Actions Speak

LOUDER Than Words

Communicating via Nonverbal CuesBody language impacts a great deal of how we communicate and can reflect quite accurately how we feel Nonverbal cues act as powerful supplements to verbal messagesHow body language adds to what we say: Shows emotions Illustrates verbal points Replaces verbal messages Signals changes in conversation

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So, How Does The Body Speak? Like any spoken language,

body language has words, sentences and punctuation

Each gesture is like a single word and one word may have several different meanings

Additionally, the tone of voice, the rate of speech and the pitch of the voice all add to the words that are being used

Types of Non-verbal Communication

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The Face vs. The BodyFacial expressions Offer the most nonverbal information Clearly indicate emotions and feelings Show how people react in response to information,

conversation or other actions Body Actions and Posture Orientation Position Posture Gestures Head Movements

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Do you know what you are saying?

People react to what you say and do

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What do our actions say about us?

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What do our actions say? (continued)

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Your words should match your actions

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EyesEye contact Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe Considered rude in some Asian/African countriesRaising eyebrows Means “Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries Means “Hello” in the PhilippinesWinking eye Signals sharing secrets or a joke in America and Europe Considered a flirtatious gesture in other countriesClosed eyes Signals boredom or sleepiness in America “I’m listening and concentrating” in Japan, Thailand, China

Head Movements Tossing the head backward is “Yes” in Thailand, the Philippines,

India, Laos Rocking head slowly, back and forth is “Yes, I’m listening” in

most Asian cultures Nodding the head is “Yes” in most societies but means “No” in

some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and TurkeyNote: Nodding can have more than one meaning

Body PositioningBody orientation = angle at which speaker’s body turns toward/away from a listenerOpen Positions Elbows away from the body Hands apart Legs crossedClosed Positions Crossed arms or legsLeaning Forward, backward or sideways tilt of a person to

another person

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PosturePositioning of the upper body Relaxed posture has slightly drooping shoulders

and an arched back A neutral posture has a straight back A rigid posture has an unnaturally straight back

with the shoulders back

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Arms Some cultures use their arms freely For others, it is considered impolite to gesticulate with broad

movements of the arms Folded arms commonly interpreted as a form of excluding

yourself ● “I am taking a defensive posture” ● “I disagree with what I am hearing”

Arms akimbo stance signals aggression, resistance, impatience or even anger

Arms behind back and hands grasped interpreted as sign of ease and control

Arms in front and hands grasped viewed as a sign of mutual respect in some Asian countries

HandsOf all the body parts, the hands are probably used most for communicating non-verbally Hand waves are used for greetings, beckoning, or

farewells The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by Americans

as the gesture of “come here” The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted in many

parts of Europe and Latin America as the signal for “no” Handshaking is a form of greeting in most Western

cultures In the Middle East, a gentle grip is appropriate In some Asian cultures, a gentle grip and an avoidance of direct

eye contact is appropriate

FingersThe “O.K.” signal means: “Fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures “Zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe “Money” in Japan Considered an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and some

other countries

“Thumb-up” means: “O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures “Up yours!” in Australia “Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia, New Zealand,

Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and most African countries

Fingers (continued)

Pointing Pointing with the index

finger is common in North America and Europe

But it is considered impolite in Japan and China where they favor using the whole open hand

Malaysians prefer pointing with the thumb

Legs and FeetIn Asia and some European countries, putting feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture is very disrespectfulSitting cross-legged, while common in North America and some European countries, is very impolite in other parts of the worldIn most Asian countries, a solid and balanced sitting posture is the prevailing custom and sitting cross-legged shows the sign of disrespectIn the Middle East and most parts of Asia, resting the ankle over the other knee risks pointing the sole of your shoe at another person, which is considered a rude gesture

How Close is Too Close?

Intimate Touching 6”-18”Personal Close: 1½ to 2½ feet Far: 2½ to 4 ½ feet

Social Close: 4-7 feet Far: 7-12 feetPublic Close: 12-25 feet Far: 25 feet or greater

What happens when you invade someone’s space?

Reactions to an invasion of personal space can vary Feel troubled Get defensive Become aggressive Retaliate

Effective Nonverbal Communication

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Maintain direct eye contact Direct eye contact shows openness and interest and

makes you look honest and trustworthyUse appropriate facial expressions for the subject matter you are discussingHave good posture and stanceUse appropriate gestures but don’t overdo itMake sure that the tone of your voice is appropriate for the conversationGive acknowledgment responses to show attentiveness and interest

Positive Nonverbal IndicatorsMeaning of Nonverbal Indicators

Examples

Openness, Confidence Opening hands with palms up, unbuttoning jacket, maintaining eye contact, smiling and leaning forward

Cooperation, Eagerness Smiling, maintaining eye contact, rubbing palms together, standing with hands on hips

Professionalism Sitting up straight, maintaining eye contact, leaning forward, taking notes

Evaluation, Interest Placing hand on cheek, stroking chin, leaning forward, tilting head slightly to one side, arching eyebrows

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Reading Nonverbal CuesRecognize that people communicate on many levels Become accustomed to watching body language and your

ability to read nonverbal cues will grow with practice Every gesture, facial expression, hand/feet and body

movement communicates something If a person’s words say one thing and their body language

says another, you are apt to listen to the nonverbal communication – and that is usually the correct decision

Body language may vary between individuals, and between different cultures and nationalities It is essential to verify and confirm signals you are reading

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Don’t Assume – You could be wrong

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Resources Skillsoft Skillbrief, Types of Nonverbal Cues (accessed via

http://www.Skillport.com on 04/06/2011) Body Language: Guide to Reading Body Language Signals (accessed via

http://www.businessballs.com on 04/13/2011) Skillsoft Skillbrief, Verbal and Nonverbal Communication with a Positive

Attitude, Communication Skills for Successful Management (accessed via http://www.Skillport.com on 04/06/2011)

Skillsoft Skillbrief, Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication (accessed via http://www.Skillport.com on 04/06/2011)

Rugsaken, Kris, The Body Speaks: The Importance of Body Language, National Academic Advising Association Conference (2005)

Murugan, Seema, Non-verbal Communication (accessed via http://www.hss.iitb.ac.in/courses/n-v.pdf on 04/13/2011)

Tyler, V. Lynn, Intercultural Interacting (1987)

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