Body language

Body Language

Training Objective

• After this training session, you will be more confident about the usage of different body postures and in your body language

Body language: Meaning Language transmitted by gestures and postures• How you stand • How you move • How you appear to people • How you look at people • How you sound.

Body Language : Importance• To keep others attention• To create a good atmosphere• To create more impact• Provides information about an individual’s

character, emotions, and reactions • An important and decisive factor when

transmitting a message

Body Language : Primary Elements• Facial Expression• Eyes• Voice• Physical appearance • Posture• Gestures• Body Movement• Touch

Facial expressionsIt’s important to recognize that facial expressions are also an important aspect of body language.

Eyes• The eyes are often called 'the windows of the

soul' as they can send many different non-verbal signals.

• For reading body language this is quite useful as looking at people's eyes are a normal part of communication .

Eyes : Examples1. Looking up : Thinking2. Looking down: upset /disinterest3. Looking sideways: Looking away4. Lateral movement: Shiftiness and lying5. Gazing: Shows an interest 6. Glancing: Desire/wish7. Eye contact: Shows interest, affection or

dominance. 8. Staring: Prolonged attention to something 9. Following: Looking at something of interest 10. Squinting: Indicate evaluation

Voice• Voice is a most effective component

of body language• It is a most flexible communication

tool we own• One should learn to use it to influence

the audience in a positive way.• With voice we not only transmit

information but also the mood, atmosphere and emotions.

• When your voice will indicate liveliness, the audience will be motivated to listen to you.

Physical Appearance• When you are speaking in public you may be

representing your organization or just yourself, but it is still you in the front line.

• First impression is very important – it can be about attitude as well as dress.

• Visual impact is at least as important as verbal impact, people will very quickly make assumptions based on your facial expressions, the clothes you wear, how well groomed you are.

Posture: How you stand

• Stand straight. • Stand on both legs. • Don't lean against anything. • Face the audience directly.

Gestures• Gestures are movements made with body parts (e.g. hands, arms,

fingers, head, legs) and they may be voluntary or involuntary.• Arm gestures can be interpreted in several ways. In a discussion,

when one stands or sits with folded arms, this is normally not a welcoming gesture.

• Hand gestures often signify the state of well-being of the person making them.

• Relaxed hands indicate confidence and self-assurance, while clenched hands may be interpreted as signs of stress or anger.

Gestures - Mistakes• Not using gestures at all. • Keeping your hand in your pockets.• Fidgeting with hands through nervousness or impatience.• Holding your hands behind your back.• Pointing at the audience.• Folding your arms across your chest.• Gripping the podium.• Using overly rehearsed gestures.

Body Movement • Avoid nervous movements. • Keep your hands down except for

gestures. • Don't fidget, scratch, jiggle your legs, etc. • Use gestures for emphasis. • Practice appropriate gestures. • Don't overdo it .• Avoid arm-waving • Avoid Shifting from your weight from

one foot to the other.

Look energeticWhy ?• Energy holds people's attention. Lack of energy puts people to sleep.

How ?• Stand straight. • Put energy into your eyes, voice, and movements

Look relaxedWhy ?• If you relax people will have more confidence in you. • If you are not relaxed people cannot focus on the content . How ?• Smile.• Use humor--enjoy yourself!• Breathe slowly.• Let your arms hang loose, don't make nervous movements.

Touch• Touch is a type of communication that based on

context. • This means that different situations and characters

alter the meaning of the touch. • A pat on the back can suggest encouragement in one

scenario and a signal to get attention in another.• If we want the message in our touch to pass through

correctly to the other party, we need to understand how they think, and how they might perceive it, for example:- 1. Gender 2. Culture3. Status and Authority

Actions Speaks Louder than Words

• Remember: He who does not understand a look will not understand a long explanation either

• A person can stop speaking, but he can not stop communicating with his body..

Do’s • The greeting: a good starting point with a smile (if

appropriate).• Try to keep a direct look and establish eye contact with the

people you are talking to• Always keep mum while you are listening• Maintain an appropriate position and Distance• Control the movements of your hands and keep them visible• Try to integrate with your audience and adapt your clothing to

their social, economic, and other characteristics• Maintain a relaxed posture and Nodding in agreement• A firm handshake

Don’ts • Don’t blink constantly• Not looking at a person when

speaking.• Don’t bite your lips or moisten

them with your tongue• Avoid constant abrupt

movements like, Tapping a foot, fingers etc.

• Do not allow any object to come between you and your audience

• Do not cross your arms over your chest

• Do not cover your mouth with your hand while you are speaking

• Continually clearing your throat, Scratching, Yawning.

• Fiddling with hair, ear lobes, jewellery, jacket, glasses, etc.

• Standing too close to others.• Inattention to a person who

is speaking. • Picking at fingers or finger

nails.• Repeatedly looking at your

watch or a clock in the room.

Conclusions• Body is a powerful instrument in a speech.• Usually body language occurs unconsciously.• Nonverbal expressions communicate a great part of

emotional experience.

Thankyou