Lesson 2 — Activity 3: Body Language

Body language is another element of non-verbal communication. Along with gestures and facial expressions, the way we move and hold our bodies influences the messages we communicate.

We send out messages constantly with the position of our bodies. We may not recognize that we are communicating much more than we realize.

One aspect of body language is the space or distance we maintain from the receivers of our messages. Sometimes when we are with people we do not know very well, we stand farther away from them than we would when talking with friends.           

Another aspect of body language is touch. We may communicate with others by shaking hands, hugging, kissing, nudging or elbowing, patting on the back, giving a high-five, and so on. Of course, the touch we use depends on the person we are communicating with. If you were meeting a business friend of your father's, you would not likely hug him!           

Sometimes, certain body language can take on new or different meanings than were first intended.

For example, the peace sign (first two fingers up, spread, and facing away) in Canada refers to victory, yet in England, this sign is considered an obscene gesture.

Body language is very important, yet individuals must be aware of how to communicate to people through other non-verbal forms of communication. Getting the signals muddled may be embarrassing!