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Body Language

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18 views3 pages

Body Language

Uploaded by

prooffil.english
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Body Language

Studies show that over ninety percent of communication between


people is nonverbal, though most people do not actively control their
body language. Understanding the cues sent out by the position of
the eyes, mouth, hands and stance can help anyone to achieve more
efficient communication. It also helps to prevent miscommunication
that can result when body language and words are not in sync.
Communication constantly occurs through physical expression.

Facial cues can greatly alter the meaning of an exchange between


two people. Eye contact generally means openness, a willingness to
listen and express ideas. Looking down is an invitation for the other
person to speak. Looking to the side means that one is distracted
and perhaps not listening. Looking up can mean that one is thinking,
though it can also indicate distraction. The mouth position is
similar. A relaxed jaw and mouth mean openness to the
conversation. Biting a lip can mean hiding information. A stiff jaw
can show a desire for control. Smiling without making eye contact
can mean keeping information to oneself or avoiding a conflict.
Physical positioning of the body also carries weight in an
exchange. Whether or not a person uses gestures when speaking can
be a personality difference; however, some gestures are universal.
The way a person shakes another's hand can indicate openness or
dominance. A firm handshake that matches the other's hand-
pressure indicates openness. A firm handshake that puts the other's
hand in a downward position indicates dominance. Mirroring the
hand positions of the other person (such as placing hands on the
table or in one's lap) indicates a desire to be synchronous or a felt
sense of harmony. Avoiding similar positioning indicates a desire for
individuality or for an exchange of different and individual ideas.
Standing directly in front of someone shows a desire for direct
conversation or complete sharing, either positive or negative.
Standing somewhat to the side shows desire for a more casual
exchange.
Whether or not people are aware of their body language, the body
communicates with others. Therefore, it is wise to understand body
language cues and use them to one's advantage.

Answer the questions:

1. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of this


passage?

A. It is critical to be aware of one's body language when meeting


people for the first time.
B. Most people do not realize how much they express with their body
language.
C. Positions of key parts of the body, such as the eyes and hands,
create nonverbal communication in any exchange between people.
D. Everyone needs to use body language with positive intention.
E. Whether or not people use body language, nonverbal
communication carries more weight than verbal communication.

2. The author would likely agree with which of the following


statements?

A. If you want to show that you are listening to another person, look
the person in the eye.
B. If you want to show that you feel the same as another person, look
the person in the eye.
C. If you want to invite the other person to speak, look to the side.
D. If you want to show that you are thinking over an idea, look down.
E. If you want to show that you are confused, look up.

3. We can infer from the passage that:

A. The author has experience with using body language incorrectly.


B. The author provides training courses in the wise and productive
use of body language.
C. The author has researched body language using numerous
sources.
D. The author believes in being aware of one's body language.
E. The author frequently tries to show harmony during interactions
with other people.

4. Which of the following statements about body language is


supported by the passage?

A. There are many aspects to body language from the position of the
head to the position of the feet.
B. While most people are not aware of their body language, many
people study the subject and become experts in the use of it.
C. Though the position of the eyes varies a great deal, there are only
two stances that communicate between people.
D. While many people prefer to communicate casually, it is very
important to stand directly in front of people most of the time.
E. There is a different nonverbal meaning for each of these eye
positions: eye contact, looking down, looking up and looking from
side to side.

Answers: 1. c, 2. a, 3. d, 4. e

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