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Soft Skills Assignment

Report on the Significance of Body Language

Submitted by:

ARCHANA.K

CHAITRA

DAMINI

DIVYA DEORA

CHETHANA

ELAINE ALMEIDAEVASHISHA T.

KUSHBU

DIANA RIBA


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

S. No Title Page Number Prepared By

1. Introduction 4-25

2. Objective of the Study 26- 27

3. Statement of the Problem 28

4. Limitations of the

Questionnaire

29

5. Research Methodology 30

6. Data Analysis andInterpretation

31- 63

7. Findings 64

8. Suggestions 65-66

9. Conclusion 67

10. Annexure 68


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INTRODUCTION

BODY LANGUAGE

Body language refers to forms of non-verbal communication, wherein a person reveals

clues as to some unspoken intention or feeling through their physical behaviour. These

behaviours can include body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye

movements. Although this article focuses on interpretations of human body language,

animals also use body language as a communication mechanism. Body language is

typically subconscious behaviour, and is therefore considered distinct from sign

language, which is a fully conscious and intentional act of communication.

Body language may provide clues as to the attitude or state of mind of a person. For

example, it may indicate aggression, attentiveness, boredom, relaxed

state, pleasure, amusement, and intoxication.

Body language is significant to communication and relationships. It is relevant tomanagement and leadership in business and also in places where it can be observed

by many people. It can also be relevant to some outside of the workplace. It is

commonly helpful in dating, mating, in family settings, and parenting. Although body

language is non-verbal or non-spoken, it can reveal a lot about your feelings and

meaning to others and also how other others reveal their feelings toward you. Body

language sigals happen on a conscious and unconscious level.


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HOW TO READ BODY LANGUAGE

Noticing the signals that people send out with their body language is a very useful social

skill. Some of us can read it naturally and some of us are notoriously oblivious.

Fortunately, with a little extra attentiveness, you can learn to read body language, and

with enough practice it'll become second nature.

Pay attention to how physically close someone is to you: The closer they are, the

warmer they are thinking of you. If you move slightly closer to them, do they move

slightly further away? That means they don't want your interaction to be any more

personal than it already is. If they don't move further away, then they are receptive.

And if they respond by getting even closer to you, they probably really like you or are

very comfortable around/by you.

It is worth noting that personal space is culturally fluid; keep in mind that what is

considered close in one country is far away in another.
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Watch their head position:

1. Overly tilted heads are either a potential sign of sympathy, or if a person smiles while

tilting their head, they are being playful.

2. Lowered heads indicate a reason to hide something. Take note if someone lowers their

head. If it is when he is complimented, he may be shy, ashamed, timid, keeping distance

from the other person, in disbelief, or thinking to himself or herself. If it is after an

explanation, then he may be unsure if what he said was correct, or could be reflecting.

3. It should be noted that some cultures see this as a sign of respect.

4. Cocked heads mean that they are confused or challenging you, depending on their eye,

eyebrow, and mouth gestures. Think of how a dog slightly cocks its head when you make a

funny noise.
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Check their arms:

1. People with crossed arms are closing themselves to social influence. Though some

people just cross their arms as a habit, it may indicate that the person is (slightly) reserved,

uncomfortable with their appearance (self conscious and trying to cover it), or just trying to

hide something on their shirt. If their arms are crossed while their feet are shoulder width or

wider apart, this is a position of toughness or authority.

2. If they are rubbing their hands together or somehow touching their own body, they might

be comforting themselves (which means they aren't enjoying the current situation).

3. If someone rests their arms behind their neck or head, they are open to what is being

discussed or just laid back in general.

4. If their hands are on their hips, they might be waiting, impatient or just tired.
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5. If their hands are closed or clenched, they may be irritated, angry, or nervous.

Be aware of nervous gestures:

1. If someone brushes their hair back with their fingers, this may be preening, a common

gesture if the person likes you, or their thoughts about something conflict with yours. They

might not voice this. If you see raised eyebrows during this time, you can be pretty sure that

they disagree with you.

2. If the person wears glasses, and is constantly pushing them up onto their nose again,

with a slight frown, that may also indicate they disagree with what you are saying. Look to

make sure they push up their glasses with an intent, not casually adjusting them. Look for

pushing on the rim with two fingers, or an extra motion of wiggling the side of their glasses.

The frown or raised eyebrows should tip you off. (Note: A frown may also indicate

eyestrain, and constant re-adjusting of glasses could be the result of an improper fit. The

distinguishing feature is whether they are looking directly at you while doing it.)


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3. Lowered eyebrows and squinted eyes illustrate an attempt at understanding what is

being said or going on. It's usually skeptical. This is presuming they are not trying to

observe something that's far away.

Watch their feet:

1. A fast tapping, shifting of weight, laughing, or movement of the foot will most often mean

that the person is impatient, excited, nervous, scared, or intimidated.

2. The meaning of feet tapping can usually be discerned depending on the context; if you

are currently talking and they are tapping their feet, that is an indication of a desire to leave

(though usually this behavior manifests when the person is anxious to get somewhere

specific, such as a meeting, rather than because of what you're doing specifically). Slow

shuffling indicates boredom with the current situation. If during flirtation your legs/feet

touch, tapping can generally be interpreted as nervous excitement. This is because if they
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were uncomfortable, they would discreetly move away from the contact, a much more

subtle escape than indirectly trying to tell you to move away.

3. Note though that some people with ADHD will constantly jiggle their legs. It doesn't mean

anything, it's entirely subconscious and, while eccentric, it is difficult to stop. Some peoplealso do it out of habit.

4. If the person is sitting, feet crossed at the ankles means they're generally at ease.


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Important Aspects of Body Language

Be Relaxed:

When you communicate with others, if you are relaxed and comfortable it shows in the

way you move and conduct yourself. So even when you are stressed out or nervous,

make sure that you do not move stiffly as it will give away your nervousness to the other

person. By forcing yourself to appear relaxed you can make a better impression on the

other person.

Avoid, When in Doubt:

You need to avoid body language which can be misunderstood or might appear to be

unprofessional to the other person. For instance some people have a habit of winking

whenever they make a joke, which might be ok when you are sitting with your friends

but can be interpreted as a negative signal in a professional set up.

Make Eye Contact:

A steady and constant eye contact is a significant part of communication and without

establishing eye contact you cannot make your point.

Stay Focused:

Many people have a habit of fiddling around while they are talking as it helps them avoid

being nervous but the fact is that appear to people as a sign of nervousness and not

only does this distract their attention from hearing what you are saying but also makes a

poor impression.

Know what it Signifies:

Every part of the body can signify a different expression or thought while you are talking

or listening, for instance nodding when someone else is talking means that you are in

agreement with what he is saying, biting your nails is an indicative of nervousness.

