Body Language

The gestures, postures, and facial expressions by which a person manifests various physical, mental, or emotional states and communicates nonverbally with others. -- The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language

Types of body language

• Eye contact• Face• Posture• Hand Gestures• Personal space• Body contact

To express each and every feeling or emotion, words are not necessary.

Importance of Body Language

Ekman and Friesen have distinguished three levels of nonverbal cues:

Informative Behaviour Interactive Behaviour Communicative Behaviour

• One’s Appearance• The way we move• The face tells much

• Reading Body Language• How prevalent is Non verbal behaviour?• Body Language in Groups• Personal space as it relates to Body language• Tactile communication –Its touching• Nonverbal attributes• Environmental Influences

Space: Distance doesn’t Lend Enchantment

• Intimate – Close phase (0-6”) Lovers embracing, soft

whispering occurs– Far phase(6”-18”) Mother-Child looking at book

together; close friends discussing secret; audible whispering.

• Personal – Close phase (18”-30”) Husband and wife planning

a party; parent-child in friendly conversation; soft voice when indoors; full voice outdoors

• Personal– Far phase(30”-40”) Discussion of subjects of personal

interest and involvement; social exchange over cup of coffee.

• Social-- Close phase 4’ – 7’ Impersonal business discussions;

discussions with fellow workers on the job--Far phase 7’-12’ More formal business discussions

• Public--Close phase 12’-25’ voice is loud but not full volume;

one person addressing a small group--Far phase 25’ or more. Public speeches before large

group.

NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR

1. Brisk, erect walk2. Standing with hands on hips3. Sitting with legs crossed, foot

kicking slightly4. Sitting, legs apart5. Arms crossed on chest6. Walking with hands in pockets,

shoulders hunched7. Hand to cheek8. Touching, slightly rubbing nose9. Rubbing the eye10. Hands clasped behind back11. Locked ankles12. Head resting in hand, eyes

downcast

INTERPRETATION

1. Confidence2. Readiness, aggression3. Boredom4. Open, relaxed5. Defensiveness6. Dejection7. Evaluation, thinking8. Rejection, doubt, lying9. Doubt, disbelief10. Anger, frustration, apprehension11. Apprehension12. Boredom

Non verbal Behaviour

1. Rubbing hands2. Sitting with hands clasped

behind head, legs crossed3. Open palm4. Pinching bridge of nose, eyes

closed5. Tapping or drumming fingers6. Patting/fondling hair7. Tilted head8. Stroking chin9. Looking down, face turned

away10. Biting nails11. Pulling or tugging at ear

Interpretation

1. Anticipation2. Confidence, superiority3. Sincerity, openness, innocence4. Negative evaluation5. Impatience6. Lack of self-confidence; insecurity7. Interest8. Trying to make a decision9. Disbelief10. Insecurity, nervousness11. Indecision

Paralanguage- Vocal associate of words

• It refers to those nonverbal characteristics associated with the production of words through speech.

• These include– Pitch,– Voice quality – Rate and rhythm of speech.

In a Class Set up

The amount of liking we have for another person is primarily communicated by body language.

What do they convey ?

Dramatics

What has happened?

Postures

Expressions

Gestures

Facial Expressions

References

• William D. Brooks, Philip Emmert. Interpersonal Communications, Wm.C.Brown Company publishers. (Pages 117-143).

• Fast,Julius.Body language.New York:Pocket Books,1971• Mehrabian,Albert. Silent messages. Wadsworth publishing Co., 1971• Knapp,Mark L. Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston,1972.• Search engines: Images and Datas from Google, CUIL.com• Nonverbal Communications

http://www.cultsock.ndirect.co.uk/MUHome/cshtml/index.html • Gestures: Body Language and Nonverbal Communication

http://www.csupomona.edu/~tassi/gestures.htm#gestures • About Body Language http://www.angelfire.com/co/bodylanguage/ • Body Language http://www.rider.edu/users/suler/bodylang.html

Thank You Friends for being patient