Overview

Body language is a form of non-verbal communication. It is our posture, the gestures and the moves we make that send signals that speak louder than words.
Presentation and body language is a part of the way we express ourselves. As your students seek to enter the workplace, they need to understand that when they walk into a job interview or office space for the very first time, the way they dress and the way they carry themselves will make an impact. It is up to them to make that impact positive.

Get your students thinking about themselves (this shouldn't be difficult!) Have them consider the image they portray in their roles as student, friend, son or daughter. Each role requires its own qualities, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, attitude and presentation. When they think about it in this way, it won't be so difficult adjusting to the role of employee. Body language is an important part of the presentation package. It plays an essential role in our communication - - the impression we make and the assumptions people make of us.

Much of the way we express ourselves is through non-verbal behaviours, or body language. We pick up on the way people are feeling by the signals they give, often unconsciously. Body language includes:

Kinesics or body movement - - -  hand gestures help emphasise or dismiss a point, the tilt of the head an indication of interest, nodding can mean agreement, hands on hips may signify aggression.

Posture --  how we stand or sit. Good posture is indicative of confidence and authority. Poor posture suggests insecurity.

Voice --  the pitch, tone and speed; hesitations, pauses and emphasis on particular words imply question, command, authority or uncertainty.

Facial expressions --  give strong clues to a person's emotional state, especially if caught off guard. Blinking may mean nervousness or embarrassment, frowning suggests thoughtfulness or anger and a smile is an indication of confidence.

Eye contact --  the amount of eye contact often determines a level of trust or trustworthiness. Avoiding eye contact may mean distrust, embarrassment or insecurity.

Personal space --  determines the level of intimacy.

• Reinforce what is spoken
• Convey an emotional state
• Define or strengthen relationships
• Provide feedback
• Evaluate interest

This activity highlights the importance of body language in a fun way.

With a better understanding of body language, your students will make a more positive impression. Give them the strategies to be able to walk into a new job or an interview with confidence and leave a good impression. Sometimes these techniques take a little practise, but with practise they eventually become habit.

• Maintain eye contact - - to show engagement
• Smile - - if it is appropriate. A genuine smile generates a positive mood and influences other people's response. It is an indication of cooperation and trust
• Pay attention - - show interest by leaning forward slightly and nodding in agreement
• Shake hands firmly - - touch is a powerful cue, forms an instant connection and makes a lasting impression
• Walk upright - - good posture generates an impression of confidence.
• Use a steady voice - - speak calmly and clearly.

The following gestures will leave an impression of insecurity and restlessness:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Inattention
• Looking elsewhere when being spoken to
• Hands in pockets
• Arms crossed
• Slouching

Teach your students to shake hands with confidence. The more they practise their handshake the more it will feel natural and confident when the time comes. Pair up the students and take them though the following steps:

Step 1:-  Wash your hands before an interview if possible, to ensure they are clean and sweat-free. If all else fails, carry a tissue in your pocket and discreetly wipe your hands before the big shake-off.

Step 2:-  Offer your hand during the first introductions. Don't be afraid to initiate the handshake if the interviewer doesn't offer his or her hand.

Step 3:-  Extend your palm out vertically - - palm up can indicate submissiveness while palm down can be too aggressive. Keep a firm grip and adjust your grip to that of the other person. You don't want to grip their hand too tightly but try to avoid a limp handshake.

Step 4:-  Pump your hand slightly in an up and down motion for 2-3 seconds. Don't exaggerate the pumping motion - - you want it to feel subtle and natural.

Step 5:-  Smile, make eye contact and introduce yourself as you shake hands. If you've timed it right, the handshake will end just before your introduction does.

Step 6:-  Remember, you want to shake the interviewer's hand not break it!

The conscious use of hand gestures can at first make students feel a little self-conscious. However, with practice they come more naturally.

SPEAKING WITH YOUR HANDS

Charismatic leaders and public speakers understand that one of the keys to success is the thoughtful use of hand gestures. Studies have shown that using hand gestures during speech increases the value of the message by up to 60% and babies who use more hand gestures tend to have better language skills later on in life.

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT HAND GESTURES?

• Hand gestures come naturally
• Hand gestures encourage people to listen
• Hand gesturing helps others remember what we say
• Hand gesturing helps us access our thoughts and memories, and speak more effectively

HAND GESTURING TIPS

• Don't go crazy with jazz hands
• Make your gestures purposeful
• Know what you want to say otherwise your hand gestures will try to compensate
• Fluid, smooth hand gestures are the best
• Be careful - - hand gestures can mean different things to different audiences and different cultures!

Consciously using hand gestures will at first make students feel a little self-conscious. However, as they gain confidence in speaking to different audiences and in different situations, it will come more naturally.

Body Language Assessment Task