Look at the Speaker:


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Most people have a habit of looking somewhere else when someone is talking to them.

This is a very bad habit as it indicates that you are not interested in what the other

person is saying and is considered as arrogant behavior.

Conclusion:

You body language can help you a lot in communication as people observe your body

language almost as much as they listen to what you are saying and the end result is

that they believe your body language more than what you are saying. You can practice

on your body language to make sure that you are sending the right message across

Understanding body language

The technique of "reading" people is used frequently. For example, the idea

ofmirroring body language to put people at ease is commonly used during interview

situations. Body language can show feelings to other people, which works in return for

other people. People who show their body language to you can reveal their feelings andmeanings. Mirroring the body language of someone else indicates that they are

understood. It is important to note that some markers of emotion (e.g. smiling/laughing

when happy, frowning/crying when sad) are largely universal, however in the

1990s Paul Ekman expanded his list of basic emotions, including a range of positive

and negative emotions, not all of which are encoded in facial muscles. The newly

included emotions are:

A study in body language.

1. Amusement

2. Contempt

3. Contentment

4. Embarrassment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirroring_(psychology)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Ekmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Ekmanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirroring_(psychology)


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5. Excitement

6. Guilt

7. Pride in achievement

8. Relief

9. Satisfaction

10. Sensory pleasure

11. Shame

Body language signals may have a goal other than communication. People would keep

both these two in mind. Observers limit the weight they place on non-verbal cues.

Signalers clarify their signals to indicate the biological origin of their actions. Verbal

communication also requires body language to show that the person you are talking

with that you are listening. These signals can consist of; eye contact and nodding your

head to show you understand. More examples would include yawning (sleepiness),

showing lack of interest (sexual interest/survival interest), attempts to change the topic

(fight or flight drivers). Rudolf Laban and Warren Lamb add much to this about

dancers. Mime artists such as Booff Show utilize these techniques to communicate

entire shows without a single word.


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20 Body Language Facts

Scientists once said that body language accounts for 80% of the message we try to tell

others and that what we actually say is only 20%. Body language definitely plays an

important role in communication.

Body language is used to convey things that we may not be fully aware of. We are not

fully conscious of signals we give off to others through our body language and what

others are trying to send off to us.

Furthermore, body language means different things in different cultures or context. For

example, direct eye contact is usually a sign of respect or interest, but in other cultures

like Japan, eye contact is actually disrespect. Hence, when trying to read body

language, pay careful consideration into the cultural and situational context.

Here I have a list of 20 body language and what they generally mean in Western

culture.

Squinting - When people see what they dont like, feel threatened, or are unhappy, they

squint their eyes.

Arched Eyebrows - When we raise our eyebrows, it means we are contemplating what

were listening to and that were mildly intrigued.

Direct Eye Contact - means were interested, were listening, and that were focused on

you. It also conveys that we got nothing to hide.


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Blinking too much - means were nervous or anxious

Hands the Church Steeple - fingertips touching, palms facing apart conveys were

thinking and that were about to make a decision or move.

Arms Akimbo - planting your hands with your thumps backward on your hips and

elbows out in a V shape displays dominance or authority.

Feet facing directly the other person - It shows that were focused on the other person.

Crossed feet (Standing or sitting) - When we cross our feet standing or sitting down, it

shows that were comfortable or relaxed, but sometimes also defensive.

Shaking Your Head left and right - Means youre in disagreement or disbelief

Shaking Your Head Up and Down (nodding) - means youre agreeing

Thumb Sucking - means the person is stressed, relieving that, and/or thinking out of

mind.


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Shaking Your Legs - means youre anxious, scared or impatient

Leaning Forward - means youre interested in the other person and wan t to hear more

of what they say.

Smiling - one of the universal emotions mean youre happy, comfortable and

approachable.

Tilting the head and smiling - means being playful.

Lowered head - means youre ashamed of something, shy or have something to hide.

Looking to the side or elsewhere - means youre distracted or that youre submitting.

Dilated Pupils - means youre interested.


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Eyes seemed far away - means theyre in deep thought or dosing off.

Mirroring - Mirroring someones body language means theyre interested in you and

trying to build rapport.

Arms Crossed - reserved, uncomfortable or defensive. Or to display dominance orauthority.

Hands on the hips - means theyre impatient or aggressive or tired.


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Negative Body Language

Negative body language is somewhat less reliable as an indicator of the person's

comfort with the current conversation than positive body language. Actions that aregenerally considered negative may just be a matter of comfort for this person, may

indicate that the person is tired, or may result from other matters that are weighing on

this person's mind.

Body tense - Stiffness, wrinkled brow, jerky body motion, hands clasped in front or

palms down on the table. These can indicate concern with the topic or dealing with the

other person.

Arms folded in front- Creates a barrier; can express resistance to what is being said.

Hand on face - A hand over one's mouth is a closed gesture. Leaning on one's elbow

with the chin in the hand can communicate boredom.

Fidgeting - Moving around a lot, playing with things and drumming fingers are usually a

sign of boredom, nervousness or impatience.

Arms behind head, leaning back - In a well-established relationship this can be a

relaxed gesture. In a new relationship, it is often used to express a desire for control or

power.

Yawning - Boredom, confusion. The other person is talking too much or in too much

technical detail.

Impatience - Trying to interrupt what the other person is saying, opening one's mouth

frequently as if to speak.

Distraction Eyes flicking about, blank stares, flipping through literature without really

reading it, looking at others in the office, looking at the person's body or clothing.

Leaning away - Avoiding moving closer, even when something is handed to the

person, is strongly negative.


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Negative facial expressions - These include shaking head, eyes narrowed, scowling

,frowning.


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Positive Body Language

Positive body language is generally quite reliable as an indicator of a person's feelings

.It signals interest in the other person and in the conversation.

Relaxed posture - Comfortably seated, relaxed breathing, no visible stiffness or abrupt

movements. These indicate no major barriers to communication.

Arms relaxed - Uncrossed arms and hands open (palms up or otherwise visible to the

other person) are signs of openness.

Good eye contact - Looking in the other person's eyes, particularly when they are

speaking, indicates interest in that person. Proper eye contact involves looking away

occasionally to avoid staring.

Nodding agreement - When nods are used to punctuate key things the other person has

said, they signal agreement, interest and understanding. However, continual

unconscious bobbing of the head usually indicates that the listener is tuning out.

Taking notes - Shows interest and involvement, particularly if notes are on what the

other person is saying.

Smiling/adding humour - This is a very positive sign. It signals a warm personal

relationship.

Leaning closer - Reducing the distance between two people, particularly when the other

person is speaking. Indicates interest is up and barriers are down.

Gesturing warmly - Talking with hands, particularly with palms open, indicates

involvement in the conversation and openness to the other person.

