Non-Verbal Communication “Actions speak louder than words…”

Body Language Body language is open to misinterpretation It must be interpreted in the context of one’s lifestyle, family, cultural background, and personal experiences

Gaze & Eye Contact Gaze is the term used to mean looking at a person Eye-contact means mutual gaze, where the two look at each other at the same time Maintaining eye contact signals genuineness Avoiding it signals shiftiness

Distance & Proximity PROXEMICS: The use of space to convey a non-verbal message. In some cultures it is a sign of attraction, In others it may reflect status or the intensity of the exchange Proximity in white Anglo Saxon cultures: Personal Space – 50cm to 1.5m Social/Consultative Space – 1.2m – 3.5m Public Space – more than 3.5m

KINESICS: Body Language Watching people's actions can bring you a lot closer to the truth than merely listening to what they say (which might be a cover-up) “Science" of kinesthetics, or "body language" Can be very revealing Outward expressions of inner feelings.

KINESICS: Body Language Openness: Open hands, unbuttoned coat. Defensiveness: Arms crossed, sideways glance, touching-rubbing nose, rubbing eyes, buttoned coat, drawing away. Insecurity: Pinching flesh, chewing pen, thumb over thumb, biting fingernail. Cooperation: Upper body in sprinter's position, open hands, sitting on edge of chair, hand to face gestures, unbuttoning coat.

KINESICS: Body Language Confidence: Steepled hands, hands behind back, back stiffened, hands in coat pockets with thumb out, hands on lapels of coat. Nervousness: Clearing throat, "whew" sound, whistling, smoking, pinching flesh, fidgeting, covering mouth, jiggling money or keys, tugging ears, wringing hands. Frustration: Short breaths, "tsk" sound, tightly clenched hands, wringing hands, fist-like gestures, pointing index finger, rubbing hand through hair, rubbing back of neck.

GESTURES – Open & Closed Open gestures are present when a person is ready and willing to communicate Closed gestures are present when there is something standing in the way of complete, honest communication

GESTURES - Hand Shake Americans use a firm, solid grip Middle Easterners and Orientals prefer a gentle grip a firm grip to them suggests unnecessary aggressiveness

GESTURES – Eye Contact Americans are taught to look directly Japanese and Koreans are taught to avoid direct eye contact, direct eye contact to them is considered a weakness, and may indicate sexual overtones

GESTURES – O.K. Gesture Americans, forming a circle with thumb and forefinger to signal O.K. Means "zero" or worthless in France Money in Japan Calling someone a very bad name in Germany.

GESTURES – Nodding Yes or No For Americans, up and down means yes, side to side means no In Bulgaria, the nods are reversed in meaning.

So What Does This Mean? So what is going on? I just want the facts all the facts! Suspicious

So What Does This Mean? What? So that is what you were thinking? Inquisitive

So What Does This Mean? I dare you! Defensive Self-Protective Not Trusting

So What Does This Mean? What do you mean! I am not going to take this! Angry

So What Does This Mean? Oh boy, the cameras are on me now! Dejected Disappointed

So What Does This Mean? It’s not fair! I want it! I will make you miserable till I get it! Pout

So What Does This Mean? 1: Oh really must I be here? Why do I have to sit next to her? I’ve got it! 2: Worried. This guy to my right is weird. 3: Can I pull it off? This is important to my future!

So What Does This Mean? I will get through this! Determined I will not budge!

So What Does This Mean? 1: I’m in charge here! Dominating Intimidating 2: Fearful

So What Does This Mean? Holy Cow! Wow! Shocked Surprised Bad Hair Day!

So What Does This Mean? Now just stop that! Get out of here! Defensive Oppositional

So What Does This Mean? So tell me more! Open Accepting Welcoming

So what do you think? How important is non-verbal communication in your communications with others? What messages are you sending which you really do not want others to pick up? How can you improve your effectiveness as a communicator? What do you need to do so as to improve your ability to “listen” to the non-verbal cues of others?