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Understanding Body Language Essentials

Body language comprises non-verbal cues expressed through facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and other movements. It allows people to evaluate others' interest and express emotions when words are not enough. The eight main elements of body language are the face, eyes, posture, gestures, voice, movement, touch, and appearance. Each element conveys different messages; for example, posture indicates confidence through upright walking or dominance through hands on hips, while eye contact and nodding show active listening and agreement. Body language should be used appropriately and consistently to leave a positive impression.

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Princess Fatima
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842 views4 pages

Understanding Body Language Essentials

Body language comprises non-verbal cues expressed through facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and other movements. It allows people to evaluate others' interest and express emotions when words are not enough. The eight main elements of body language are the face, eyes, posture, gestures, voice, movement, touch, and appearance. Each element conveys different messages; for example, posture indicates confidence through upright walking or dominance through hands on hips, while eye contact and nodding show active listening and agreement. Body language should be used appropriately and consistently to leave a positive impression.

Uploaded by

Princess Fatima
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Body Language

Definition
Body language comprises of the gestures and movements we make of the
different parts of our body when communicating with people.
Body language speaks more than words.
Why body language????
Body language can instantly help to evaluate the interest of people.
It is a personal way of expressing emotions when words don’t help.
It can make communication interesting and not monotonous.
Elements of Body Language
8 elements of body language are:
1. Face
2. Eyes
3. Posture
4. Gestures
5. Voice
6. Movement
7. Touch
8. Appearance
Face
Face is the most expressive organ of the body. It can smile, frown, show anger,
show disgust, indicate you want to speak and show interest.
Eyes
Your eyes are often the first piece of body language others see or notice. They can
be used to make visual contact, express feeling based on intensity and length of
eye contact.
Posture
Your posture includes how you hold your head, shoulders, legs, arms and hips.
Each of these parts of your body work separately as well as together to send non-
verbal cues.
For example: titling your head, slumping your shoulders, turning your hip
sideways.
Gestures
Your gestures can be related to verbal communication or unrelated to verbal
communication.
For instance you might wave to another person as a way of saying hello but you
do not have to actually say the word loud for the message to be clear. Or you
might use your hand gestures to emphasize a key point during a speech or a
presentation.
Voice
Your voice is used to verbalise language but it an integral part of your non- verbal
communication.
For instance your tone of voice, volume, emotion, pace an all influence the
messages you send as part of your body language.
Movement
Your movement whether using your entire body or just part of your body is both
flexible and commanding.
For instance, moving toward another person may send a message of dominance
or assertiveness while moving away from another person may send a message of
avoidance, submission or simply bring the interaction to a close.
Touch
This is one of the most popular elements of body language. It is capable of
communicating so many different messages and can also be interpreted in so
many different ways. Touch is usually divided into four main categories-
friendship, professional, social and intimacy.
Appearance
Your physical appearance includes clothing, neatness, body shape that provides
visual messages and cues to other people.
For instance, you dress conservatively and formally for a funeral but casually and
informally for a party at home.

Points to remember:
 Never be up tied or stiff while making movements.
 Avoid body language that may be misunderstood or look unprofessional.
E.g. Winking
 A consistent eye contact is a positive sign and must be used
 Avoid fiddling with things around. It may distract the attention.

Each body part movement signifies something and helps in interpreting. E.g.
Standing with hands on hips signifies aggressions, nodding signifies agreement and
active listening, biting nails signifies nervousness.
Unlike emails, body language does not give time to think. Hence they must be used
appropriately.

Positive body gestures

Positive body gestures are a sign of confidence and security. They are a sign of
active participation and leave a good impression. Positive gestures include:-
o Walking upright
o Shaking hands confidently
o Having a pleasant face.
o Nodding head is a positive gesture
o A steady eye contact

Negative body gestures

Following negative gestures are a sign of insecurity and restlessness. Such


gestures show a lack of confidence. Such gestures should be avoided in interviews
or meetings.
o Being up tied
o Biting nails
o Getting distracted
o Faking a smile
o Looking at something else while talking instead of the speaker

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