Bodies do not lie
There are many ways in which a human body expresses itself. These
expressions may be obvious or subtle, conscious or unconscious and
complementary or contradictory. It is said that bodies don’t lie and body
language, therefore, tells the truth. If you are tired, you can’t sit erect; if
you are sleepless, your eyes tend to shut or if you are bored, you tend to
yawn. Skillful communicators can express themselves in many ways as long as they
are conscious of the fact that various parts of the body may intentionally
or otherwise carry a message. Similarly, a keen listener or an observer carries
and makes sense from the body expressions as well. Facial expressions, eye
movements and the state of the eyes and the variety and intensity of the human
voice can and do convey different meanings. Innocence, anger, wonder, shock,
grief, terror, indifference, seriousness, friendliness, approval, disapproval,
exasperation and many other feelings can be expressed through body language. In
some professions, where the facial and body expressions are important, they are
consciously cultivated. Let us consider drama artists, movie stars, actors and
people in show business. The success of their performance often depends on
their ability to cultivate and display a wide range of expressions as the
situation demands.
According to researchers,
the non-verbal part of the communication has an overwhelming impact. It is said
that less than 10 per cent of the effect of a speaker on an audience is
accounted for by words. Over 90 per cent of the effect comes from the
non-verbal part. Here again, about 50 per cent of the effect is accounted for
by the visual factors— appearance, apparel, body language, facial expression
and postures and gestures. Over 35 per cent of the effect is accounted for by
the voice—tone, sincerity, modulation.
When you speak, your personality speaks.
The head, the gait, the walk, the carriage are also various facets of
body language. Ramrod straight, bolt upright, hunchback, stoop and slouch are
some of the words associated with the body and its movements. Nodding of the
head to convey consent or approval and vigorous shaking of the head to convey
dissent are also common.
Facial
Expressions
Face is the index of the mind
It is
said that the face is the index of the mind. The thoughts of the mind and the
feelings of the heart often find expression on the face. There are people who
are good at reading facial expressions. Good communicators, whether they are
speakers or listeners, learn to read and interpret facial expressions. Some of
the idiomatic phrases used in connection with facial expression are:
1.
The face that launched a thousand ships
2.
To make a face
3.
The smile of acknowledgement or recognition
4.
To carry a wooden expression
5.
To carry a mask on one's face
The facial make-up, if any, can also be subjected to interpretation.
Eyes
Eyes are highly expressive
The eyes are indeed the most expressive part of the human face. The eyes
of a person are often said to tell a tale. In fact, the eyes are the most
commonly described part of the body. The feelings of the heart quite often find
expression through the eyes. In the expression of love, affection and sincerity
the eye contact becomes crucial. Romantic literature, over the years, has seen
copious references to the eyes. Some of the words and expressions used in
common parlance while reading the eyes are as follows:
1.
Twinkle in his eyes
2.
Furtive glance
3.
Eyes emitting fire
4.
Worried look
5.
Sad look
6.
Wary look
7.
Unsettling stare
8.
Hurried glance
9.
Cold stare
Eye contact is relevant for all business situations
Since eyes are considered to be highly expressive, there is considerable
significance attached to the presence or absence of eye contact. In legal
cross-examinations, in counselling sessions, in negotiations and other such
business situations, the quality of eye contact comes in for particular
scrutiny. In dealing with customers at the counter, in facing interviews for
recruitment and promotion, in making presentations and in sales talk, eye
contact assumes considerable significance.
Voice
Human voices, through their variations, convey different meanings.
Speech or oral delivery reaches the audience better through voice modulation.
Voice modulation refers to the adjustment or variation of tone or pitch while
speaking. It is generally understood that voice has five distinct features,
viz.:
1.
Tone—harsh, soft, whisper
2.
Pitch—high, low
3.
Quality—controlled, uncontrolled
4.
Pace—rapid, slow
5.
Force—intensity
Voice-related features are particularly relevant in spoken
communication, either face to face or through telephone.
Postures and gestures
complement the spoken word
Yet another
component of non-verbal communication relies to postures and gestures. Posture
refers to the carriage, state and attitude of body or mind. Gesture refers to
any significant movement of limb or body and a deliberate use of such movement
as an expression of feeling. Gesture can also be understood as a step
calculated to evoke response from another person or to convey intention.
Gesture includes gesticulation. Like other aspects of body language, posture
and gesture should also be read along with the verbal and other messages. The
posture of a person may be described as erect or upright or reclining. Posture
may he physical or mental. Gestures in human interfaces are many and varied.
People read and interpret gestures and hence these are extremely important in
the organizational context.
Messages are conveyed through
movements and physical actions
Nodding, shaking of head, smiling, patting the back, putting the hand
over one’s shoulder, clasping hands, shrugging, touching, frowning, scowling,
blinking, yawning and crossing and uncrossing of legs are among the various
types of physical actions and gestures that are used to convey meanings and
messages and are likewise interpreted by others receiving the message. The
message conveyed through these actions can be both positive and negative, and
therefore, the communicator has to be quite conscious of his actions. Again, to be effective, these postures, gestures and actions have to complement lie
spoken word. If not. the communication results in contradiction and confusion.
Postures, gestures and actions are of much significance in the organizational
context. Understood properly, they can be of great help in conveying the right
message. Ignored, they can cause considerable unintended damage and
misunderstanding. In a meeting where the chairman is addressing, or a
promotional interview, or even when an important customer is being attended to,
people concerned should be conscious of their body movements and actions. They
should convey the proper message that they are both physically and mentally
alert and responsive. A smile at the wrong time may be taken as a sneer and.
therefore, may irritate a person. Slouching, yawning, swinging of arms and legs
and such other actions which give a message of indifference and carelessness
will have to be scrupulously avoided in all serious business- related and organizational
interactions. In the organizational context, leaders and good communicators
make effective use of gestures like a smile, a touch and a pat on the back.
They come in very handy for motivation, morale building and clearing
misapprehensions.
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