For all of these positive gestures, moderation is the rule. When they are exaggerated,

they can become more negative than positive.


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Workplace Body Language

It's the place where we spend the most of our adult lives. Hundreds of people interactwith each other on a daily basis. Welcome to the workplace. It's no wonder that body

language plays a pivotal role here too. First impressions count in this case since in the

first 30 seconds, most people have already formed an opinion of you. From the way you

dress to the way you gesture while you pitch an idea, all these things factor into how

someone thinks of you. Use these tips when you interact with co-workers, present a

proposal, or even in an interview - and you'll find yourself having a more receptive

audience.

Good Body Language

Relaxed hangs with open palms - This is often

associated with sincerity and openness.

Leaning forward slightly - This communicates interest in

what others have to say.

Make eye contact - If no eye contact is made, this can signal deception or

suspiciousness. Also, be careful on your judgments if someone does not make eye

contact with you. While to you it may seem suspicious, to them it could be a sign of

respect or timidness as a result of different cultures

Sitting or standing upright with relaxed shoulders and arms - This

is good assertive body language. While you are showing

powerfulness through standing upright, you are showing you are

open to ideas and suggestions with your relaxed posture.
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/00292/differences/cultural.htmhttp://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/00292/differences/cultural.htm


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Mirror the body language of the other person - This shows that you are in tune with

what the other person has to say and will make them feel at home and relaxed. Use

discreetly though, otherwise you could seem to be making a mockery of them.

Respect the space of others- This will avoid nervous

tension and allow a better atmosphere to communicate

in.

Just like there is positive body language for the workplace, there are also little things

we do that affect other's negatively. It may be things we don't notice - like shrugging

after presenting a proposal or fidgeting with a pen during an interview. The best thing to

do is to videotape yourself and then watch the tape over and over to be able to tell when

you are doing something that would annoy another person. Watch out for these things:

Bad Body Language

Tightly crossed arms- Defensive, uninterested

Rolling on your heels- Insecure, childish

Lazing about on a chair- Arrogant

Shoulder shrugs- You don't believe in what has just been said, even if it was you who

said it

Playing with your hair- Inner build-up of anxiety

Pulling your ear- Gives the impression that you're struggling to reach a decision

Touching your face- Nervousness, sometimes dishonesty

Stroking your neck- Stressed, can been misread as flirtatious


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Wringing your hands- Concern

Fidgeting- Worry. This also draws attention away from you and reduces the impact of

what you say.

Foot tapping or pen drumming- Impatience, boredom

Clenching your fists or chopping: Usually when presenting an idea. Be careful not to

gesture to wildly or frequently, because it gives the impression of violence.

Importance of Body Language in Interviews

When we speak, we are first seen and heard, and eventually understood. Thus, asimple swing of the foot, a simple movement of the head could express our thoughts

more clearly that all the words of our beautiful language. A successful communication

should enable a message to be understood 100% and it is far from being the case! A

team of U.S. researchers has studied the language of every day. They wanted to

assess the importance of all its components: meaning of words, intonations, gestures,

attitudes, postures.

Their results are quite surprising: the meaning of words account for only 7% in the

understanding of the message. Intonation is 38%, and gestures for ... 55%! And if we

can control without much difficulty what we say, it is much more difficult to pay attention

to all mechanical movements that accompany our words. In fact, it is because the

gestures are uncontrollable that they reveal us and others.

The amplitude, the direction of your actions speaks for you.

Gestures more oriented to the right are an indication of dedication, but also forbragging. Those oriented to the left indicate a tendency towards monopolization.

Gestures directed towards the bottom are signs of impatience (the gesture of the

impatient who taps the side of the table with his fingers, or the child who stomp foot).

Oriented toward the chest, the gesture shows the disappointment, or protest. Forward,

the gesture indicates self-confidence. It is the attitude of the speaker up to the podium,


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for example. If the action is limited to the hand, the explanation may be different: it is the

act of begging. In either case, there is an attitude to attract attention to itself. Gestures

rearward denote fear. The hands are "the privileged field of observation of the

movement" (J. Berges - "Gestures and personality"). Thus, clenching fists is a sign of

anger. Show the palms is a sign of submission.

The handshake is very telling, especially since it is the first gesture exchanged with an

interlocutor.

A frank handshake suggests that the subject itself is frank, open character. If the

handshake is "moist", we can assume that our partner is not relaxed. It betrays hisemotion ... or anxiety. A stiff handshake, of fingertips, is a sign of indifference, even

contempt.

However, we cannot judge a person on a single handshake. Take into account all other

signs given by the body, in particular its stiffness, the inclination of the head, the look!

Some gestures and their meanings

The attitudes of the head are very revealing of your mindset.

Head tilted forward is a sign of despondency, sadness, or shyness. It is the attitude of

shame or concealment. Head tilted backwards indicates pride, the pride, the need to be

seen. The lateral inclination of the head has different meanings depending on the

expression of the face accompanying it.

The shoulders are also good indications: the shrug demonstrates the willingness to

unload a burden. It may also be a sign of impatience, or an attitude of total detachment.

Push the neck to the shoulders is a sign of despondency. It is the attitude of the

defeated character.


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OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Human beings spend much of their working life observing the world in which they live.

Perhaps it is evolutionary advantageous to seek to know as much about our

environment as we can, or maybe as a species, we are just curious! Either way,

observing the world is something with which all of are familiar.

The reason we have chosen body language as our topic for this study is because, when

it comes to communication, we put a lot of emphasis on speech and written

communication but we often fail to realize that body language is one of the most

important means of communication which tells more about us than the way we speak or

write emails. Body language can send a lot stronger signals than words or written text.

Since the body language is primarily controlled by the subconscious mind of every

individual, so it can actually reveal if theres difference in what you are saying and what

you are actually thinking. However, like everything else you can control you body

language and practice it to make sure that your words are in accordance with the body

language at all times.

The objectives of our study are:

Body language during an interview:

As students pursuing a Bachelors degree in a reputed college, our basic need is to find

a job in todays competitive world. However, most of us pay attention only to our

education forgetting the fact that education not only means possessing a degree with

high marks but also knowing how to talk, debate and present ourselves confidently.

Our objective here to is to know how much students in college know about body

language and/or signals during interviews.

Inter-Cultural body language:

For people that travel quite a bit or live in a multi-cultural community, understanding

body language and gestures from other countries and cultures can be very important.

Without that knowledge, unintentional miscommunication is possible. Most of the


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students today want to go abroad, travel the world and se different cultures, however,

most people do not know the different gestures and body language people around the

world follow.

Our objective here is to test how many students know the acceptable code of conduct invarious countries.

Feminine body language:

From time unmemorable, people have always complained about the fact that they never

understand women and the hidden signals and gestures women have. Our objective

here is to check how much these women know about themselves. The best place to do

this is defiantly Mount Carmel College, where we have checked if the girls have been

able to crack the code to their own behavior!

