SC1 Promote Communication (1) © Laser Learning Limited 2010 under licence to Pearson Education Limited. Printing and photocopying permitted BODY LANGUAGE

SC1 Promote Communication (1) © Laser Learning Limited 2010 under licence to Pearson Education Limited. Printing and photocopying permitted Body language Body language is the way you hold your body while you are communicating. Jocelyn is waiting for the bus. She has her arms folded across her chest, she’s tapping her foot and looking at her watch. What does this tell you?

SC1 Promote Communication (1) © Laser Learning Limited 2010 under licence to Pearson Education Limited. Printing and photocopying permitted Body language Stand up. Either on your own, or in groups, without talking, imagine you feel the following: Angry Disappointed Pleased to see someone Affectionate Suspicious How does your body language change as you feel these different things? How could you respond if someone else displays these signs?

SC1 Promote Communication (1) © Laser Learning Limited 2010 under licence to Pearson Education Limited. Printing and photocopying permitted Mixed messages Sometimes we might say that we want to talk to someone, but our body language gives a different message. Always try to make sure that your body language suits the message you want to give.

SC1 Promote Communication (1) © Laser Learning Limited 2010 under licence to Pearson Education Limited. Printing and photocopying permitted Being professional Sometimes you might have to communicate in an unpleasant or challenging situation. Keeping your body language open and relaxed is a good way to ease the tension, and will show that you are a true professional. But what does open body language mean?

SC1 Promote Communication (1) © Laser Learning Limited 2010 under licence to Pearson Education Limited. Printing and photocopying permitted Open body language Open body language conveys that you are relaxed, interested and welcoming communication. Examples include: relaxed facial expression no barriers across your body, e.g. folded arms, crossed legs turning your body towards the person good eye contact, but not staring. Open body language encourages open communication.

SC1 Promote Communication (1) © Laser Learning Limited 2010 under licence to Pearson Education Limited. Printing and photocopying permitted Closed body language Closed body language conveys that the conversation is not welcome, or difficult. Examples include: frowning hunched shoulders looking away often staring at one’s lap staring aggressively biting fingernails, fidgeting hands. Responding to these signs with open body language sometimes helps to make the conversation more productive.

SC1 Promote Communication (1) © Laser Learning Limited 2010 under licence to Pearson Education Limited. Printing and photocopying permitted Verbal vs. non-verbal Studies have shown that only 7% of our communication is verbal. This means that 93% is non-verbal, including body language. Sometimes we are not aware of our body language – it is automatic and often subconsciously conveyed. Take the time to notice yours. How could you improve your body language when speaking with others?

SC1 Promote Communication (1) © Laser Learning Limited 2010 under licence to Pearson Education Limited. Printing and photocopying permitted Activity Cut out some pictures of people from magazines and stick them into a scrapbook. Discuss with your colleagues what body language the people are displaying and note their comments. Are your colleagues all in agreement about the meaning of the body language for each person?