Body Language Flashcards
What type of communication is body language ?
Non-verbal communication
Open posture & how this looks:
Open posture: Demonstrates self-confidence and approval/acceptance of the other person. This posture is usually relaxed with open arms facing the other person
Closed posture and how this looks:
Closed postures: Indicates low self-confidence, disapproval and rejection of the other person. This posture is often tense with crossed arms
Postural echo:
Also called mirroring, people who like each other will start copying each other’s body language. This demonstrates interest in the other person and is also common to see on dates
Touch:
Used to indicate comfort and affection but can also be used to display dominance over the other person
Mehrabian
Merhabian’s 7-38-55 communication model says that 7% of the meaning of feelings and attitudes take place through words, while 38% takes place through tone and voice. The remaining 55% takes place through body language
Merhabian (1969)
Cultural differences (Body language - ‘No’) :
Rubin (1976):
Indian’s wobble their head which to British people looks like ‘no’, but in Indian culture means yes
Cultural differences (Body language - Gestures)
(Burgoon, Buffer and Woodall, 1989):
Fingers across the throat:
In Japan this is done in a teasing manner amongst kids meaning ‘go to hell’
In Britain this signals death or a threat to kill
In Swaziland this is to compliment a woman’s beauty
‘Okay’
This hand symbol in the UK is equivalent to the middle finger in Brazil
Evaluation of Body language!
Body language helps us understand signals towards individuals who struggle to communicate effectively with others
Knowledge of cultural differences is particularly useful for international business and politics
Body language is an unconscious process participants are unlikely to be able to self report accurately
