Body Language

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

Signals are accurately read in clusters

Encodes

Sender

Signal

decodes Receiver

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.

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 nodding

Beckoning / welcoming

Body posture:
Stand with hands held loosely behind the back

Lean slightly towards the other person

Sit 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 actions Give a strong signal of social status, place in hierarchy and ability

Body talk

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

Dominant
Seldom smiles

First thumping
Shakes head more often than he nods Eyebrow raised in disbelief Chin thrust forward Exploding Strides around impatiently

Supportive:

Leans forward, eyes sparkling Touching Smiles readily Jaw relaxed Nods appropriately Moderate voice, empathetic tone Respects others space Hand gestures frequent Palms/wrists usually visible

Negative:

Legs / arms crossed Frown lines Constipated gestures Closed smile Frequent pauses No eye contact Hunched shoulders Hand covers mouth Tortoise neck

Compliant:
Nods often

Brief eye contact

Moderate voice Few gestures Leans forward to listen

Helpful Behaviours
Lean forward, arms uncrossed

Look at the other person for 60% of the time

Make listening signals and noises Smile Use other persons name early in transaction Ask open questions Summarize what you think they said

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

Non verbal messages

Actions speak louder than words

Tone of voice
Gestures Facial expressions Posture Eye contact Body movements