Body Language

Part A
 Significance and Consequences of Body Language

i. Building Rapport:
Rapport is a combination of attentiveness, positivity, and coordination. Body language like positive eye contact, smiling
and mirroring can help build a good rapport in business relationships. (Nicholson, 2023)
ii. Confidence and Credibility:
Practicing confident body language makes a person aware about his/her actions and implications making them more
confident. (Indeed Editorial Team, 2023)
Credibility, trust, and loyalty is built within the audience towards us by practicing good body language. (Linkedin, 2023)
iii. Conflict Resolution:
Body language can escalate or de-escalate tension in a situation of a conflict resolution.
Ex.: Rolling eyes, crossing arms etc. are dismissive gestures and should be avoided and positive eye contact, leaning in
etc. facilitate conflict resolution. (Linkedin, 2023)
iv. Interviews and Job Success:
Non-verbal cues reveal more about a candidate, it impacts interviewer's perception and conveys a person's professionalism
and enthusiasm. (Skillbuz, 2023)
At a workplace, body language helps us to effectively communicate with and influence colleagues, clients and customers.
(Athal, 2023)
v. Leadership and Influence:
Effective use of body language helps leaders to influence their subordinates and also understand them better by
maintaining a balance between 'power' and 'submission'.
vi. Respect and Sensitization of Cultural Differences:
Nodding to signify attentiveness, smiling as a friendly gesture, eye contact as a form of acknowledgement etc. help to
show respect through body language.
While greeting a person in his/her language and in a manner that is followed by his/her culture shows sensitisation towards
cultural differences.
vii. Team Collaboration:
Showing empathy through mirroring, using positive body language to stimulate someone's participation in a
communication and nodding in agreement to further encourage the other person helps in overall team collaboration.
(Goman, 2022).
viii. Networking:
Using body language effectively, individuals can prove confidence and credibility, enhancing their ability to connect with
their colleagues. It also signals a person's amount of interest in a subject.
 Consequences of Inappropriate Body Language

• Social Isolation:
The use of inappropriate body language in a social group, at workplace etc. can send out wrong signals repulsing people
away and leading to social isolation.
• Miscommunication:
Inappropriate body language coupled with words which mean something else can lead to miscommunication as non-
verbals have more impact on the receiver than words.
• Damage Relationships:
Body language, if used inappropriately, can indicate defensive feelings, lack of interest or dishonesty. This might severely
damage personal and professional relationships. (Barnard, 2022)
• Reduce Credibility:
Negative body language can cause others to perceive a person as unprofessional in a business environment or deceptive
and this makes it difficult for others to trust them.
• Missed Opportunities:
Miscommunication or reduced credibility due to inappropriate body language or the general inability to use right body
language can cost a person a lot of potential opportunities.
• Act as a Barrier to Communication:
Inappropriate body language such as excessive use of hand gestures or a complete lack of gestures and expressions can
distract the listener and impede the process of communication.
• Hurt Sentiments:
Using a particular aspect of body language without knowing its true meaning/symbolism or its cultural appropriateness
can hurt people's sentiments.
• Low Self-Image:
Use of inappropriate body language can lead to nervousness, under-confidence and low self-esteem eventually leading
one to have a low self-image.
 Non-Verbal Communication and Body Language
• Non-verbal communication refers to any form of communication that doesn't involve words or language. It encompasses
a wide range of cues and signals that convey information, emotions, and intentions.
• Body language is a subset of non-verbal communication. It specifically relates to the use of physical movements, body
postures, facial expressions, and gestures to convey messages, emotions, and attitudes. It can also provide insights into a
person's feelings, thoughts, and intentions. “It is our first-line of communication”, (Singh, 2022).

