The art of non-verbal communication Referee Level 3 Body Language

93% of effective communication is non-verbal (7% vocal, 38% vebal,55% body) Body Language

How to use your facial expressions to greatest effect

Body Language Perhaps the most famous and certainly the most expressive face in refereeing

Body Language The Eyes are the mirror of our soul

Body Language: The Eyes Maintain eye contact Staring can create tension Avert eyes occasionally Never look down Shifting eyes suggest deception Don’t furrow eyebrows

Body Language The head is a minefield if you understand body language

Body Language: The Head Tilting the head indicates warmth and interest Slow nods are reassuring Rapid nodding suggests impatience Touching parts of the head sends different signals Patting/playing with hair indicates a lack of confidence in your words

Body Language A smile …is the shortest distance between two people

Body Language: A Smile The most powerful tool in body language Over 50 different types of smiles using 80 facial muscles A smile creates a warmth or bond with recipient Constant grinning is insincere Touching mouth/gnawing lip/faking a cough = insincerity

Body Language The hands … can take on a life of their own

Body Language: The Hands Fidgeting is distracting It can also indicate annoyance or impatience Keep hands open and in view Pointing & clenched fists are threatening Touching is to be handled with care

Body Language Posture: Walk tall and look the part

Body Language: Posture Erect posture looks confident Arms locked across chest reflects defensiveness or not open to ideas Retain height Shoulders need to be straight Look at your feet - they too can make you look insecure

Body Language Personal space … “Invade my space and I turn off.”

Body Language: Personal Space Personal space is about a metre (arm’s length) for each person. Dominant reactions when personal space is “invaded” –to flee –to turn off –to react aggressively