Communication is essential in life to express one’s feelings and desires. Our needs are met through communication. It can be done in both formal and informal ways, based on the need. All of us know the importance of language in the process of communication. Along with language, bodily signs and expressions add the essence for communication. Communication without expressions and signs is considered ‘food without salt or sweet’. Body language is a part of non-verbal communication. Body language plays an important role while delivering a message more strongly.
Based on research, 7% of our commination comes from verbal, 38% from vocal and the rest 55% expressed through body language. Body language increases the potential value of communication. Verbal communication is used primarily for conveying the information. Body language is used for negotiating interpersonal attitude and in some cases is used as a substitute for a verbal message. It is a skill of human to use behaviour and use different body movement to express feelings in communication.
Four components of Body language:
1. Body behaviour: Body behaviour can be understood is any of several changes in the physical location, place, or position of the material parts of the human form. It includes general appearance, body movement, posture, gesture, facial expression, eyes and gaze, touch and smell.
2. Distance and space: The space between people keep when they communicate relies on the relationship between the speakers, insists of four zones: intimate zone (1-18 feet), personal zones for close friends (1.5-4 inches), social zone (4-12 inches) and public zone (over 12 inches).
3. Silence: Silence is also a part of speech. The silence can express the concerning of the communication we take part in. In general, silence indicates the time frame to express desire.
4. Signs and symbols: Signs and symptoms are “a type of nonverbal communication form which can represent verbal communication”. They range from individualised expressions and national or internationally accepted signs (traffic signs)
Effects of body language in communication:
1. Person’s appearance is the first impression; it gives the first impression to others judgement to talk or not with the strangers.
2. Age, class, occupation are assessed by the way people dressing for themselves and project their pleasant appearance.
3. Body movement can show the attitude towards others, emotional state and the level of spirit. E.g: Showing low spirit by slumped posture.
4. Silence results in providing ongoing interaction or feedback.
5. Silence results in providing an interval in ongoing interaction or feedback
6. Using signs and symptoms helps to get rid of the language barrier
7. Eyes can express the real feelings
8. Body language reflects the level of comfort of a person
9. Adequate and appropriate body language of a teacher get more positive results among students in the teaching and learning process
10. Expressions are incomplete without body language
Body language and culture
Body language may cause confusions by various cultural interpretations. Some of the signs are universally accepted. But not all. E.g: Sitting with crossed legs in front of elders is not acceptable in Tamil culture. Same way, using the left hand to hand over something to someone is considered as ‘disrespectful’. ‘Okay’ gesture stands for ‘all correct’ in general, but in some countries like France interpreted as ‘zero’ or ‘nothing’. It’s a difficult task for migrants to at the initial phase.
All living species survive with the help of communication. Language is a great medium for everyone to communicate the conceived idea. It is a well-known fact that the language alone is inadequate for better communication. Body language reflects the state of mind. Body language is a great tool to influence others.
“Action speaks more than words”
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