way of moving from initiating to building a
relationship
Appearances:
First impressions are geared to looks, not actions
Give a strong signal of social status, place in hierarchy and
ability
10. Dominant:
Finger –pointing
Eyes steady / fixing / narrowed
Lounging back with hands behind head
Feet on desk
Steep ling
Stands with feet apart
Loud voice, harsh commanding tone
Protects own space, strongly territorial
Invades others space
15. Helpful Behaviours
Lean forward, arms uncrossed
Look at the other person for 60% of the time
Make listening signals and noises
Smile
Use other person’s name early in transaction
Ask open questions
Summarize what you think they said
16. Factors that affect the message are...
Attitude
Verbal message
Non-verbal message
Appearance
Background of the communicators
Expectations of the communicators
Setting
Your words and body language must not contradict each
other
17. Non verbal messages
Actions speak louder than words
Tone of voice
Gestures
Facial expressions
Posture
Eye contact
Body movements