Topic: Body language Students’ level

WHILE-READING ACTIVITY

Objective: To check students’ writing skills.

Time: 15 minutes

Materials: Handouts and presentation.

Reading

1. .A pleasant smile is a strong indication of a friendly and open attitude and a willingness to communicate. It is a positive, nonverbal signal sent with the hope that the other person will smile back. When you smile, you demonstrate that you have noticed the person in a positive manner. The other person consider it a compliment and will usually feel good. The result? The other person will usually smile back. Smiling doesn’t mean that you have to put on a phony face or pretend that you are happy all the time. But when you see someone you know, or would like to make contact with, do smile. By smiling, you are demonstrating an open attitude to conversation.

2. 
   You might not realise that closed posture is the cause of many conversational problems. Typical closed posture is sitting with your arms and legs crossed and your hand covering your mouth or chin. This is often called “the thinking pose”, but just ask yourself this question: Are you going to interrrupt someone who appears to be deep in thought? Not only does this posture give off “stay away” signals to others, but it also prevents your main “signal sender” (your mouth) from being seen by others looking for receptive conversational signals. Without these receptive signals, another person will most likely avoid you and look for someone who appears to be more available for contact. To overcome this habitual way of standing or sitting, start by keeping your hands away from your mouth, and keep your arms crossed. Crossed arms tend to indicate a defensive frame of mind, and thus one not particularly favorable to outside contact. They can also indicate impatience, displeasure, or judgement - any of which would discourage people from opening up. Open posture is most effective when you place yourself within communicating distance of the other person – that is within about five feet. Take care, however, not to violate someone’s “personal space” by getting too close, too soon.
   
3. 
   Leaning forward slightly while a person is talking to you indicates interest on your part, and shows you are listening to what the person is saying. This is usually taken as a compliment by the other person, and will encourage him to continue talking. Often people will lean back with their hands over their mouth, or chin, or behind their head in the thinking pose. This posture gives the signals of judgement, scepticism, and boredom from the listener. Since most people do not feel comfortable when they think they are being judged, this leaning back posture tends to inhibit the speaker from continuing. It’s far better to lean forward slightly in a casual and natural way. By doing this, you are saying: “I hear what you are saying, anf I’m interested – keep talking.” This usually lets the other person feel that what he is saying is interesting, and encourages him to continue speaking.
   
4. 
   In many cultures the most acceptable form of first contact between two people who are just meeting is a warm handshake. This is true when meeting members of the same or opposite sex – and not just in business, but in social situations too. In nearly every situation , a warm and firm handshake is a safe and positive way of showing an open and friendly attitude toward the people you meet. Be the first to extend your hand in greeting. Couple this with a friendly “Hello”, a nice smile,and your name, and you have made the first step to open the channels of communication between you and another person.
   
5. 
   The strongest of nonverbal gestures are sent through the eyes. Direct eye contact indicates that you are listening to the other person, and that you want to know about her. Eye contact should be natural and not forced or overdone. It’s perfectly okay to have brief periods of eye contacts while you observe other parts of the person’s face particularly the mouth. When the person smiles, be sure to smile back. But always make an effort to return your gaze to a person’s eyes as she speaks. It is common to look up, down and all around when speaking to others, and it’s acceptable not to have eye contacts at all times. Too much eye contact, especially if it is forced, can be counterproductive. If you stare at a person, or leer in a suspicious manner, the other person may feel uncomfortable and even suspicious about your intentions. A fixed stare can appear as aggressive behaviour if it takes the form of a challenge as to who will look away first.