Kinesics
Undoubtedly, our body is also a good communicator, and it has its own language that comes under nonverbal communication. In nonverbal communication, the physical behavior of the body is used to express information. The study of body language (movements of body parts) is termed kinesics and was first used in 1952 by an anthropologist named Ray Birtwistle.
Hence, kinesics is the study of the use of body movements by people during communication with others.
Importance of Kinesics
It helps to improve body language and interaction skills in personal or professional life.
It helps to study and learn various impactful body movements and avoid certain poor communication gestures.
It makes the speaker conscious of his appearance.
It helps in presenting lectures effectively.
It helps to understand the intention through his facial expressions of other people.
It helps in maintaining eye contact, proper posture, and effective gestures.
Body Language
Body language is a part of nonverbal communication. It means a language that is delivered through our body. Our bodies communicate or send a message even by nodding our heads, blinking our eyes, shrugging our shoulders, or waving our hands.
Importance of body language
Deborah Bull highlighted the importance of body language. He said that Body language is a powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and 80% of what someone understands in a conversation is through the body, not by the words. Positive body language is crucial as it
- helps a person to be more assertive.
- assists in expressing one's opinion more easily.
- helps in creating a corporate environment.
- helps foster team spirit in the workplace.
- helps in conveying respect for colleagues.
- helps in resolving conflicts in the organization.
- gives confidence in public speaking.
- instills trust and improves bonding
- enhances the clarity of communication.
Difference between body language and sign language.
Body "language" must not be confused with sign language, as ‘sign language’ is a language and has its own complex grammar systems. Body language, on the other hand, does not have a grammar system and must be interpreted broadly.
Parts of Body Language
Facial expressions
Eye Contact and Movement
Gestures- Movements of Body Parts
Postures- Standing and Sitting Position
Haptics- Touch
- “Face is the mirror of your inner conscious and the index of the mind”.
- Various expressions like the movement of the lips, cheeks, forehead, tongue, etc are called Facial Expressions.
- Facial expression plays a very important role in body language.
- It makes an impression on the listener about the speaker’s mood and state of mind.
- A true professional can control his facial expression and present himself as cool in every situation.
- Facial expressions are associated with happiness, surprise, fear, anger, respect, rejection, avoiding, sadness.
- In professional life facial expressions must be controlled and Face should be kept pleasant with a natural tendency to smile.
- Happiness: ‘u’ curve of lips and cheeks up shows happiness. Expression of happiness conveys a greater sense of energy in general.
- Sadness: The lack of a smile, dullness in eyes are the signs of sadness. A person who is sad is also more likely to have their eyes downcast. Expression of sadness creates dull environment all around.
- Focused: When eyebrows are lowered and more centered then it is an expression of focus. This expression shows that the person is mentally determined and willing to find the solution.
- Unfocused: The eyebrows being raised with an uncertain look to the eyes shows unfocused expression. It shows unenthusiastic, depressed, bored and anxious moods.
- Confident: Smile, focused eyes, and cool face express a confident expression. It bears focused, centered and energised moods. A confident person is also much more likely to be looking up and willing to make eye contact.
- Afraid: Uncertainty and stress on face, open mouth and taut eyebrows gives an expression of afraid. This expression creates an environment of distress and distrust.
ii. Oculesics (Eye Movement)
- “Eyes are the strongest communicators”.
- The study of eye movement, eye behavior, gaze, and eye-related nonverbal communication is called Oculesics.
- Eye contact and eye movement help a lot in oral communication
- It helps to maintain rapport with the audience.
- It shows the intensity of interest.
- Eye contact and its movements help achieve success in interviews, seminars, or other face-to-face oral communications.
- Regulate interaction and provide turn-taking signals.
- Eyes receive nonverbal communication from others.
- Shows expressions of engagement, flirtation, respect, ignoring, avoiding, disengagement, etc.
iii. Gestures
- Gestures are movements of various body parts that express something.
- Gesture includes movement of the hand, arms, shoulder, neck, head, etc. other body parts that I
- Gestures are helpful to indicate or emphasize something while speaking.
- Gestures include-
A. Movements of hands- In most cases, the hands are used to throw gestures. There are numberless gestures to express information like-
- A hand waving is a gesture used to say hello to someone.
- Taking thumb towards the open mouth with tilting neck upward is a gesture of ‘thirst’.
B. Movement of legs- legs also take part in nonverbal communication. For examples-
- shaking legs is a gesture of nervousness.
- Keeping one leg over the other shows authority and confidence.
C. Movement of the neck- neck movement is one of the common gestures like
- saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
- to speak about the direction
- to reject something
D. Movement of head- the movement of the head in the association with neck speaks much about the expressions like-
- Nodding of the head is a sign of saying 'yes'.
- Nodding is a sign of approval also and encourages the speaker to go on.
- A single nod of the head is a sign of acknowledgment.
- Bowing head to a person is a sign of respect.
- Shaking the head is a sign of 'no' or disagreement. In terms of meaning, it is the opposite of nodding.
- When a lowering of the head is a sign of submission.
- A raising of the head from a lowered posture may indicate an increase in interest in what someone is saying. Etc.
E. Movement of shoulders- shoulders are also used in nonverbal communication.
- When the shoulders are back with the chest forward this generally indicates confidence.
- If the shoulders are positioned forwards with the body hunched then this can be a sign of low confidence or self-esteem.
- The forward position of the shoulders is a sign of dejection or sadness.
- If shoulders are positioned lower, it is a sign of relaxation
- if shoulders are at the raised position, it is a sign of anxiety.
- One-time raising of both shoulders is a sign of ‘I don’t know’. Etc.
iv. Postures
- The way a person holds and positions his body is called posture.
- Hence, Posture is the position of a body while standing, walking, or sitting.
- An example of posture is standing straight.
- Sitting or standing postures also indicate one's emotions.
Study some posture-
- A person leans forward when he is interested and active
- A person leans backward when he is not energetic.
- Standing with arms akimbo is considered rude.
- Walking with a straight back is a sign of confidence.
- Moving with a puffing chest is a sign of showing off.
v. Haptics
- Nonverbal communication also can be done by touch.
- Haptics, a subcategory of Body Language, is the study of touching and how it is used in communication.
- As such, handshakes, holding hands, back slapping, high fives, brushing up against someone, or patting someone all have meaning.
- Touching can be used to soothe, for amusement during play, flirt, express power,, anger, fear, disgust, love, gratitude, sympathy, maintain bonds between people, etc.
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