Body Language and Relationships

DISCUSSION: Who has ever gotten caught rolling their eyes at a teacher, parent, co-worker, or supervisor? How did that person react? Whether you rolled your eyes intentionally or didn’t even realize you did it, how do you think your action was interpreted? [Examples may include- Disrespect, Annoyed, Bored, Irritated, Angry, Frustrated]

Forms of Communication Written Verbal/Vocal Pitch Tone Volume Non Verbal Gestures There are many forms of communication- Written Verbal/Vocal Pitch Tone Volume Non Verbal Gestures

Activity [Depending on the size of the training group, this activity could be done together or in smaller groups. Each team member should take a turn acting out the expression, body movements, posture, gesture and eye contact for each of the feelings] Type and cut or write out the following words and place in a hat: Afraid Angry Anxious Bored Confused Content Curious Excited Frustrated Happy Interested Jealous Lonely Offended Overwhelmed Proud Sad Scared Shocked Shy Stressed Surprised Thankful Worried Have one person draw from the hat [consider taking turns drawing to increase participation]. The person drawing from the hat will then be asked to act out the facial expressions, body movements, posture, gestures, eye contact and voice of someone exhibiting the emotion. The rest of the group will guess the emotion. Continue until all the words have been used.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words How many have heard this expression? When/where? What does it mean? How is this possible when actions don’t speak? Action Let’s take a moment to re-group. DISCUSSION: What expression did you find hardest to act out/guess? What actions would you want to see at work everyday? What expressions or behaviors would you not want to see at work? What actions would make you want to leave the workplace? What ones would make you want to stay? The phrase- “Actions Speak Louder Than Words” How many have heard this expression? When/where? What does it mean? How is this possible when actions do not speak?

Using this Activity in Everyday Work How does this lesson apply to your every day work? What will you do differently after thinking about body language? How might this help you understand resident needs better? DISCUSSION: As a member of this team, how would you use the lesson in this activity in your everyday work …. Some examples- Increase awareness with own body language. Recognize we each display our own emotions differently. Make conscious choices to display positive non-verbals. Help me recognize verbals and non-verbals from residents and team members that demonstrate a need for help. Additional applications of the training…

Questions or Comments? [Consider using this training as a part of a broader customer service and values training that sets expectations related to body language and behaviors for all employees].

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