body talk - body language

Body Talk

Body talk is a form of mental and physical ability of human non-verbal communication, which consists of body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements. Humans send and interpret such signals almost entirely subconsciously.

Reading 1) Look at these gestures and actions (a - e). How would they be interpreted in your country?

2) What gestures would you use to express the following attitudes?

Aggression: In its broadest sense, is behavior, or a disposition, that is forceful, hostile or attacking. It may occur either in retaliation or without provocation.

Defensiveness: Constantly protecting oneself from criticism, exposure of one's shortcomings, or other real or perceived threats to the ego.

Disbelief: Refusal or reluctance to believe; incredulity, mental rejection, skepticism, doubt; the state of being unsure of something.

Dishonesty: Is to act without honesty. It is used to describe a lack of probity (Complete and confirmed integrity), cheating.

Indecision: doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action.

Indifference: Is a state of apathy, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation and passion.

Insecurity: Is a feeling of general nervousness that may be triggered by perceiving of oneself to be vulnerable in some way, or a sense of vulnerability or instability which threatens one's self-image or ego.

Rejection: To reject an individual or deliberately exclude to somebody from a social relationship or social interaction.

3) Why do we use gestures and body language instead of words?

People can not live without each other, we are social beings. However besides written and spoken language we can also communicate without words. This kind of communication tells us something about the relationship between people. Often this is more important than getting the content of the message across. The communication about this non spoken communication, which tells us something about the relationship between people, is called body language.

Reading & Speaking1) Have you ever had a job

interview? Tell each other about your experiences in small groups.

2) In pairs discuss these questions: What do you understand by the

expression “body language?” How important is body language

in a job interview information? What information can your body

language reveal to an interview?

3) Read the advice page and compare your ideas.

4) Make a list of positive and negative body language for interviews.

Smile.

Stay calm.

Use eye contact.

Use glasses.

Be serious.

Be nervous.

Don’t make eye contact.

1) Find two different uses of the word take in the text on the preceding text.

ZOOM IN: TAKE

Take for granted take off

2) Here are some words that form common collocations with take.

Your cheek resting on a hand.

Pulling on your earlobe.

Rubbing your nose

Arms crossed on the chest

Open palms

EXTRA TIPS

• The interpretation of non-verbal communication has changed over the years.

• Neuro-linguistic programming teaches people how to use body language.