Effective Use of Body Language

Dr.S.P.DENISIA
Professor
Thiagarajar School of Management,
Thruparankundram - Madurai
 Body Language
Body Language
-------------------------------------------------------------
Kinesics Proxemics Haptics

 Form of NVC –body language

 Eye Contact
 Facial Expression
 Posture
 Haptics or Touch
 Gestures
 Personal Space
 Kinesics /kʌɪˈniːsɪks/ kɪˈniːsɪks /
 kə-ˈnē-siks/
Kinesics is the interpretation of body motion
communication such as facial expressions
and gestures, nonverbal behavior related to
movement of any part of the body or the body
as a whole.
the most well-known non-verbal form of
communication, although it is not the only
way to talk with others without words.
 proxemics /prɒk’siːmɪks/
A study of use of space (or lack of space) in human
interactions.
A subset of nonverbal communication - focusing mostly on
how close people get to each other. communication of things
like comfort/discomfort (moving closer often signals greater
comfort and intimacy, moving farther often signals
discomfort).
Assertion of power (a person might move into someone’s
personal space as an assertion of power, but a person could
also be very physically distant for the same reason; a person
might stand their ground in a situation where another person
might normally back off due to proximity.)
 Haptic communication
Is communicating by touch.
Touch or Haptics is the characteristic of
nonverbal communication
 used when there is physical contact with
other people.
 We use handshakes to gain trust and
introduce ourselves.
• The term haptics was derived from
Greek “haptikos” focus on medical,
technological and biological
applications of touch and closely
connected with proxemics as haptics
and proxemics communicate
through space and territory. 
 Categories of Touch
Professional-Functional Touch
Managers should know the effectiveness of using
touch while communicating to subordinates, but
need to be cautious and understand how touch can
be misunderstood.
A hand on the shoulder for one person may mean a
supportive gesture, while it could mean a sexual
advance to another person .
A handshake or a pat on the back.
• Haptic communication is a form of
nonverbal communication and the way by
which people and animals communicate via
touching.
• Touch is the most effective means to
communicate feelings and emotions.
• The withholding of touch may communicate
a variety of negative feelings.
 Eye contact
 a key characteristic of NVC
 Expresses much without using a single word.
shows respect
 indicates interest.
 Establishes - nature of a relationship.
 4.
Smile and Make Eye Contact with your Audience

 Many fail to Smile and make eye contact.

 It builds a rapport & connects with audience and
your subject.
 It will lessen nervousness .
 Feel Talking to individuals- not to unknown people.
 Don’t turn down all the lights –make the slide
screen is visible. 
 Make your audience to see you as well as your
slides.
 Facial expressions & Posture
• key characteristics of NVC
• communicates happiness, sadness, anger or fear.
Posture
• how one carries oneself tells a lot about him/her.
• How one walks , sits, stands or holds one’s head
indicates current mood & personality in general.
• if you cross your arms while standing, you indicate
that you may be closed off and defensive .
• walking with your head down and avoiding eye
contact with others may indicate shyness
 Some common postures
• Arms folded across the chest : unsympathetic
• Arms held loose : open positive attitude
upright posture : high status , I am the boss
bowing head : lower status
• sideway lean : relaxation, friendliness • self
wrapping : withdrawal, self protection
• slouching with forward lean : lowliness •
moderately upright : enthusiasm, friendliness
 Use your Body Language
 More than three quarters of communication
is non-verbal.
 Tone of voice - body language- crucial to
deliver the message across.
 Make sure that right messages are given.
 Avoid crossed arms, hands held behind your
back or in your pockets, and pacing the stage.
 Make gestures open and confident.
 GESTURES /PERSONAL SPACE
 Visible body actions communicate particular message.
Includes movement of hands, face, or other parts of
the body.
 Informal nonverbal communication -handshake, a
smile, and 'hello'. Cultural effect - must be
understandable .
Personal space is the space you place between yourself
and others. invisible boundary becomes apparent only
when one tries to enter your bubble.
 Dress Comfortably - Professionally

 dress depends on the nature of your

listeners.
 Dress professionally to make a good
impression.
 Make sure to observe good grooming and
hygiene rules too. 
 Dress according to how your audience
dresses.
 Gesture
 communicating through the movement of body and
arms.
 Ekman and Friesen (1969) identified five types of
gesture:
 Emblems: Direct replacements for words.
 Illustrators: Shaping what is being said.
 Affect displays: shows of emotion.
 Regulators: for controlling the flow of conversation.
 Adaptors: Self-oriented tension relievers and other
forms.
 Facial signals

 When we communicate with others, we look mostly at their

face. This is not a coincidence as many signals are sent with
the 90-odd muscles in the face. The way the head tilts also
changes the message.
 The eyes are particularly important, and when communicating
we first seek to make eye contact. We then break and re-
establish contact many times during the discussion.
 Eyebrows and forehead also add significant signals, from
surprise to fear to anger.
 The mouth, when not talking can be pursed, downturned or
turned up in a smile.
Social and business Etiquette
 Etiquette means good behaviour which
distinguishes human beings from animals. 
Etiquette means a common sense.
 Managerial Etiquette - behaving sensibly and
appropriately at the work place to create an
everlasting impression.
 refers to set of rules an individual must follow
while he is at work.
 SOCIAL ETIQUETTE
 Etiquette is a code of polite conduct.
 Know the proper etiquette before entering into a social
situation to avoid embarrassment or awkwardness.
 Always be punctual.
 Don’t smoke, chew gum or tobacco.
 Good grooming is essential.
 Smile and make eye contact.
 Give a firm handshake.
 Speak slowly and clearly.
 Greet them.
 OFFICE ETIQUETTE
 Office Etiquette or Office Manners - Be respectful and courteous
at all times and with everybody in the office or workplace .
 First impressions are important.
 Always act with honesty and dignity.
 Wear appropriate office attire.
 Treat your co-workers, cleaners, maintenance people and others
with respect and courtesy.
 Show respect for each others workspace.
 Knock before entering.
 Apologize if you are clearly in the wrong. If in doubt, apologize
anyway.
THANK YOU