Body language

Body Language

Non-verbal communication

A series of conscious or subconscious signals to others

Signals are sent by—Facial expressionsEyesHand movementsGestures of arms and handsLeg movementsPostureZonal distance and orientation

Signals are accurately read in ‘clusters’

Encodes decodes Sender Signal Receiver 

Selecting positive behaviours

Facial Expressions:Seven main expressions-Anger DisgustFearHappinessInterestSadnessSurpriseMost of the information is carried by eyes,

eyebrows, and mouth.

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’

Gestures

Head noddingBeckoning / welcoming

Body posture:

Stand with hands held loosely behind the back

Lean slightly towards the other personSit still, with no sudden movements

Bodily contact:

A controlled way of moving from initiating to building a relationship

Appearances:First impressions are geared to looks, not

actionsGive a strong signal of social status, place

in hierarchy and ability

Body talk

Dominant:

Finger –pointingEyes steady / fixing / narrowedLounging back with hands behind headFeet on deskSteep lingStands with feet apartLoud voice, harsh commanding toneProtects own space, strongly territorialInvades others space

DominantSeldom smilesFirst thumpingShakes head more often than he nodsEyebrow raised in disbeliefChin thrust forwardExplodingStrides around impatiently

Supportive:

Leans forward, eyes sparklingTouchingSmiles readilyJaw relaxedNods appropriatelyModerate voice, empathetic toneRespects others spaceHand gestures frequentPalms/wrists usually visible

Negative:

Legs / arms crossedFrown linesConstipated gesturesClosed smileFrequent pausesNo eye contactHunched shouldersHand covers mouthTortoise neck

Compliant:

Nods oftenBrief eye contactModerate voiceFew gesturesLeans forward to listen

Helpful Behaviours

Lean forward, arms uncrossedLook at the other person for 60% of the

timeMake listening signals and noisesSmileUse other person’s name early in

transactionAsk open questionsSummarize what you think they said

Factors that affect the message are...

Attitude Verbal messageNon-verbal messageAppearance Background of the communicatorsExpectations of the communicatorsSettingYour words and body language must not

contradict each other

Non verbal messages

Actions speak louder than wordsTone of voiceGesturesFacial expressionsPostureEye contactBody movements