Body language is one of the most powerful ways we communicate with one another. Body language is non-verbal communication which involves posture, facial expressions, gestures, or even the twitch of an eye. Body language may provide a clue to the person's state of mind or attitude. It goes furthur than the verbal form of language. It can be said that when we communicate, we express ourselves 90% through body language, and 10% through verbal language.
People often gestulate while talking. Rapid hand motions, pointing, and waving of hands are all common. These actions are just another way for the speaker to get his point across. A speaker can also get his feelings across through unconscious actions. For example, a person crossing their arms over the chest is a very clear sign of putting a barrier in between the speaker and the listener. Boredom can be indicated by a head tilt to the side,and deceit can be inferred from the touching of the face. All of these 'tells' can be used to infer a greater meaning from the words of the speaker.
Your tone also affects what you say. When a writer puts a pen to paper, his tone greatly impacts how the audience percieves and takes in what he is writing. The same can be said for the way we speak. Teenagers are excellent examples of why tone is important to language. There is a difference between saying "Yes Mother," with a sweet-oh-so-innocent-voice and the "Yes Mother," voice that is usually complimented by an eyeroll as well as a voice oozing with sarcasm.
Both tone and body language play a huge part in language and the way we communicate. Whether its the twitch of an eye or the slight sarcasm in a voice, these non spoken forms of communication allow us a greater insight into communication with our fellow human beings.
Source:
http://www.slideshare.net/nas_56/how-body-language-affects-the-communication-process
As a child of an Italian family, I can relate to this. A very important part of our communications.
ReplyDeleteI agree Tasha that dating back through the ages to prehistoric times it is often depicted in cartoons that cave men would beat their chests maybe in a sign of agreement, who knows? But your right teenagers constantly do it and it seems to take place of verbal language. Great examples though, i never thought of how important and often used body language is. Really good job !
ReplyDeleteI agree that body language can give someone a clue about the speakers attitude or state of mind, but I think it's a little bit exaggerated saying we communicate with 90% body language and 10% verbal language, especially in the case of people who talk a lot.
ReplyDelete