• Importance and relevance of Body Language in Non-verbal communication: -

• Contradiction:
Body language is subconsciously controlled. It sends powerful signals than the words uttered aloud. So, the difference
between what we are thinking and what we are saying can arise a moment of doubt in the recipient’s mind if it does not
correspond to the words spoken. (Singh, 2022)
• Credibility:
It is known that in the first 5-7 seconds of meeting, a person can produce a mental image of us, just by looking at our body
language, even while being inexpressive verbally. Thus, our body language influences our credibility at first impression.
• Restrictive:
The recognition of emotions can drop significantly if the body movements are restricted, due to hinderance in the accurate
conveyance of nonverbal emotional cues. Not all can easily interpret signals through eye movements or other gestures.
(Caskey, Blog: Body Language: The Science of Nonverbal Communication Skills, 2021)
• Oculesics:
Eyes can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in
maintaining the flow of conversation and for holding the other person's interest and getting a response from them. (By
Jeanne Segal, 2023).
• Facial expressions:
Facial expressions are used to emphasize points or emotions which might not be conveyed accurately otherwise. When
an individual smiles, frowns, or rolls their eyes while speaking, we can further interpret the message as being happy,
anxious or upset, or annoyed respectively. It helps in easy communication of emotions, thus, further accentuating our
understanding of a person’s message. (Saleh, 2022)
• Head movements:
“Since the head houses our brain, we instinctively move our heads depending on how we feel”, (Edwards, n.d.). When
meeting others virtually, we tend to stick to nodding and tilting of head on the right-side more as a sign of agreement and
attentiveness, due to the lack of other body movements.
• Mirroring:
 Mirroring each other’s body language unconsciously, is an indication of bonding, being accepted, and building rapport. It
also makes others feel at ease. By changing our body language, we can identify other person’s feelings and accordingly
interpret the messages sent by them. (Tasso, n.d.) (PEASE, 2010)
• Context and environment:
Environmental factors can lead to slight variations in our interpretation of body language. For eg., folded arms or
scrunched shoulders not always shows defensiveness but can also mean that the surrounding is cold. Thus, other gestures
should also be considered for evaluation of messages rather than one gesture alone. (Tasso, n.d.)
• Body posture:
The two main forms of body posture – open and closed – depicts an individual’s level of confidence, status, or receptivity
to others. For eg., closed posture with folded arms, crossed legs, indicate discomfort or disinterest; whereas open posture
with direct facing and use of various positive hand gestures, indicate interest and readiness to listen. (Body Language:
Body Language, Posture and Proximity, n.d.)
• Physical appearance:
Physical appearance can alter the physiological reactions, judgements, and interpretation, just as how different colors can
arouse different moods. (Cherry, 2023). Grooming plays a big role in our perception of an individual’s attractiveness.
(Nonverbal communication: PERSONAL APPEARANCE, n.d.). For eg., research has shown that people with appropriate
physical appearance tend to earn more and are at a higher authority than the ones who avoid putting efforts in the same.
Verbal Communication
• Verbal communication is a type of communication where we use spoken and written words to get our message and
information across to the other person.
• In other words, whenever we use our words to express ourselves, our feelings, and our thoughts, we are verbally
communicating.
• Good verbal communication skills can help improve relationships, increase engagement and productivity when working with
others, and build trust.
• Clarity of message decreases the possibility of conflict and helps resolve it quicker if it does arise.
• Verbal communication is an important skill that professionals in any industry can benefit from. It helps you communicate
with team members, managers, customers, and investors inside and outside of the workplace. Not only do they allow you to
relay important information that can guide strategic decisions, but they also facilitate productive discussions that can lead to
innovative solutions.
• People with well-developed verbal communication skills may have more opportunities for professional development to
advance their careers.

A. TYPES OF VERBAL COMMUNICATION-

• Intrapersonal Communication. This form of communication is extremely private and restricted to ourselves.
• Interpersonal Communication-This form of communication takes place between two individuals and is thus a one-on-
one conversation.
• Small Group Communication-This type of communication can take place only when there are more than two people
involved. Here the number of people will be small enough to allow each participant to interact and converse with the
rest.
• Public Communication-This type of communication takes place when one individual addresses a large gathering of
people.

B. Following are the advantages of Verbal Communication:

➢ ➨It saves time in communication.

➢ ➨It is quick in obtaining feedback once delivered.

➢ ➨It provides complete understanding of communication delivered and there is chance to make it more clear in case of
doubts in interpretation of words or ideas.
➢ ➨It is more reliable method of communication.
➢ ➨It is cheaper way of communication and hence saves money.
 C. Following are the disadvantages of Verbal Communication:
➢ ➨It has no legal validity and hence will lead to problems in certain situations.

