Professional Self Presentation 2 Body Language and Interviews C. West 12.03

Aims to develop the skills and qualities of effective communicators to develop a professional approach to interpersonal communications

Objectives To develop: interpersonal skills some awareness of body language an enhanced understanding of intrapersonal skills an awareness of self presentation (to see ourselves as others see us!)

Why? Communication theory: –Non-verbal – 55% –Paralinguistic – 38% –Verbal communication 7% (Mehrabian, 1971, cited in Wainwright 1990)

Effective Communication If the verbal, that is, what we are saying, is important, then it is essential to know how to get the message across. This dynamic process develops from … –Intrapersonal understanding –Appreciation of what affects Interpersonal communication –Practice of skills in body language and vocal clarity, tone and projection –Consideration of ‘status’ and respect for intercultural factors Now let’s consider these aspects in more detail …

Interpersonal Communication Skills This means we need to understand and develop … –the skills involved in social interactions –our understanding of our own and others’ social behaviour –our ability to appreciate why people behave or react as they do We all have a professional responsibility for continuing reading, research and personal study in this area.

Awareness of Body Language Body language is a fundamental part of the communication process. It includes … Posture and gesture Eye contact Facial expression Vocal quality – pitch, volume Pace (speed) and tone of voice Non-verbal sounds; eg. a sigh

Intrapersonal Communication Skills involve … How we see and value ourselves and understand our own personalities Understanding the needs and motivations that drive our personal interactions Understanding the dynamic cognitive processes by which we make sense of our experiences Awareness of others’ reactions and the ability to modify our speech and actions based on this feedback.

Self Presentation … Is affected by … –Courtesy and respect for all This may require us to find out about others’ beliefs, customs and cultures –Status How do we present ourselves? –On a scale of 1 – 10?! What does our ‘body language’ convey … about our belief in ourselves, our attitudes to others about us?

References and Bibliography Argyle, M. (1990), The Psychology of Interpersonal Behaviour, London, Penguin Burton, G. & Dimbleby, R. (1993), Between Ourselves: an Introduction to Interpersonal Communication, London, Edward Arnold Gahagan, J. (1975), Interpersonal and Group Behaviour, London, Methuen Honey, P. (1986), If Looks Could Kill, London, Video Arts Pease, A. (1997), Body Language: How to read others’ thoughts by their gestures, London, Sheldon Ribbens, G. & Thompson, R. (2000), Understanding Body Language, Abingdon, Hodder and Stoughton Wainwright, G.R. (1990), Body Language, Sevenoaks, Hodder and Stoughton Educational