BODY LANGUAGE

TRAINING COURSE
Course Objectives

 Understand the range of nonverbal behaviors that comprise ‘body language’

 Understand the nuances of handshakes and touch
 Understand how your personal style influences your body language
 Match body language to words
 Know how to read facial expressions
 Interpret common gestures
 Interpret eye contact
 Understand power poses
 Know the sign of a fake smile and when someone is lying to you
 Understand the differences in body language across cultures

Nonverbal communication is the transfer of information through the use of body

language including eye contact, facial expressions, gestures and more. For example,
smiling when you meet someone conveys friendliness, acceptance and openness.
Everyone uses nonverbal communication all the time whether they know it or not.
Nonverbal communication is dependent on seeing and analyzing physical movements
as opposed to verbal communication, or the use of language to transfer information
through written text, speaking or sign language.

Why is nonverbal communication important?

Nonverbal communication is important because it gives us valuable information about a

situation including how a person might be feeling, how someone receives information
and how to approach a person or group of people. Paying attention to and developing
the ability to read nonverbal communications is an invaluable skill you can leverage at
every stage of your career.

Benefits of effective nonverbal communication

There are several ways nonverbal communication can support your ability to
communicate effectively in the workplace, including:

 It supports your message. When having a conversation, participating in a meeting or

engaging in conversation, nonverbal cues can emphasize and underscore the content of
your message. For example, using hand gestures to indicate the importance of an idea
may tell your listeners to pay attention to and remember a key point.
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 It communicates messages. You may also use only nonverbal communication to

communicate with others. For example, if someone is explaining a sentiment you admire
and agree with, you might nod your head up and down to express solidarity.

 It shows intention. Your body language may also intentionally or unintentionally express

your current condition. For example, people may pick up nonverbal cues that you are
being dishonest, unengaged, excited or aggressive.

 It conveys feelings. You can also use nonverbal communication to show your feelings,
such as disappointment, relief, happiness, contentment and more.

 It offers support. Nonverbal cues are also a great way to show support. Whether it's a
simple smile or pat on the back, actions may speak louder than words in many cases.

 It showcases your personality. Nonverbal communication is a great way to show who

you are. For example, a kind and optimistic person might frequently smile with open body
language and offer friendly touches.

 It indicates a desired action. This might include inching toward a door to indicate your
desire to leave the room, raising your hand to offer an idea or putting your hand out to
meet someone new.

 It deescalates tension. Using a calm tone of voice, open body language and

directive gestures may help to resolve a difficult situation.

Read more: The Complete Guide To Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace

Types of nonverbal communication

There are several types of nonverbal communications you should be aware of,
including:
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1. Body language

Body language is the way someone situates their body depending on the situation, the
environment and how they are feeling.

Example: Someone might cross their arms if they are feeling angry or nervous.

2. Movement

The way you move your arms and legs such as walking quickly or slowly, standing,
sitting or fidgeting, can all convey different messages to onlookers.

Example: Sitting still and paying attention in a meeting conveys respect and attention.

3. Posture

The way you sit or stand can also communicate your comfort level, professionalism and
general disposition towards a person or conversation.

Example: Someone might slouch their shoulders if they feel tired, frustrated or

disappointed.

4. Gestures

While gestures vary widely across communities, they are generally used both
intentionally and unintentionally to convey information to others.

Example: Someone might display a “thumbs up” to communicate confirmation or that

they feel positive about something.

5. Space

Creating or closing distance between yourself and the people around you can also
convey messages about your comfort level, the importance of the conversation, your
desire to support or connect with others and more.

Example: You might stand two to three feet away from a new contact to respect their
boundaries.
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6. Paralanguage

Paralanguage includes the non-language elements of speech, such as your talking

speed, pitch, intonation, volume and more.

Example: You might speak quickly if you are excited about something.

7. Facial expressions

One of the most common forms of nonverbal communication is facial expressions.

Using the eyebrows, mouth, eyes and facial muscles to convey emotion or information
can be very effective.

Example: Someone might raise their eyebrows and open their eyes widely if they feel
surprised.

8. Eye contact

Strategically using eye content (or lack of eye contact) is an extremely effective way to
communicate your attention and interest.

Example: Looking away from someone and at the ground or your phone may convey
disinterest or disrespect.

9. Touch

Some people also use touch as a form of communication. Most commonly, it is used to
communicate support or comfort. This form of communication should be used sparingly
and only when you know the receiving party is okay with it. It should never be used to
convey anger, frustration or any other negative emotions.

Example: Placing your hand on a friend’s shoulder may convey support or empathy.

Nonverbal communication skills and examples

There are several common skills that make you a valuable colleague, leader and
teammate. These skills are also highly desired by employers you may interview with
that fall into four main categories:
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 Paying attention: While it seems simple, the ability to stay engaged is an essential skill
that can help you learn quickly and communicate effectively.

 Picking up on nonverbal cues: It becomes easier to pick up on both small and obvious,
intentional and unintentional nonverbal communication when you practice. Pay attention
to people’s posture, movements, body language, facial expressions and eye contact as
they change.

 Interpreting nonverbal cues: Once you can more easily and accurately spot nonverbal
cues, you can learn to interpret them to be a better communicator. For example, if you
notice that someone is speaking quietly with slouched shoulders or crossed arms, it may
be a cue that they feel nervous or anxious. You can respond empathetically by smiling
and holding a warm and open body posture.