➢ ➨It does not provide permanent record unless it is recorded with modern means of storage.

➢ ➨It has issues when communicating with distant people.

➢ ➨It is difficult for certain people to understand speech due to various speech tones used in verbal communication.

➢ ➨This form of communication is not suitable for lengthy messages.

Some examples of verbal communication include an email, letters, a phone call, and a face-to-face meeting, etc.

D. Verbal Communication and Body Language

• -Verbal communication is a type of communication where we use spoken and written words to get our message and
information across to the other person. Body Language is a significant aspect of modern communications and
relationships. Therefore, it is very relevant to management or leadership and to all aspects of work and business where
communications can be seen and physically observed among people.
• -Body language is also very relevant to relationships outside of work, for example in dating and in families and parenting.
• -In terms of observable body language, non-verbal (non-spoken) signals are being exchanged whether these signals are
accompanied by spoken words or not. Body language may provide clues as to the attitude or state of mind of a person
along with verbal communication. For example, it may indicate aggression, attentiveness, boredom, relaxed state,
pleasure, amusement, and intoxication, among many other cues. Good communication is the foundation of successful
relationships, both personally and professionally
• -Contradiction: Non-verbal cues can also contradict the verbal message, creating confusion or ambiguity. For example, if
someone says "I'm happy" while frowning, it can be unclear whether they actually mean what they are saying
• -Reinforcement is the use of encouraging words alongside non-verbal gestures such as head nods, a warm facial expression
and maintaining eye contact are used along with verbal communication. All these help to build rapport and are more likely
to reinforce openness in others.
• -Body language, the gestures, facial expressions, and positions that we use to communicate with others, can be one of the
best ways to emphasize verbal communication. Eye contact, for instance, can reflect emotions while also indicating
confidence.
• -Verbal cues may be a more promising domain to find differences between liars and truth-tellers. Verbal cues are linguistic
clues of deceit that are expressed in an individual's statement, such as stuttering, differentiation in pitch, etc.( International
Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Vol. 24, Issue 09, 2020)
• -Therefore, being verbally able to communicate well with others is often essential in solving problems that inevitably
occur both in our private and professional lives through effective body language.
Elements of Body Language

A. Gestures

A gesture is a form of non-verbal communication in which visible bodily actions communicate particular messages, either
in place of speech or together and in parallel with spoken words. Gestures include movement of the hands, face, or other
parts of the body.

Types of Gestures
• Rubbing the palms together
Rubbing the palms together is a way in which people communicate positive expectation.
The speed at which a person rubs their palms together signals who he thinks will receive the positive benefits.
When palms are rubbed quickly, it suggests benefit to the other party.
However, rubbing palms slowly seems sneaky or devious and often suggests benefit to that person itself.
• Hands Clenched Together
The Hands Clenched together gesture shows a restrained, anxious or negative attitude.
It was also a frustration gesture and assumed by a person who felt they were either hot convincing the other person or
thought they were losing the negotiation.
The Hands Clenched gesture has three main positions: hands clenched in front of the face; hands clenched resting on the
desk or on the lap; and, when standing, hands clenched in front of the crotch, the highest position of hands suggesting the
most frustration.
• The Steeple
The fingers of one hand lightly press against those of the other hand to form a church steeple and will sometimes rock
back and forth.
The Steeple was frequently used in superior-subordinate interaction and that it indicates a confident or self-assured
attitude.
The Steeple has two main versions: the Raised Steeple, the position often assumed when the Steepler is giving his opinions
or ideas or is doing the talking; and the Lowered Steeple, which is normally used when the Steepler is listening rather than
speaking.
Although the Steeple gesture is a positive signal, it can be used in either positive or negative circumstances and may be
misinterpreted.
• Palms Up
Open palms usually have a positive effect on people. It's effective in making amends or closing a sale.
Combined with outstretched arms, it communicates acceptance, openness and trustworthiness.
• Palms Down
This gesture conveys confidence but also rigidity.
Downward palms with straightened fingers indicate a sense of authority, even dominance or defiance. When a person does
this while talking to you, it means he is not going to budge and you might have to change your approach.
• Hands behind the back
When hands are held behind the back with one palm over the other, it shows superiority, confidence and power. The person
exposes their vulnerable stomach, heart, crotch and throat in a subconscious act of fearlessness.
However, the Hand-Gripping-Wrist gesture communicates a different emotion to Palm-in-Palm behind the back. It's a
signal of frustration and an attempt at self-control. The higher up one hand grips the opposite arm, the more frustrated or
angry the person is likely to be.
• Hands on heart
This conveys a person's desire to be believed or accepted.
Though intended to communicate sincerity, it doesn't necessarily mean honesty.
• Chopping Movements
Chopping is for emphasis, and is usually authoritative.
A person who “chops” has made up his mind and is not likely to change it.
It can often be used as a way to make a point
• Finger Pointing
Pointing a finger at a person while speaking is an authoritative gesture. People do this when imposing themselves.
In any case, it's often considered impolite to point at a person. It would be more refined to point with your whole hand.
• Hands in pockets
Pocketed hands indicate unwillingness, mistrust and reluctance.
If a person keeps his hands in his pockets, you will need to first gain his interest as well as his trust.

