Concept behind body language

It is interesting to note that a vast majority of us communicate several messages without using speech quite often. In fact, one theory on the origin of language is called the “Gesture theory”, which tries to establish that speech originated from gestures. Someone has aptly said that communication oozes out through one’s finger tips. Though this may appear to be an exaggerated statement, it is truth. Do we not nod our heads to show approval or shake our heads to indicate disapproval. When you are offered a cup of coffee you not only say: ‘No, Thank you’, but, also shake your head or cross your hands. When someone attempts to touch you for a penny, you indicate your denial through words as well as shaking your palm. When someone is in difficulty, he wrings (twists) his hands in frustration. The study of body movements is also known as Kinesis. Body language is so important that a description of it has entered our spoken language. You say that some one blinked to mean that he was confused, someone was bleary eyed to mean that he was not focusing and some one kept his fingers crossed to mean that he was eagerly anticipating and so on and so forth. Our language itself has several such expressions recognising body language. Communication experts point out that only a small percentage of communication is verbal whereas a large percentage is through body language. The following features of one’s bearing or demeanour (way of behaving) is part and parcel of communication.

Important features of Body Language

Posture

The way a person stands or sits is his posture. It is good to adopt a flexible erect posture rather than a stiff or slouching posture. An erect posture reveals confidence and poise. Drooping shoulders, sagging in the seat, etc., reveal a feeling of depression and lack of interest.

Head motion

In oral communication, the movement of the head plays an important role. No one is expected to keep on shaking his head, but appropriate nods and shakes of the head enhance the level of communication.

Facial Expression

Face is the index of the mind. We say, ‘she put on a long face’ to mean that she was not in the best of her moods. However much one tries, his hidden feeling of anger, fear, confusion, uncertainty, enthusiasm and joy will get revealed by the facial expression. Sometimes, the words that you utter may be contradicted by your facial expression. A teacher might ask the student if he understood the idea, but he should not wait for an answer. A lack-lustre bewildered facial expression would reveal that the student has not grasped anything.

Eye Contact

In an oral communication context, the speaker and listener should not only face each other but also maintain correct eye contact. If someone avoids direct eye contact, he is suspected to be sly or cunning. In eastern countries, subordinates or younger people may avoid direct eye contact out of respect or deference, but it will be misunderstood in an international context. The Tamil poet Subramanya Bharathi has praised upright bearing and straight eye contact.

Gestures

Movement of hands and fingers enhance communication. But, gestures are culture specific. A clenched fist may mean emphasis for an American but disrespect for an Indian. A thumbs up sign, a movement of the index finger communicate messages effectively. Continuous gestures should be avoided. Non-verbal communication in short, adds, subtracts and amends our message. In an oral communication context, all the above features of body language play an important role. If you expect to communicate in a relaxed atmosphere, you have to kill and destroy the stiffness with appropriate components of body language. Though gestures are culture specific some of them have become universal cutting across cultural boundaries. They have become emblematic. I iach sign is almost an “emblem” for a particular message. A “V” sign with index linger and central finger stands for victory. A thumbs up sign stands for hitch­hiking. A wave of the arm is for a ‘hello’ or a good-bye. Emblems directly stand for a verbal message. Certai