Our objective is not only to know how much college students know about body language

and gestures but, also to make sure something is done about their lack of knowledge.

This led to our second main objective:

To show the need for introduction of soft skills in high school and pre- university

If young children are thought at a young age the need, importance and advantages of

body language and gestures, it will not only result in their brighter future but eventually,

it will lead to a better tomorrow.


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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Communication plays a very important role in professional life, personal life and social

life. We all need to make sure that we have learned all the aspects of proper

communication so that we can progress in our careers. When it comes to

communication, we put a lot of emphasis on speech and written communication but we

often fail to realize that body language is one of the most important means of

communication which tells more about us than the way we speak or write emails. Body

language can send a lot stronger signals than words or written text. Since the body

language is primarily controlled by the subconscious mind of every individual, so it can

actually reveal if theres difference in what you are saying and what you are actually

thinking. However, like everything else you can control you body language and practiceit to make sure that your words are in accordance with the body language at all times.

You need to make sure that you know which gestures you need to avoid while talking to

someone and what kind of gestures can make you appear more positive and confident.

You can also learn to show your disappointment and disapproval with your body

language rather than expressing yourself in words.

Our emotions, feelings, motives, and thoughts are expressed by the changes in our

facial expressions, gestures, posture and body position. Psychologists believe non-

verbal communication reveals more than the words we speak. Therefore, body

language is very important.

Todays generation seems to be very far away from the positive or the right body

language and perhaps doesnt even know its importance. As said earlier right body

language can be exhibited through considerable practice, therefore some points should

be kept in mind to portray a positive body language.

Do not turn away from the audience, do not rush, do not roll your eyes, do not look

messy, do not clasp your hands, etc. Most importantly to exhibit the right body language

one needs to be a good listener.


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LIMITATIONS OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE

1. Time Constraint

- Due to the time constraint during which the study was conducted, the informationprovided by the respondents may not be completely accurate. Thus there can be

variations in the results.

2. Fewer number of respondents

- The number of respondents to the questionnaires and the data analyzed is done for

only 50 people. In the case of more respondents, the results would vary.

3. No assurance that the information provided is accurate

- It's natural to assume that the respondent is the same person you sent the

questionnaire to. This may not actually be the case. Many times questionnaires get

handed to other people for completion; mothers could have responded for their children,

some would have responded as a prank. For a variety of reasons, the respondent may

not be who you think it is. It is a confounding error inherent in questionnaires.

4. Own interpretation

- People may read differently into each question and therefore reply based on their own

interpretation of the question - i.e. what is 'good' to someone may be 'poor' to someone

else, therefore there is a level of subjectivity that is not acknowledged

5. Responses can change due to various external factors like climate, physical well-

being etc


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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY QUESTIONNAIRES

A Questionnaire is a document containing all the questions, closed and open-ended, for

a survey.

Normally, a separate questionnaire is used for each respondent to a survey, providing

enough space for answers to be recorded, and subsequently coded for analysis of all

replies to each question. Questionnaires range from:

The postcard, with a few questions to be filled in by respondents to

Long documents to be filled in by trained interviewers.

Good questionnaires require a great deal of care and effort, to ensure that

The questions are clear and easy to answer,

To exclude leading questions unless by conscious design,

To prompt and probe respondents' recollections of events that may not always be very

recent and,

To shape the interview overall so that it is a pleasant and interesting experience for

respondents.

The three questionnaires adopted by us are postcard questionnaires as our targeted

group is college students and not trained interviewers.

We have chosen the method of data collection for this research as it best suits our

needs to achieve the objectives of research.

We have observed the respondents on various criteria of body language by passing

around three different questionnaires to 50 respondents to collect accurate data to the

best possible extent on the following:

1. Inter-cultural body language

2. Body language at and/or during interviews

3. Feminine body language


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DATA ANALYSIS OFCULTURAL BODY LANGUAGE


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Table 1- Is thumps up sign an insult in Bangladesh?

PARTICULARS NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

Correct Answer 6 60%

Wrong Answer 2 20%

Not Known 2 20%

Pie Chart:1

INTERPRETATION:

60% of the respondent have given the correct answer

20% of the respondent have given the wrong answer

20% of the respondent do not know the answer

ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people know the correct answer whereas

a few are either wrong or unaware.

60%20%

20%

Is thumps up sign an insult in Bangaladesh?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 2- Is shaking Saudi Arabian womens hand accepted?



Wrong Answer 0 0%

Not Known 0 0%

Pie Chart:2

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, all of the respondents know the correct answer.

100%

Is shaking Saudi Arabian womens hand accepted?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 3- In what countries is the A-Ok gesture considered being an affront,

equivalent to using the middle finger?



Wrong Answer 2 20%

Not Known 4 40%

Pie Chart:3

INTERPRETATION:


20% of the respondent have given the wrong answer40% of the respondent do not know the answer

ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, equal number either know the right answer or the

answer is not known to them and a few have answered it wrong.

40%

20%

40%

In what countries is the A-Ok gesture considered tobe an affront, equivalent to using the middle finger?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 4- In Middle East, is pointing someone with the index finger offensive?



Wrong Answer 0 0%

Not Known 1 10%

Pie Chart:4

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people knows the correct answer and a

few are unaware of it.

90%

0%10%

In Middle East, is pointing someone with the indexfinger offensive?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 5- In Europe, the V sign can be changed from meaning victory to

meaning shove it by simply doing what?



Wrong Answer 1 10%

Not Known 4 40%

Pie Chart: 5

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people know the correct answer and an

almost an equal number and unaware and a few have given the wrong answer.

50%

10%

40%

In Europe, the V sign can be changed from meaningvictory to meaning shove it by simply doing

what?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 6- Is a smile always means the person is happy?



Wrong Answer 2 20%

Not Known 2 20%

Pie Chart:6

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people knows the correct answer and an

equal number either have given the wrong answer or it is unknown to them.

60%20%

20%

Is a smile always means the person is happy?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 7- In what countries do nodding the head up and down mean no?



Wrong Answer 2 20%

Not Known 3 30%

Pie Chart:7

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people know the correct answer but

another substantial portion either have given the wrong answer or the answer is

unknown to them.

50%

20%

30%

In what countries does nodding the head up anddown mean no?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 8- In what culture is it considered offensive to touch the top of ones head?



Wrong Answer 4 40%

Not Known 3 30%

Pie Chart:8

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people have given the wrong answer.

Whereas a few have given the right answer and a few are unaware.

30%

40%

30%

In what culture is it considered offensive to touch thetop of ones head?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 9- In Asian countries, what does it mean when placing the hand up with

palm towards someone?

