2. Body Language: What is it?
Body Language is the unspoken element of communication that we use to reveal our true
feelings and emotions. Our gestures, facial expressions and posture, for instance.
Body Language is not just how we hold and move our bodies. But it is also,
How we position our body
Our closeness to space between us and other people
Our facial expression and how our eyes move and focus
How we touch ourselves and others.
How our body connects with other non-bodily things, e.g., pens, spectacles, watch,
clothes.
Our breathing and other less noticeable physical effects e.g., our heartbeat and
perspiration
Body language may be used consciously or unconsciously. It may accompany a verbal
message or serve as a substitute for speech.
3. Importance
Research shows that 55% of
communication consist of body language.
So, the effectiveness of professional life
depends on how a person communicates
through his or her body language.
Through powerful body language, a
person can
motivate his/her subordinates,
successfully carry out his/her business
deals and meetings,
maintain good relationship with the
stakeholders,
smoothly carry on with team members.
Face To Face Communication
4. POSTURE
By posture, we mean how a
person stands, sits or move their
body.
A person sitting till the back of
their chair, leans forward with their
head nodding along with the
discussion implies that they are
open, relaxed and generally ready
to listen.
On the other hand, a person who
has their legs and arms crossed
with the foot kicking slightly
implies that they are feeling
impatient and emotionally
detached from the discussion.
5. GESTURE
Gestures may be made with the
hands, arms or body and also
include movements of the head,
face and eyes, such as winking,
nodding or rolling one’s eyes.
A person who shows signs of
openness is more acceptable and
welcomed than a person with
closed arms and cross gestures.
Showing the palms of your hands
with an open to read gesture is
sure to add more credibility to your
body language skills at work.
6. EYE CONTACT
Eye contact is when two people look
at each other’s eyes at the same time;
it can indicate interest, attention and
involvement.
When addressing group of people,
give them all eye contact to create
better connection and see if they are
listening.
When a person makes very little eye
contact, they might be feeling insecure
or can be lying/hiding.
Gaze : At examination hall, when the
invigilator catches you peeping in
other’s copy.
Glance : Take a glance at the clock to
see when the meeting/class will get
over.
7. FACIAL EXPRESSION
Facial expressions are an important
channel of nonverbal
communication.
Faces are accessible “windows”
into the mechanisms which govern
our emotional and social lives.
Facial expressions are very easily
interpretable.
The facial gestures can emote a lot
of emotions through eyes, lips,
eyebrows, cheek and chin.
8. BODY LANGUAGE DURING INTERVIEW:
‘SOFTEN’
S : Smile || To make a great impression, always wear a
smile.
O : Open Posture || Do not fold or cross your arms and legs.
F : Forward Lean || While one sits, leaning forward could
indicate a keen interest in the subject matter.
T : Touch || A firm handshake sends indication that you are
confident.
E : Eye Contact || Make a good eye contact, do not stare.
N : Nod || Nodding implies acknowledging the speaker.