The Secret of Body Language

What is Body Language ?

Body language is various forms of non-verbal communication wherein a person may reveal clues as to some unspoken

intention or feeling through their physical behaviour

Source: A study by Dr. Albert Mehabrian, quoted by forbes

How Important Body Language is in Communication ?

- Each gesture is like a single word and one word may have several differentmeanings

- What people say is often very different from whatthey think or feel

by observing ones body language or gestures, we could get a clue of what they thought

What to observe:

How does Body Speak ?

Territories and Zone

Intimate ZoneOnly those who are emotionally close to that person are permitted to enter it. This includes lovers, parents, spouse, children, close friends and relatives

Personal Zonewe stand from others at cocktail parties, office parties, social functions and friendly gatherings.

Social ZoneWe stand at this distance from strangers, the local shopkeeper, the new employee at work and people whom we do not know very well.

Public ZoneWhenever we address a large group of people, this is the comfortable distance at which we choose to stand.

Territories and Zone

Conversation Distance

Greeting Each Other

People lean against other people orobjects to show a territorial claim tothat object or person.

Leaning can also be used as amethod, of dominance orintimidation when the object beingleaned on belongs to someone else

Territorial Gesture

A sign of openness and honesty

Question:can you tell a lie

better if your palm is visible then if it’s

hidden?

Palm Gesture

Submissive Palm Position

Dominant Palm Position

Aggressive Palm Position

Palm Gesture

A negative sign

Hand to Face Gesture

Don’t want to listen anymore Signal of doubt and uncertainty

Hand to Face Gesture

Arm Barriers

A defensive or negative gesture

It is commonly seen when a person is among strangers inpublic meetings, queues, cafeterias, elevators or anywherethat people feel uncertain or insecure

Arm Barriers

• By set aside at least 15 minute a day to study and read the gestures of others, as well as your own gesture (try it at the market, airport, business meeting etc)

• Turn down the TV sound and try to understand the situation and turn it on every five minutes to check how accurate your body language reading ability

How to Learn Body Language