Kinesics by niraj a vyas

• Prepared by

•Niraj A Vyas

•140210125126

Kinesics Body movements or body language are part of kinesics.

These movements include gestures, postures, facial expressions and eye contact.

Chart Of Kinesics

Kinesics

Gestures PosturesFacial

expressionsEye contact

Personal appearance

Gestures They are hand movements. They include:

(a) Emblems: These gestures serve the purpose of word. Some emblems are common all over the world, whereas in some case meaning vary. For example, open hand held up means ‘stop’ everywhere in the world. However, forming a circle by joining the thumb and the first finger means ‘worthless’ in Germany

(b) Illustrators: Gestures that explain the verbal message through sign or symbols are called illustrators. For example, showing two fingers while referring to two things and stroking stomach while one is hungry.

(c) Affect displays: They reveal the state of mind. They can be displayed through the emotions that are seen on the face. They include happiness, sadness, anger, joy, shock, surprise, fear, terror, disgust, interest, etc.

(d) Regulators, i.e. Use of non-words: Non-words like ‘ub- hub, hmmm, etc.’ are clues that inform the speaker whether you agree or disagree. For example, hummm followed by a full stop shows agreement, wheres hummm followed by a question mark shows doubt or disagreement.

(e) Adaptors: Non-verbal behaviours like scratching head or biting nails are called adaptors.

Sr. No. Gestures Meaning likely to be conveyed

1. Fiddling with pen or ear lobes Inattentiveness

2. Yawning while listening to someone Disinterest in the talk

3. Scratching your head Doubt or thinking something

4. Looking at watch Disinterest in the talk

5. Nodding your head Agreement or disagreement

6. A handshake Warmth, lack of interest, superiority, trust, etc.

7. Frowning with crossed arm Indicates disapproval

8. A weak handshake Inferiority or disinterest

9. A warm hug Friendliness

10. A patronizing pat on the head Support and encouragement

11. A controlling grip on your arm Domainance/authority

Gestures and their meanings are universal as well as culture specific. Universal gestures include hand signals such as waving for good-bye, the “V” for victory sign, the “high five” signals victory. Taking a culture-specific example, the zero shape made by the fingers stands for “OK” in the United Kingdom but it considered a vulgar expression in South American cultures.

Postures Your style of sitting and standing is known as postures.

Your postures too say more than the words you speak.

Sr. No. Postures Meanings likely to be conveyed

1. Sitting with crossed legs in a meeting Defensiveness

2. Sitting with folded arms in a seminar Disinterest or doubt

3. Sitting in a slouched manner Disinterest or tired

4. Steeple fingers while speaking Confidence

5. Sitting/Standing in erect position Attention or interest

6. Scratching head Thinking

7. Biting nails while listening to somebody or thinking

Nervousness or tension

8. Sitting at the head of the table Power

9. Walking impatiently with head down Upset and annoyance

10. Avoiding eye contact with others Lack of confidence or lie

11. Sitting squarely on a chair Paying attention

12. Leaning slightly Paying attention

Facial Expression Face is the mirror of heart. Your feelings get reflected

on your face. One can send as well as receive feelings through facial expression. A friendly smile and a calm face generate positive waves, whereas raised eyebrows and frowning eyes generate negative waves. Facial expressions include smile, frown, raised eyebrow, yawn or sneer, anger, disgust, fear, surprise, etc.

Sr. No. Facial expressions Meanings likely to be conveyed

1. Pulling a face Disappointment or unhappiness

2. Raising an eyebrow Doubt

3. Smiling Approval and/or welcome, friendliness

4. Concentrating hard on something/somebody Troubled mind

5. Smiling (if appropriate) as a greeting or parting Positive

Eye Contact Eye contact is important for both the sender as well as

the receiver in face-to-face communication. It sends and receives feedback. It expresses emotions and gives instruction. Not maintaining eye contact indicates lack of confidence on the part of speaker and disinterest on the part of listener.

Sr. No. Types of eye contact Meanings likely to be conveyed

1. Not looking at a person Lack of confidence or disinterest

2. Unblinking eye gaze Indicates disapproval

3. Reduced pupil size Doubt about the content being delivered

4. Deliberately avoiding eye contact Dislike or falsehood

5. Normal eye contact Confidence and/or interest

6. The direct stare of the speaker Honesty or openness

7. Downward glances Modesty

8. Eyes rolled upward Sign of fatigue

Personal Appearance Personal appearance too is an important aspect of

non-verbal communication. It is your external image perceived by people. When you meet people or speak in public, your appearance not only contributes to building your image but also the image of the organization you represent. Generally, appearance makes people assume certain thing about you and your organization. Your unshaven face, unpolished shoes and unironed clothes, untrimmed nails create a negative impression, whereas nicely combed hair, appropriate dressing make you likeable among the people you work with.