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 skillssome awareness of body languagean 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 SkillsThis 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 gestureEye contactFacial expressionVocal quality – pitch, volumePace (speed) and tone of voiceNon-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