PARTICULARS NO. OF PARAMETERS PERCENTAGE


Wrong Answer 2 20%

Not Known 4 40%

Pie Chart: 9

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart,40% know the correct answer and 60% dont know the

answer or have given the wrong answer.

40%

20%

40%

In Asian countries, what does it mean when placing

the hand up with palm towards someone?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 10- Is putting hands on hips a sign of confidence?



Wrong Answer 2 20%

Not Known 1 10%

Pie Chart: 10

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people know the correct answer. However

a few either are unaware or have given the wrong answer.

70%

20%

10%

Is putting hands on hips a sign of confidence?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 11- In which countries is it consider eye contact to be offensive?

PARTICULARS NO. RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE


Wrong Answer 6 60%

Not Known 1 10%

Pie Chart: 11

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people have given the wrong answer. A

few have however given the right answer.

30%

60%

10%

In which countries is it consider eye contact to beoffensive?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 12- Which country requires the most amount of personal space?



Wrong Answer 0 0%

Not Known 3 30%

Pie Chart: 12

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people knows the correct answer. A few

are unaware of the answer.

70%

0%

30%

Which country requires the most amount of personalspace?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 13- Which country showing the feet is unclean and showing the heels is

insulting?



Wrong Answer 6 60%

Not Known 0 0%

Pie Chart: 13

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people have given the wrong answer and a

few have given the right answer.

40%

60%

0%

Which country showing the feet is unclean and

showing the heels is insulting?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 14- In what country is slouching considered being rude?



Wrong Answer 6 60%

Not Known 3 30%

Pie Chart: 14

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people have given the wrong answer and a

few are unaware.

10%

60%

30%

In what country is slouching considered being rude?

correct answer

Wrong Answer

Not Known


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Table 1- When a student being interviewed for the job in which position did she

moved?



Wrong Answer 9 45%

Not Known o 0%

Pie Chart 1

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people know the correct answer and less

than half have given the wrong answer.

55%

45%

0%

When a student being interviewed for the job in which

position did she moved?

Correct answer

Wrong answer

Not known


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Table 2- What is the most important piece of research showed when people meet

for the first time?

PARTICULARS NO. OF PARAMETERS PERCENTAGECorrect Answer 15 75%

Wrong Answer 5 25%

Not Known o 0%

Pie Chart 2

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people know the correct answer and one-

fourth do not know the right answer.

75%

25%

0%

What is the most important piece of research showed whenpeople meet for the first time?

Correct answer

Wrong answer

Not known


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Table 3- What is the non-verbal behaviors which shows statistically significant

correlation with job interview success?



Wrong Answer 11 55%

Not Known 0 0%

Pie Chart 3

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people have given the wrong answer and

less than half have given the right answer.

45%

55%

0%

What is the non-verbal behaviors which shows statistically

significant correlation with job interview success?

Correct answer

Wrong answer

Not known


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Table 4- Which is the statement which are likely to be true about the two people?



Wrong Answer 5 25%Not Known 1 5%

Pie Chart 4

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people know the correct answer and one

fourth have given the wrong answer and a small portion do not know the answer.

70%

25%

5%

Which is the statement which are likely to be true about the

two people?

Correct answer

Wrong answer

Not known


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Table 5- Which of the interviews are to be more formal based on the positions of

the desk and chairs?



Wrong Answer 11 55%

Not Known o 0%

Pie Chart 5

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people have given the wrong answer and

less than half have given the correct answer.

45%

55%

0%

Chart Title

Correct answer

Wrong answer

Not known


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Table 6- What happens when you end up one day at a little out of the way Greek

village where nobody speaks English?



Wrong Answer 13 65%

Not Known 0 0%

Pie Chart 6

INTERPRETATION:




ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the people have given the wrong answer.

35%

65%

0%

What happens when you end up one day at a little out of the

way Greek village where nobody speaks English?

Correct answer

Wrong answer

Not known


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Table 1- Holding and playing with your pen when you speak is?

Particulars Number of Respondents Percentage (%)

Correct answer 3 15

Wrong answer 16 80

Not known 1 5

Pie Chart 1

INTERPRETATION:

15% of respondent have given the correct answer

80% of respondent have given the wrong answer

5% of respondent do not know the answer

ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart we can conclude that most of the respondents do not

know the correct answer, only a few have given the correct answer.

15%

80%

5%

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 2- When you rest your forearms flat on the table, its a sign that youre:

Particulars Number of respondents Percentage (%)

Correct answer 13 65

Wrong answer 7 35

Not known o o

Pie Chart 2

INTERPRETATION:

65% of respondents have given the correct answer

35% of respondents have given the wrong answer

ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart most of the respondents have given the right answer

and some have given the wrong.

65%

35%

0

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 3- Leaning on your elbows on the table, this position is best avoided when

trying to flirt with guy:


Correct answer 13 65

Wrong answer 6 30

Not known 1 5

Pie Chart 3

INTERPRETATION:



5% of respondents do not know the answer

ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart we can conclude that most of the respondents have

given correct answer, some have given the wrong answer and a few do not know

the answer.

65%

30%

5%

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 4- sitting with your feet hooked around chair legs, you sit like this because

you feel:


Correct answer 9 45

Wrong answer 9 45

Not known 2 10

Interpretation:



2% of respondents do not know the answer

Analysis:

From the above pie chart we can conclude that the correct and wrong answers

given by the respondents are equal in numbers and a few do not know the

answer.

15%

17%

0%

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 5- Crossing your arms if you stand like this, youre showing the person

youre speaking to that youre:


Correct answer 3 15

Wrong answer 17 85

Not known 0 0

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From above pie chart we can conclude that most of the respondents have given

the wrong answer. Only a few percentages of respondents have given the correct

answer.

15%

85%

0%

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 6- Covering your mouth with your thumb and forefinger:

Why is it a bad sign when the person youre speaking to adopts this position?


Correct answer 6 30Wrong answer 14 70

Not known 0 0

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart we can conclude that most of the respondents know the

answer and a few of them do not know the answer.

30%

70%

0%

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 7- A woman who strokes her neck is:


Correct answer 8 40

Wrong answer 12 60Not known 0 0

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart we can conclude that a majority have given the wrong

answer and some have given the correct answer.

40%

60%

0%

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 8- Brushing your hair back behind your ears, constantly brushing your hair

back behind your ears reveals that youre:

Particulars Number of respondents Percentage (%)Correct answer 3 15

Wrong answer 17 85

Not known 0 0

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, most of the respondents have given the wrong answer

and a few have given the correct answer.

15%

85%

0%

Sales

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 9- Playing with your hair, why shouldnt you play with your hair when

youre among friends?


Correct answer 2 10

Wrong answer 18 90

Not known 0 0

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, majority of respondents have given the wrong answers.

