Body Language (Information from What Every Body is Saying, by Joe Navarro, and http://changingminds.org/techniques/body 55-93%

Nonverbal communication Depending on the researcher, it has been estimated that anywhere from 55-93 percent of human interaction is done with body language. Verbally, we don't even have as many sounds in our language as a blue whale.

I iz smarter than you?

Absolutely not! We say all kinds of things with our body People in the FBI are paid just to read body language. Very often they can profile someone and determine guilt based on hand gestures, foot positioning, etc to decide whether or not to pursue a case Want to know how a job interview is going? How about a date?

Random fun fact People tend to 'point' towards things they like/desire. Next time you are in a boring setting, look at the feet of people around you. As time goes on, more and more feet will start pointing towards the nearest exit. But why?

Being eaten is NOT fun

Physically, we're kinda lame compared to other stuff. We aren't exactly fast. We aren't exactly strong. We don't exactly have amazing balance. We don't exactly like to be eaten.

Many of our responses to stress are hard-wired into us from a time when our biggest threat was being eaten by predatory animals. People have been around for a long long time. Language and public speaking have not. (theory, not fact)

Application to speech Now that we basically know why we do so many awkward things, lets take a look at their application to this class.

Arms and Hands Arms Tense arms are rigid and may be held close to the body. They may move in suddenly, a staccato manner. Relaxed arms either hang loosely or move smoothly. Any crossing, of course can indicate some tension. Folding arms may just be comfortable. Hands When we are anxious, we often use our hands to touch ourselves, hold ourselves or otherwise show tension. Relaxed hands hang loose or are used to enhance what we are saying. They are generally open and may shape ideas in the air. Gestures are open and gentle, not sudden nor tense.

Torso The torso may sag slightly to one side (but not be held there by irregular tension). It may also be well- balanced, with the shoulders balanced above the pelvis. It does not curl up with fear, though it may curl up in a restful pose. Shoulders are not tensed up and generally hang loosely down. The speaker is directly facing the audience. From a survival standpoint, since we aren't fast, we have to be ready to roll if we feel threatened.

Neck and Head DON'T TOUCH YOUR HEAD. The neck is comfortably extended, but not so much that it is giraffe-like. The head moves, but in controlled movements. Eyes stay fixated on the audience (dominant sense). Sweep above the audience members' heads Pick key members and look at them throughout the speech

Legs and Feet Keep legs and feet about shoulder width apart with a comfortable bend. This is a “generic” stance. Keep feet pointing towards the audience, as it shows that you are not intimidated by them. Slight movements occasionally are fine, but do not rock.

1. Confidence Confident people are perceived as: Taller Better Looking More Intelligent Better Leaders More Persuasive

You are not afraid to open your vulnerable areas up You are not afraid to open your vulnerable areas up. Nothing intimidates you. You feel very comfortable and see no need for a defensive position.

Movements Natural hand movements Avoid: Not excessive Not completely still Avoid: Scratching Twitching legs Rocking

Neck Scratching: Shows that you are feeling self conscious about your hands. Also, some claim that it is an evolutionary response to stressful situations which makes it easier to defend the throat Twitching = increased heart rate and warmed up legs in case of the need for sudden escape. Back when people were hunted, it was good to be ready to run when under stress.