1. Communication and Body Language
KVS, ZIET
Instructor
Dr. Neetu Ganapathy
Assistant Professor
SDM IMD, Mysore

2. We’ll learn… Communication and its Importance Process of Communication
Communication Channels
Barriers to Communication
Body Language

3. What is Communication?
Communication is a process that involves the transmission of meaningful information from one party to another through the use of shared symbols.
Facilitates interaction among people
Is successful when meaning is understood and the predetermined purpose is achieved
Has to be two way to be effective

4. The Communication Process
Face to Face
Phone
Letters
Memos
Noise
Communication Channel
Receiver
(decodes message)
Sender
(encodes message)
Feedback
Noise

5. What are the ways in which we communicate?
Spoken Word
Written Word
Visual Images
Body Language

6. The Communication Process
Communication should be
Clear
Concise
Correct
Courteous
Complete

7. Communication Channels Ranked by Information Richness
Richest Channel
Leanest Channel
Impersonal static channels (fliers, bulletins, generalized reports)
Physical presence (face-to-face, meetings)
Interactive channels (telephone, electronic media, voice mail, )
Personal static channels (memos, letters, reports tailored to receiver)
Best for non-routine, ambiguous, difficult messages
Best for routine, clear, simple messages

8. Channels of communication
Several channels
Important to know when to use which channel to ensure maximum impact of message
“It is important to know when to use , when to pick up the phone, get in a car, or board a plane.” – Michael Eisner, Past Chairman of the board, Walt Disney Corporation.

9. Barriers to Effective Communication
Barriers can disrupt the accurate transmission of information.
These barriers take different forms:
Feedback barrier
Noise barrier
Perception barrier

10. Body Language

11. The Mehrabian Model Proposed by Prof. Albert Mehrabian, UCLA
In communication
7% of meaning is in the words spoken
38% of meaning is paralinguistic (the manner in which the words are said)
55% of meaning is conveyed through facial expression/body language

12. The Mehrabian Model
Underlines the importance of non-verbal factors in communication
But cannot be used as a rule for any form of communication
Emphasises the need for more care to be taken while communicating on the phone or by due to absence of visual cues.

13. Body Language
If the eyes are the windows of the soul, then the body is the mirror of our feelings.

14. “What we say is not as important as how we say it.”
Body Language
“What we say is not as important as how we say it.”

15. Body Language
Facial expressions
Eyes
Gestures
Posture
Movement

16. Body Language Facial expressions Convey our feelings. Don’t frown.
Smile!
“Smile is a curve that puts many things straight.”
Only possible if you are confident, comfortable and in control.

17. Body Language Eye contact
“Eyes are the mirror of the soul” - Leonardo Da Vinci.
Scan the audience. Pause two/three seconds with each listener.
Builds trust.
Results in a conversation instead of a speech.
Use Star formation

18. Body Language Gestures Speak with your hands. But don’t overdo it.
Indicates openness
Use gentle and slow movements.
Avoid
Pointing a finger at someone when speaking.
Putting your hands in your pockets – indicates you are unsure.
Holding hands behind your back - Leave them at your side.
Washing your hands

19. Body Language Arms Open arms Folded arms Approachable Open minded
Defensive
Cold
Stubborn

20. Body Language Posture Movement Shoulders Tilting body weight
Pull shoulders back and tilt head upwards.
Don’t slouch.
Helps convey confidence.
Tilting body weight
Stand when speaking
People should look up to you and not down!!!
Movement
Move around, but don’t pace the floor!
Don’t be glued to one place.
Don’t move because you have to!

21. The importance of Communication
The Wall Street Journal
“To stand out from the competition, you must demonstrate the unwritten requirements that are now most in demand : Leadership and communication skills.”
Peter Drucker
“Colleges teach the one thing that is perhaps the most valuable for the future employee to know. But very few students bother to learn it. This one basic skill is the ability to organise and express ideas in writing and speaking.”

22. Remember… Communication is a life skill.
We need to acquire it to succeed.
Good Luck in your quest to be a better communicator!

23. Thank you!