A very few of them have given the correct answer

10%

90%

0%

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 10- Standing with your feet in this position is a sign of:

Particulars Number of respondents Percentage (%)Correct answer 2 10

Wrong answer 18 90

Not known 0 0

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, majority don not know the answer and a few have given

the correct answer.

10%

90%

0%

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 11- Interlocking your fingers and raising your thumbs:


Correct answer 7 35

Wrong answer 13 65

Not known 0 0

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, majority of respondents do not know the answer and

some know the answer.

35%

65%

0%

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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Table 12- Sitting on your hands:


Correct answer 7 35

Wrong answer 13 65Not known 0 0

INTERPRETATION:



ANALYSIS:

From the above pie chart, majority of respondents have given the wrong answer

and some number have given the correct answer

35%

65%

0%

correct answer

wrong answer

not known


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FINDINGS

Interview questionnaire findings

54% have given the correct answer

45% have given the wrong answer

And 1% did not know the answer

Feminine habits questionnaire findings

32 % have given the right answer

58 % have given the wrong answer

10% dont know the answer

Culture questionnaire findings -

53% have given the right answer

25% have given the wrong answer

22% dont know the answers


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SUGGESTIONS

In schools it is very important that the students are thought how their body

language should be maintained; workshops or classes should be held for the

students to realize its importance.

They should inculcate the habit of reading articles, newspaper columns, books

related to body language and articles on internet. Knowing more about body

language will also help them to understand the other persons state of mind .For

example, if a person has crossed his legs it means he is in state of defense.

Even the editorial of newspaper could be requested to put a daily column in the

newspaper on body language so that the people could read it in their leisure

time.

At workplace after appointment, the employees must also be trained and

developed in body language and not only about their work so as it helps them to

move well with their national or international clients. There can also be training institutes which would train the people on body

language. The other aspects could be that the teachers would be trained on body

language so that they can train the students in schools and colleges.

Some Body Language Tips

Be natural. Even if you were to succeed in controlling your body language "by the

book," you would look fake. While there are certain aspects of body language

that can be improved upon to create a more effective message, you still need to

act like yourself and not be robotic.

Identify your body language patterns. Make a conscious effort to think about what

your body is doing in different interactions with different people. A mirror can be

useful to examine facial expressions and posture, but mainly you just want to pay

attention to what your body does when you're angry, nervous, or happy.

Emphasize a point. Have more than one gesture. This will help you better get

your message across. If you want to make sure you're not misunderstood, repeat

both gestures when you speak the idea aloud. If the listener doesn't pick up on

one gesture, he or she will likely be familiar with the other. You don't have to usea body language gesture (or two) for every word, but it's a good idea to have a

toolbox of gestures you can use to reinforce very important, yet easily

misinterpreted concepts.

Use hand gestures carefully. Be conscious of what your hands are saying as you

speak. Some hand gestures can be very effective in highlighting your points


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(open gestures), while others can be distracting or even offensive to some

listeners, and can lead to the conversation or listening being closed down (closed

gestures). It also helps to watch other people's hand gestures to see how they

come across to you.

Recognize people. Sure, you don't necessarily know the people in your audience

or that new friend in your group, but they're nodding along with you and looking

knowingly at you all the same. This means that they are connecting with you. So

reward them with your acknowledgment.

Use facial expressions consciously. Aim to reflect passion and generate empathy

with the listener by using soft, gentle, and aware facial expressions. As much as

possible, except when culture dictates, avoid negative facial expressions, such

as frowns or raised eyebrows.

Identify cultural norms. If you have recently entered a new culture, you may need

to adjust your body language. Cultural norms regarding body language (i.e. how

far away you should stand from someone, how much eye contact you should

make, and what gestures are considered taboo), vary considerably and if you

don't speak the same body language as the locals, you're liable to be

misunderstood a great deal. This can even sometimes be met with very serious

implications.

Say what you mean. For most people, body language that effectively reinforces

the speaker's intent comes naturally when they mean what they say. The

problem, of course, is that we don't always say what we mean. If you're trying to

lie convincingly, for example, you'll probably have to alter your body language to

prevent it from arousing suspicion. It's often easier to just say what you feel.

Observe your own expressions Use your body language to help you understand

how you feel. If you're not quite sure how you feel about something or someone,

pay attention to what your body is saying. Other people will be able to read your

body language to help uncover what you're feeling, so you should be able to readyour body language better than anyone else can. Using body language

effectively means not only communicating with others, but also learning more

about you.


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CONCLUSION

We all have heard the phrases, Strong presence, Dressed to kill or hawks vigil and

so on. All these terms describe the impression of an individual which he passes on in a

subtle manner without verbal communication. Actually, it is a general observation that a

man of few words makes the most impactful impression. So, what speaks louder than

words? It is his body language which makes the first and lasting impression despite of

less verbal communication. In reality, body language alone can make or break the impression

you leave on others.

Given that humans are so adept at reading people based on body language and other

nonverbal cues, it is imperative that individuals pay attention to such gestures as they

communicate with others so as not to inadvertently offend, discourage or confuse those

with whom they interact. When its your turn to listen to someone else speak, it is ke y

that you make eye-contact, direct your towards the speaker and offer facial feedback

that illustrates that youre listening attentively. Do this whenever you interact with others,

and youll find that your communications on the whole will be more engaged , productive

and worthwhile!


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Questionnaire

Dear Sir/Madam,

We, the students of Second year B.Com(II) are conducting a research on Significance of Body

Language and request you to kindly spend a few minutes in filling the following questionnaire.

We assure you confidentiality of the information provided.

1. In Bangladesh, is the thumb up sign a signal of something good or an insult?

2. Shaking hands is an accepted form of greeting in America and Britain, but should one shake a

Saudi Arabian womans hand upon meeting her? Why?

3. In what countries is the A-Ok gesture considered to be an affront, equivalent to using the

middle finger?

4. Is it offensive in the Middle East to point at someone with the index finger as if to call them to

come to over?

5. In Europe, the V sign can be changed from meaning victory to meaning shove it by

simply doing what?

Name:

Gender:

Age:

Phone Number:


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6. A smile always means the person is happy, right?

7. In what countries does nodding the head up and down mean no?

8. In what culture is it considered offensive to touch the top of ones head?

9. In American and Britain, when place the hand up with palm towards someone means stop.

What does it mean in Asian cultures?

10. Is putting hands on hips a sign of confidence?

11. What countries consider eye contact to be offensive?

12. What countries require the most amount of personal space?

13. In what countries are the feet considered unclean and showing the heels considered insulting?

14. In what countries is slouching considered to be rude?


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Questionnaire

Dear Madam,

We, the students of Second year B.Com(II) are conducting a research on Significance of Body

Language and request you to kindly spend a few minutes in filling the following questionnaire.

We assure you the confidentiality of the information provided.

