BODY LANGUAGE
For Every One
What is Body Language?
Body language is nonverbal communication that
involves body movement. “Gesturing” can also be
termed as body language which is absolutely non-
verbal means of communication. People in the
workplace can convey a great deal of information
without even speaking; through nonverbal
communication. Not all of our values, beliefs, thoughts
and intentions are communicated verbally. In an o n g o
ing communication, most of those ar
e c o m m u n i c a t e d n o n - v e r b a l l y. I n N o n -
v e r b a l communication, our human body expresses
our feelings and intentions through conscious and
unconscious movements and postures,
accompanied by gestures, facial expressions,
eye contacts and touch. This collectively forms a
separate language of the body within the ongoing
communication. This is called Body Language.
1
How Does the Body Speaks?
Our human body speaks through the conscious and
unconscious movements and postures, hand gestures,
facial expressions, eye movements and touch. Each of
these physical movements of the body parts could be
seen as separate words and can be interpreted
differently by other human beings within a given
context of communication.
Why is Body Language Important?
Since interpretations of body language differ from
people to people and cultures to countries it is
important to learn about them. Body language alone
comprises of 55% of total communication whereas
spoken words comprise of 7% and tone of voice
comprise 38%.
Types of Body Language
Body language is usually grouped along two lines...
• Parts of the body
• Intent
So what types can be found in each group?
Parts of the body
From head to toe, here are the groups when grouped
for body parts:
The Head - Movement and placement of the head,
back to front, left to right, side to side, including the
shaking of hair.
• Facial Expressions - The face has many muscles
(anywhere between 54 and 98, depending on who
you ask) that move several areas of the face. Each
combination of movements of the following face
elements communicates a state of mind:
• Eyebrows - Up, down, frowning.
• Eyes - Left, right, up, down, blinking, eye dialiation.
• Nose - Wrinkle (at the top), flaring of the nostrills.
• Lips - Smiling, snarling, puckered, kissing, opened,
closed, tight.
• Tongue - In, out, rolled, tip up or down, licking of lips.
• Jaw - Open, closed, clinched, lower jaw left or right.
Body Posture - The way you place your body and arms
and legs, in relation to each other, and in relation to
other people:
The Body Language of Posture
Facial Expression
• All facial organs on human face indicates facially
expressive message.
• These are hair, forehead, eyebrows, eyes, mouth,
chin, nose, lips, ears, teethe, tongue etc.
• Facial expressions comes naturally hence it is
beyond the control of speaker.
Dress & Appearance
• The kind of dress we use & the way in which we
groom ourselves shows our status & attitude.
• We influenced how others look & clothes they wear
• Physical attractiveness plays an important role in our
assessment of people.
• Persons dress & physical appearance conveys
great deal of information about him.
Eye Contact
• Eye contact has very much in face- to- face
communication.
• Absence of eye contact shows lack of interest &
understanding.
• We look faster than listen or talk.
• Eyes are human windows except them there is no life.
• The speaker must look in to the eyes of the audience
from right to left & left to right this will built up the
confidence & eliminate the nervousness.
• It build the rapport between the speaker & the listener.
To Improve Your Body Language
1- SMILE! ::::::::::::::
2- Keep an open space before your upper
torso. E.g. don't fold your arms, hug your
bag, or put things on your lap.
3- Have eye contact. Important to establish
connection.
4- Be comfortable in your space. Don't
fidget, don't squirm, or don't lose yourself
in your body.
5- (For ladies) When resting on your hand,
keep the insides of your hand faced
outwards. This makes you appear more
open.
6- Minimize movement that distracts. Don't
finger drum, nail bite, skin peel, or scab
pick.
7- Slow down your pace. (for fast talkers).
Move slowly if you have to adjust your
position.
8- Be inclusive in your actions. E.g. reduce the
physical distance between you and the
other person, smile, maintain eye
contact, and make occasional gestures
towards the other person.
9- Be open with your emotions. If you are sad,
happy, or surprised, show that on your
face.
10- Pace yourself to much the other person. At
the end of the day, everyone is different.
Assess each person individually and
adopt the body language that will help
you best connect with him/her.
Dos and Don'ts (+VE & -Ve): Receiver Friendly:
