We communicate many things with hand gestures and by other “body language”.

Duration: 50 minutes.

Body language is a type of non-verbal communication in which physical behaviours, as opposed to words, are used to express or convey the information. Such behaviour includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch, and the use of space.

Body language exists in both animals and humans, but this lesson focuses on interpretations of human body language. It is also known as kinesics. Although body language is an important part of communication, most of it happens without conscious awareness.

For instance, when your blind date arrives, you may begin to tap your foot nervously without realizing it. Fortunately, by learning more on this topic, we can become skilled at understanding other people’s posture.

Please view the video below.

Body language is the process of communicating through non-verbal signals.

Alice works at a local department store, she spends most of her day interacting with customers and co-workers, there’s a lot of talking involved, but there’s also another form of non-verbal communication that’s being used just as often and it’s, body language.

Body language is the process of communicating through non-verbal signals it includes things like our posture, facial expressions, gestures and more, the meanings of these all vary from culture to culture. But we instinctively read body language and interpret it as some expression of moods, feelings or intentions. So, in Alice’s case, even before she speaks, she may be communicating all kinds of things to customers.

For example, if her arms are crossed, and she’s avoiding eye contact, customers may not find her to be very approachable. However, Alice could be in a friendly mood even though her body language suggests otherwise, and this isn’t necessarily a conscious choice that she’s made. This could just be how she habitually presents herself, but if Alice is aware of these habits, she can work on improving her body language.

Changing your habits can be difficult but if you take time to pause and check in with yourself, you can start to notice them and adjust things to become a better non-verbal communicator. This awareness can also be applied to reading others body language.

Let’s say Alice notices that her co-worker is unusually quiet as his body turned away from her and is slouched over. She may pick up that he’s upset or that there’s an unspoken issue at hand, depending on Alice’s relationship with him. She may want to give him some space or ask if anything’s wrong.

Being aware of the various aspects of body language can make all the difference in how people perceive you and how you perceive them. Be aware of how you present yourself, and you can say a lot without speaking.

Body Language & Behaviour Table.

Emotion / Attitude	Example Sentences Showing Body Language	Meaning / Interpretation
Amused	She smiled and threw her head back laughing.	Shows enjoyment, humour, or something found funny. The person feels light-hearted and entertained.
Angry / Aggressive	He slammed his fist on the table and shouted.	Expresses strong anger, frustration, or hostility. These gestures often show a readiness to argue or confront.
Annoyed	She pressed her lips into a thin line and sighed. He rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath.	Indicates irritation or impatience. The person is bothered but trying to control their emotions.
Anxious	He fidgeted with his ring and bit his lower lip. She looked around quickly and took shallow breaths.	Shows nervousness, worry, or insecurity. The body reacts with restlessness or self-soothing movements.
Attentive	He nodded slowly while leaning forward. She sat up straight and took notes carefully.	Demonstrates interest and focus. The person is actively listening and engaged in the conversation.
Bored	He rested his head on his hand and stared at the wall.	Indicates disinterest or lack of stimulation. The person is mentally disengaged or tired of the situation.
Confident	She smiled calmly and kept steady eye contact.	Reflects self-assurance and control. The person feels capable and secure in their environment.
Confused	She raised her eyebrows and shrugged her shoulders.	Expresses uncertainty or lack of understanding. The gestures show the person is processing or questioning something.
Superiority	She lifted her chin and looked down her nose at him.	Suggests arrogance or condescension. The person feels above others or uninterested in engaging equally.
Cynical / Sarcastic	She rolled her eyes and said, “Sure, whatever.”	Shows disbelief, mockery, or irony. The person is responding in a disrespectful or dismissive tone.

Body Language – Discussion Questions.

1. What does body language mean to you?
2. How can we tell when someone is upset without words?
3. How do people show agreement or disagreement in your culture?
4. What gestures in your country might confuse foreigners?
5. What are some positive or negative gestures you often see?
6. How can body language be different between generations?
7. Do you think people can really “read” emotions through body language?
8. How important do you think body language is in communication?

Other related lessons.

https://jayandrews1766266630828.0942087.meusitehostgator.com.br/body-language-communication/

Photo by Caroline Veronez on Unsplash