Holding and playing with your pen when you speak is:

A way of lending weight to what you're saying

A barrier against any objections to what you're saying

A sign of aggression

When you rest your forearms flat on the table, it's a sign that you're:

Prepared to take things on

Dreamy

Suspicious

Leaning on your elbows on the table, this position is best avoided when trying to

flirt with a guy.

True

False

Sitting with your feet hooked around chair legs, You sit like this because you feel:

Threatened

Looked down upon

Treated like a child

Crossing your arms if you stand like this, you're showing the person you're

speaking to that you're:

Not open to discussion

Vulnerable

In a bad mood

Name:

Gender:

Age:

Phone Number:

Address:


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Covering your mouth with your thumb and forefinger

Why is it a bad sign when the person you're speaking to adopts this position?

Its a sign they don't trust you

It means they're being dishonest

It shows that you're boring them

A woman who strokes her neck is:

Expressing her need for tenderness

Having a think before committing herself

Indicating that she won't be made a fool of

Brushing your hair back behind your ears, Constantly brushing your hair

back behind your ears reveals that you're:

An opportunist

A tease

Indecisive

Playing with your hair, why shouldn't you play with your hair when you're

among friends?

It creates a barrier between you and your friends

It shows your friends that they're boring you

Its a sign that you're uncomfortable

Standing with your feet in this position is a sign of:

Impatience

Nonchalance

Romantic interest in someone

Interlocking your fingers and raising your thumbs

If you repeat this gesture with your hands while you're talking, it suggests

you're:

Fake

Tormented

Spoilt

Sitting on your hands:

A lack of maturity

Shyness

A passive attitude


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Questionnaire

Dear Madam,

We, the students of Second year B.Com (II) are conducting a research on Significance

of Body Language and request you to kindly spend a few minutes in filling the followingquestionnaire. We assure you the confidentiality of the information provided.

1. In a job interview, a student being interviewed in posture A suddenly moved tositt ing straight in the chair

Give a possible explanation.

A. The interviewee feels defensive

B. The interviewee feels cold

C. The interviewee is becoming more relaxed

2. A piece of research showed that when people meet for the first t ime, there are

three important factors. These are given below.

Which is the most important?

A. Content - what they say.

B. How they sound (tone of voice - accent, pitch, variation and tempo of speech).

C. Body Language.

3. Another piece of research found that certain non -verbal behaviours (e.g. not

including dress and appearance) showed a statistically significant correlationwith job interview success.

Name ONE of these behaviours from the list below

A. Firm handshake

B. Regular eye contact

Name:

Gender:

Age:

Phone Number:

Address:


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C. Sitting up straight

D. Smiling

E. Head nodding

F. Loud voice

4. Which of the following statements are likely to be true about the two people

here?

A. They are of similar status. They agree with each others views.

B. They are of different status. They disagree with each other.

5. Based on the positions of the desk and chairs as you enter the room, which of

these two interviews are likely to be the more formal?

A.

B.

6. Whilst on holiday in Greece, you end up one day at a litt le out of the way

Greek village where nobody speaks English. You decide to study job

opportunities at the local taverna with your 4 companions and try to order a

round of 5 drinks signing with your hands. What happens next?

A. You are treated like a long-lost relative

B. You wake up in hospital with 2 black eyes, and a bruised ego.

Thank you for your cooperation and time!


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Answers to the Questionnaire

Cultural Body Language

1. It is considered to be insulting. The thumbs up gesture is also considered

rude in Nigeria and Sydney, Australia.

2. No, the touching of a Saudi Arabian womans hand by anyone other than

her husband is against the Sharia Laws and considered immoral.

3. The A-Ok gesture is considered offensive in Brazil and most Latin

American countries, Germany, and Austria. In France it means zero and in

Japan it means money.

4. Yes. It is also considered an insult to do this in Portugal, Spain, Latin

America, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. If the index

finger must be used to call someone, make sure the palm is down as that is

more acceptable.

5. By turning the palm toward oneself. Palm out means victory, palm in

means shove it.

6. Not always. The Japanese often smile when they are confused, angry, or

even embarrassed.

7. Bulgaria and Greece.

8. In Asian cultures, particularly Southeast Asia. This is because it is believed

that a persons soul or spirit resides there.

9. It means to ask permission to speak.

10. It is in American and Britain, however, in some Asian countries is it seen

as a sign of arrogance. In Mexico, it is seen as a sign of hostility. Putting

ones hands in the pockets in Indonesia is considered rude.

11. In most Western cultures, eye contact is considered a good thing, but inJapan, Latin American countries, and the Caribbean, direct eye contact is

considered disrespectful.

12. Americans definitely like their personal space, but Germans and

Japanese require even more. Personal space it not as important to those


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from China, France, Latin American countries, and Saudi Arabia.

13. Middle Eastern countries, China, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, and Korea

consider the feet to be dirty and the heels of the feet should never be shown

to another.

14. Germany, Sweden, and China consider slouching to not only be rude, but

also a sign of poor manners.


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Interview Questionnaire Answers

1. The posture with arms and legs crossed (POSTURE B) is called a

CLOSED posture. It usually signifies a defensive or negative attitude, but

beware of misinterpretation - the person may just be cold or just not have

pockets! The other posture with arms and legs uncrossed (POSTURE A) is

called an OPEN posture and usually suggests a more relaxed, open attitude.

2.Research by Albert Mehrabiansuggested that body language was the most

important, followed by how you sound, with what is actually said being the

least important! Mehrabian now says that this only applies when a person is

talking about their likes and dislikes "unless a communicator is talking about

their feelings or attitudes, these equations are not applicable". Even so, it's

still a salutary lesson that we shouldn't just focus on a person's words.

3.Although all of these (except perhaps a loud voice) probably do contribute

towards a good impression at interview, the three that had a statistically

significant correlation were found to be eye contact, smiling, and

surprisingly nodding your head! To complicate matters further, some recent

research found that head nodding was seen as positive in women, but not in

men, whereas too much eye contact was seen as negative in women

candidates! (see panel to the right).

Karl Grammer of the University of Viennafound that women show interest in

a man by regular eye contact, toying with their hair, tidying their clothes, and

regular head nodding. He also found they make the same signals in the first

minute of meeting a man whether they like him or not. Such flirting only

shows real interest if it continues longer than four minutes. Grammer

suggests women use the signals to keep the man's interest until they have
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Mehrabianhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Mehrabianhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Mehrabianhttp://evolution.anthro.univie.ac.at/institutes/urbanethology/resources/articles/articles/publications/grammerfink.pdfhttp://evolution.anthro.univie.ac.at/institutes/urbanethology/resources/articles/articles/publications/grammerfink.pdfhttp://evolution.anthro.univie.ac.at/institutes/urbanethology/resources/articles/articles/publications/grammerfink.pdfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Mehrabian


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decided he is worthwhile getting to know better.