 Using nonverbal cues: It is equally important to develop your own use of

nonverbal cues to support your professional skills and to control any unproductive
or unprofessional communications in the workplace.

How to read body language

Reading body language is a difficult skill you will continue to develop throughout your
career. While each person uses nonverbal communication differently, there are several
common cues to pay attention to that will inform you about a person’s feelings,
intentions, motivations and more. When you are communicating with someone, it’s
helpful to notice their body language while also taking in their verbal communication.

Here are a few uses of body language to look for:

1. Posture

If a person has their shoulders back and spine straight, this is a sign that they are
engaged, listening and open to the ideas or information you are presenting. If they are
exhibiting poor posture with their shoulders slouched or raised and spine bent, they
might be nervous, anxious or angry.
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2. Use of arms

If a person has their arms down to their side, on the table or arranged in some other
open way, this is a sign that they feel positive and ready to absorb information. If their
arms are crossed or closed, they might be experiencing some sort of negative emotion.

3. Use of legs

If a person has both feet placed flat on the ground, this is a sign that they feel ready and
open to hear your ideas. If their legs are crossed or arranged in some other closed
formation, they might be feeling irritated or stressed.

4. Use of facial expressions

If you are communicating with someone who is frowning, has a furrowed brow or tight
lips, you might pause to ensure they don’t feel confused, angry or some other negative
emotion. If you are communicating with someone who has a soft smile, relaxed facial
muscles or gently raised eyebrows, this is a sign that they feel good about the
information you are presenting.

How to respond to body language

Be sensitive when responding to nonverbal communications. Many people may be

unaware of their body language and might be embarrassed if you bring it up. If you
sense someone might be angry, anxious or confused during your communications, take
a moment to consider the best course of action based on the individual.

If you feel it would be beneficial to ask how they are feeling in the moment, gently
address them with something like:

“I sense you might be feeling overwhelmed with my presentation. Is there something I

can take time to explain, or an idea you’d like to give feedback on?”

OR

“Is this is a good time to talk about our new process? If not, I’m happy to find a better
time we can chat.”

If you are in a meeting with several people, it might be a better idea to address them
afterward in a one-on-one setting.
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How to improve nonverbal communication

To improve your own nonverbal communication, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Do a body language test

Pay close attention to the ways you use body language over a business week. Notice
your body language, facial expressions and posture in meetings, during casual
exchanges and in presentations. See how others respond to your natural nonverbal
communications.

2. Notice how your emotions feel physically

Emotions are not purely felt in the mind; they affect us physically, too. Throughout the
day, as you experience a range of emotions (anything from energized, bored, happy or
frustrated), try to identify where you feel that emotion within your body.

For example, if you’re feeling anxious, you might notice that your stomach feels tight.
Developing the self-awareness of how your emotions affect your body can give you
greater mastery over your external presentation.

3. Be intentional about your nonverbal communications

Be attentive when trying to communicate with others using facial expressions or body
language. Make an effort to display positive body language when you feel alert, open
and positive about your surroundings.

You can also use body language to support your verbal communication if you feel
confused or anxious about information, like using a furrowed brow. Use body language
alongside verbal communication such as asking follow-up questions or pulling the
presenter aside to give feedback.

4. Mimic nonverbal communications you find effective

If you witness certain facial expressions or body language you find beneficial to a
certain setting, use it as a guide when improving your own nonverbal communications.
For example, if you see that when someone nods their head it communicates approval
and positive feedback efficiently, use it in your next meeting when you have the same
feelings.
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5. Nonverbal communication is an essential part of having excellent communication
skills

Take time to understand the body language and facial expressions of others you work
with, as well as to develop the ways you use nonverbal communications

Using nonverbal communication in an interview

Nonverbal communication is an essential part of the interview. It is important both to

read and interpret the nonverbal cues of your interviewers and to respond with
appropriate body language throughout. Here are a few tips for using nonverbal
communication in your next interview:

 Stand up when your interviewer enters the room and greet them with a reasonably
confident handshake.
 Smile when greeting your interviewer and naturally throughout your interview.
 Sit with your shoulders back and chin up to convey confidence.
 Place both feet on the ground or crossed at the ankles and lay your hands on top of one
another on the table to express openness and friendliness.
 Use gestures naturally without being distracting.
 Speak with a reasonable, confident tone so your interviewers can easily and clearly
understand you without being too loud.
 Use natural, conversational intonation without going up or down too unnaturally.

Ability to interpret body language is a skill that will enhance anyone’s career. Body
language is a powerful, subconscious form of communication, and just like any other
form of communication, it can be improved with practice. Whether in sales or
management, it is essential to understand the body language of others and to know
exactly what your own body is communicating.

This intriguing professional development training course will teach you the secrets of
how to identify what people are really thinking and feeling as expressed by their body
posturing, hand gestures and facial expressions. There are also cultural differences to
take into consideration as some cultures have very vivid and wild gesturing while others
are very somber and reserve. There are also gender-related body language patterns
that require consideration too.

 
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Body language is a powerful form of non-verbal communication, and through it, you convey
a range of emotions and reactions to others. While verbal and written communication will
vary from country to country and region to region, human body language can be quite
universal. Hence, learning how to make accurate interpretations of other’s body language
helps you build better relationships, especially in cross-cultural situations. Enroll in a Body
Language training course from Advanced Learning Programs today to become a more
effective and complete communicator.