B. Postures
Posture refers to the position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting. Postures in body language can
convey a wealth of information about a person’s feelings, attitudes, and personality.
Types of Postures
• Open Posture: This posture indicates that a person is approachable and open to communication. It can be achieved through
nonverbal cues such as maintaining eye contact, keeping an open stance, and orienting the body toward the person you’re
talking to.
• Closed Posture: This posture is often associated with defensive or negative attitudes. It can include crossed arms or legs,
avoidance of eye contact, or turning the body away from the speaker.
• Dominant Posture: This includes behaviors like standing tall, holding one’s head high, or placing hands on hips. These
postures can indicate confidence, assertiveness, or dominance.
• Submissive Posture: This includes behaviors like slouching, looking down, or making oneself appear smaller. These
postures can indicate shyness, submission, or insecurity.
• Relaxed Posture: This includes behaviors like leaning back, loosely crossing legs, or resting hands behind the head. These
postures often indicate that a person is relaxed and open to conversation.
• Aggressive Posture: This includes behaviors like standing over someone, invading personal space, or using large and
quick movements. These postures can indicate anger, aggression, or dominance.

C. Facial Expressions
Facial expression refers to the feelings expressed on a person's face. Facial expressions convey emotions or reactions.
They can indicate approval or happiness, disapproval and unhappiness.
• Types of facial expressions
• Happiness: A genuine smile can indicate happiness or pleasure.
• Sadness: Lowered corners of the mouth or teary eyes can show sadness.
• Anger: Furrowed brows, narrowed eyes, and flared nostrils may signal anger.
• Surprise: Raised eyebrows, wide eyes, and an open mouth can indicate surprise.
• Disgust: A wrinkled nose, raised upper lip, and narrowed eyes can show disgust.
• Fear: Wide eyes, raised eyebrows, and a tensed body can indicate fear.
• Confusion: A furrowed brow can show confusion.
• Excitement: Wide eyes and a broad smile can indicate excitement

D. Elements of Paralanguage
• Vocal Characteristics - This includes the pitch, volume, voice quality, and the rate at which we speak.
• Voice Interferences - Also known as hesitation and silence, it refers to the sounds we use when we hesitate while
speaking. It could also refer to the silence in between 2 words/sentences. For eg - 'uh', 'er', 'um', etc.
• Intonation - It is the rise and fall of a person's voice.
• Pronunciation - It is the way in which we speak or utter a word. Eg - Acai is pronounced as "aa.caa.ee"
• Articulation - The way a person pronounces an individual sound.
• Eg - when someone says wabbit instead of rabbit

E. Eye Contact
• Eye contact is what happens when two people look at each other’s eyes at the same time.
• Form of non–verbal communication used to communicate various forms of emotions.
• Can be subtle or even obvious.
• It can be a glaring scowl when a person is upset or a long glance when we see something that’s off about someone else’s
appearance.
• It can even be a direct look when we are trying to express a crucial idea
• Keeping eye contact with the person you are talking to shows that you are actively listening and paying attention.
• Actions like avoiding eye contact can mean a person is avoiding you or is shy or uncomfortable.
• Meaning of eye contact or avoiding eye contact differs with cultures.
• While giving speeches, eye contact can mean that you want people’s attention.
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