Body language What is body language? "Body language" in the broadest sense can refer to visual signals or physical movements/positions. Can you think of any examples of each? If you look at an individual for the first time are there any outward signs they they give which proclaim their status, interests or personality? What are they? How much notice do you take of other people's body language? How conscious are you of your own body language? What purpose does dancing serve? Do you like dancing? Are you good at it? Think about what happens when you are talking to someone. What messages would the following send? standing with your hands on your hips putting your hands in your pockets crossing your arms clasping your hands behind your back twiddling with your hair looking at the floor Standing sideways while talking to them How much attention do you pay to how you sit or act if you are in a meeting or a class? Do you spin your pen round your thumb? Chew your pencil? Doodle? Yawn? How would you feel if you were in charge of the class or the meeting? [edit] Handshakes Do people shake hands when they meet in your country? Do they shake hands when they depart? How do you "interpret" people's handshakes? Are there any handshakes you don't like? Describe them. How would you describe your handshake? Mason's are said to have a special handshake - do you know what's special about it? [edit] Cultural differences Do you think that all cultures "speak" the same body language? How close to each other do people in your culture stand when they are having a conversation? Do people in your culture normally touch each other when they speak? How do you feel if somebody touches you when they are speaking? How does your reaction differ (if at all) if it is a member of the opposite sex? Are there any typical gestures used in your country for insulting? Do you think they are universal or specific to your country? Can you think of any ways in which your culture's body language is different? [edit] Eye contact Eye contact is important in communication, but there are different ways of maintaining it. What sort of eye contact do you maintain - do you maintain a constant, fixed, contact, or do you look people in the eye for a moment and then look away? How do you feel if someone maintains fixed eye contact when they are talking to you? How do you feel if someone is talking to you without looking at you? How do you feel if someone maintains intermittent eye contact when talking to you? How do you feel if somebody you are not in communication with stares at you? [edit] Talk with body language Make these statements by using your hands face and body. Stand up if necessary. You partner has to guess the statement you are making. I do not know. I have no idea of the answer. I feel very ashamed and embarrassed. I've got a good idea! We won the match! I'm confused. I'm the boss. I'm afraid. This is really boring. I don't want to talk to you. This is disgusting.