Glencoe Keyboarding with Computer Applications

Communication Focus Identify Positive Body Language

Introduction
Learn more about the gestures, poses, movements, and expressions that a person uses to communicate.

Directions
Read the information below and apply what you learn to answer the questions. Write your answers on a separate piece of paper, or key them into the spaces below. After you finish keying, check your work carefully and click Submit.

What is Body Language?
Body language is 'non-verbal communication' such as hand gestures, body poses or movements, and facial expressions. Central to good communication, a person's body language can reveal their true feelings.

Interpreting Body Language Body language is more responsible for how a message is received than the actual words used. Often, people are unaware of their body language, and do not realize that a look on their face or the position of their body is contradicting their words. It is very important to be aware of the impression you make with your own body language, as well as being sensitive to other people's physical signals.

Skill in being able to "read", or understand, another person's body language can help in making and forming a good impression, whether in a job interview, academic setting, or social situation. Body language becomes still more important when there is a language barrier. With the verbal message missing, the listener naturally relies on what is available.

Elements of Positive Body Language What does it say about somebody if he or she cannot look you in the eye when speaking? What about a person whose head tilts to the side, or who folds his or her arms defensively? Is it a sign of aggression if a person stands too close or dislike if the person is too far away?

We send messages or "clues" while speaking or interacting with others with the following physical signals:

• Eye contact Direct eye contact often instills a sense of being straightforward and truthful. Not looking at people when you speak or they speak can be considered rude.
• Posture Leaning forward slightly indicates you are interested and engaged in the encounter. Slouching might look like your are bored or uninterested.
• Arm and leg position Do not cross arms, legs, or feet. By keeping an "open" position the other person knows you are relaxed and not hiding anything.
• Handshake A handshake that is too hard or too soft can make a bad impression. A good rule of thumb is to try and "mirror" the other person's handshake. Other countries and cultures may not use or approve of handshakes at all.
• Distance Different people and cultures have different ideas about how much physical space there should be between people who are talking. "Personal body space" varies from person to person, but in the United States and Europe the distance is approximately arm's length. In Asian cultures, the distance is usually farther, and in middle eastern cultures, the distance is usually closer.

Find Information on a Web Site With your teacher's permission, use a search engine to find out more about this topic. Here are some keywords you might use: body language, communication skills, dictionary of gestures.

1			Which of the following terms is not considered an element of body language: gestures, poses, whispering, or expressions?
2			What are three situations where it would be useful to be able to "read" body language?
3			What does it signal to you when a person stands too far from you when speaking to you? What is comfortable distance for you?
4			What might your teacher think if you cross your legs or arms while speaking to him or her?
5			Describe a gesture or pose that you recognize that you have used. Explain the situation in which you have used that gesture.