We find people who look directly at us more likeable and more attractive. This

is especially true if they are smiling. However staring at the interviewer all the

time could be perceived as hostile!

Having a deep voice may also pay benefits at interview. Researchers at

Duke University found that voters are more likely to pick candidates with a

deeper voice whether the speaker was male or female. They made

recordings of both male and female speakers and then altered the pitch of

their subjects' voices and found that listeners "voted" more frequently for the

"candidate" with the lower voice. Women with lower voices were perceived to

be stronger, more trustworthy and competent. A lower tone gave male

candidates a distinct advantage on the corporate ladder with a 22.1 MHz pitch

decrease equalling an annual compensation increase of $187,000!

AUS studyfound that students with a higher body mass index were less

likely to be offered a place at graduate school. The study found evidence of a

link in people's minds between BMI and lack of academic ability. This

association is of course completely false but is is another example of the wellknown finding that people who are deemed to be physically attractive are

perceived to have positive qualities.

4. When people copy each others posture, it is called postural echo or

mirroring. e.g. in a pub, friends will often pick up their drinks at the same

time. It occurs subconsciously when people have similar views, the same

status, or like each other. Strangers often studiously avoid mirroring each

others postures.Paraphrasing what the other person is saying to you is a

verbal version of mirroring, and can show that you are listening carefully to

the other person.

In research on this an actor played an interviewee and mimicked the posture
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20434416http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20434416http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20434416http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20434416


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of the interviewer. Interviewers showed no awareness of this mimicry but

rated the interviewer more favourably considering that he thought more like

they did and identified with them. However, beware of consciously mirroring

interviewers to try to make them like you - most personnel managers will

probably know far more about this than you do!

5. Position B is called the "throne" position. It reinforces the

interviewer's sense of controlhe/she can see everything that goes on in the

room. Old fashioned managers often use this type of arrangement. Also the

interviewee's chair is a long way from the desk increasing the formality.

Position A with the desk touching the wall allows for a more informal and less

dominating encounter. Sitting side on to the door allows for ease of approach.

Sometimes the desk may be absent completely. Doctors and lecturers often

use this arrangement. However be careful not to read too much into desk

positions, the interviewer may have just borrowed the office for the interview

and may not be able to influence the arrangement!

Out of interestresearchers at the University of Minnesotafound that a tidy

desk may suggest generosity, and conventionality whereas a messy desk

may relate to creative thinking and stimulating new ideas. "Disorderly

environments seem to inspire breaking free of tradition, which can produce

fresh insights. Orderly environments, in contrast, encourage convention and

playing it safe."

6. Putting your hand up with five spread fingers is an insult gesture in Greece!

Be aware that people from other cultures have different distances they stand

apart, loudness of voice, gaze behaviours etc. which can easily be
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130806091817.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcherhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130806091817.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcherhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130806091817.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcherhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130806091817.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher


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misinterpreted by people of a different culture.

Feminine Body Language Questionnaire Answers

1.Holding and playing with your pen when you speak is:

A way of lending weight to what you're saying

A barrier against any objections to what you're saying

A sign of aggression

Explanation:

You've maybe noticed on TV that the majority of politicians, company executives and

journalists hold a pen in their hand and fidget with it when they're talking. Even your

boss does it during meetings or interviews. It's not a sign of obsessive compulsive

disorder, but a symbolic weapon or 'barrier' the speaker uses to protect him or herself

from tough questions that might be heading their way. Another interpretation is that the

pen is an extension of the authoritative forefinger and is therefore a sign of power.

2.When you rest your forearms flat on the table, it's a sign that you're:

Prepared to take things on

Dreamy

Suspicious

Explanation:This position indicates a high level of self-confidence and usually reveals an

enterprising character, someone with the will to see things through. On the other hand,

if you place your hands on the edge of the table, this signals that you're more of a

manager than an entrepreneur.


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3.This position is best avoided when trying to flirt with a guy.

True

False

Explanation:

Leaning on your elbows with your body leaning in towards the person you're speaking to

is considered an invasion of the other person's space. Although this position may be

used when flirting (you're interested in him and wantto get into his personal space!), it

should be avoided when negotiating with your boss or a client!

4.You sit like this because you feel:

Threatened

Looked down upon

Treated like a child

Explanation:

This is an attitude acquired in childhood. Someone who sits like this feels like the

person speaking to them is being patronizing.

5.If you stand like this, you're showing the person you're speaking to that you're:

Not open to discussion

Vulnerable

In a bad mood

Explanation:This is such a common position that we don't give it much thought, but crossing your

arms is a subconscious reaction to feeling insecure. It's a protective, defensive position.


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6. Why is it a bad sign when the person you're speaking to adopts this position?

It's a sign they don't trust you

It means they're being dishonest

It shows that you're boring them

Explanation:

If, during a job interview, the interviewer adopts this position, it's time to change

tack...fast! You may be laying it on too thick. If the forefinger points to the left, it

indicates the person is protecting him or herself from your powers of persuasion. If it's

towards the right, the person is assessing you and trying to find the best way to counter

you.

7.A woman who strokes her neck is:

Expressing her need for tenderness

Having a think before committing herself

Indicating that she won't be made a fool of

Explanation:

We can't help doing it, but contrary to what you might think, it doesn't necesarily reveal

a lack of affection. Usually - and especially if you're flirting with someone - stroking

yourself indicates how you'd like to touch the person you're talking to...

8.Constantly brushing your hair back behind your ears reveals that you're:

An opportunist

A tease

Indecisive

Explanation:

It's a way of unblocking your ears, meaning that you're ready to seize any opportunities

that arise!

9.This is a powerful weapon of seduction, but why shouldn't you play with your

hair when you're among friends?


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It creates a barrier between you and your friends

It shows your friends that they're boring you

It's a sign that you're uncomfortable

Explanation:Gazing sultrily at strands of your hair you're playing with creates distance between you

and the people you're with, placing a barrier between you.

10.Standing with your feet in this position is a sign of:

Impatience

Nonchalance

Romantic interest in someone

Explanation:

Watch out for this one: even if a woman is taken, if she's adopting this position it's a

sign she's got her beady eye on someone present. Her foot will subconsciously

point towards the object of her desire...

11.If you repeat this gesture with your hands while you're talking, it suggestsyou're:

Fake

Tormented

Spoilt

Explanation:

Fakes and imposters often resort to this gesture. The thumbs regularly move apart to try

and 'break up' the discussion, conveying the person lacks conviction or doesn't knowwhat they're talking about.

12.Sitting on your hands reveals:

A lack of maturity


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Shyness

A passive attitude

Explanation:

Don't ever do this during an interview! It's very common in children, but in children it

suggests a desire to grow up fast. In adults, it indicates a lack of maturity.

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