Integrating Body Language in the

Classroom

Mr. Talel Soualhia

Let the fun begin• Green card when you approve• Red card when you disapprove

Integrating Body Language in the ClassroomWhat is language? What is communication?Communication DefinedTypes of CommunicationVerbal Written .

Nonverbal Body language Components of the communication processBody language basics.

Game one Objective: identify the feeling.Game two:

objective: understand the message from non verbal clues.

The Cs of body language Interpreting body language

Cues (triggers)Changes: (transitions)ClustersCharacterContext: (the broader context)

Understanding and using body language for teachers.Elements

KINESICSProxemicsParalanguagePhysical ContextHaptics: the touch ChronemicsArtifactics

Posture 1- Power posing postures to boost your confidence.The power of eye gaze: eye contactThe smile: facial expression

Making a grand entrance.

The speaking positions BLAMERPLACATERLEVELLER

COMPUTERDISTRACTER

What is language?

• Language is the system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts and feelings to each other.

• Any of one of the systems of human language that are used and understood by a particular group of people.

• (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

What is communication?

Any task or transaction that requires more than one person can only be successfully completed with communication

Communication Defined

It's nearly impossible to go through a day without the use of communication.

Communication is sending and receiving information between two or more people. The person sending the message is referred to as the sender, while the person receiving the information is called the receiver. The information conveyed can include facts, ideas, concepts, opinions, beliefs, attitudes, instructions and even emotions.

Types of CommunicationMethods of communication vary, and you are almost certainly familiar with all of them. Let's take a look at some of the primary methods.

Verbal communication is simply sending a message through a spoken language that is understood by both the sender and receiver of the message. face-to-face talkinglistening to a lecture or seminarlistening to a television program. In fact, if you are listening now, you are engaged in a verbal form of communication.

Written communication is sending a message by the use of symbols that are understood by both the sender and receiver of the message. If you are reading this transcript, you are engaged in written communication.

Nonverbal communication is the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless (mostly visual) cues between people.

Body language is a form of nonverbal communication that can be used to send a message. You can often tell if your boss is pleased or upset simply by looking at his facial expressions, posture and gestures. For example, a flushed face may mean embarrassment; a clinched fist may indicate anger; and the rolling of one's eyes may signal disbelief or annoyance.

Components of the communication process

We portray body language that’s why we need to be aware of the message we are sending out.

93 percent

Body language basics.

Joe Navaro (What everybody is saying) 2011.

For millions of years, humans ambled this planet navigating a very dangerous world and shared their knowledge, their fears and desires with others.We did it because, as humans we developed a system of communication. This system instantly communicates to others around us, whether consciously or subconsciously, through our bodies.

This is also why we understand that when we are talking to someone we know and like and suddenly they have their feet pointing to the door we understand that he or she needs to go.

How it is done: Our emotions are processed by the limbic

system of the brain. It does not think. It just reacts in real times to the world and our bodies show how we feel.

Game one Objective: identify the feeling.Participants: a volunteer and audienceTask: the volunteer enacts the feeling mentioned in the card and the audience guesses itTime: 2 minutes

Game two:- objective: understand the message from non verbal clues. - Participants: a volunteer to act + audience - Task: Audience guesses the message or what does he want to convey. - Material: cards to the

volunteer- Time: 7 minutes.

Cs

of body language

The Cs of body language

Body language can be interpreted and understood as clusters. We should not perceive single positions as giving the whole message. There are variables that you should be aware of. Interpreting body language is more than just looking up the current body shape. To interpret wisely these five Cs could offer a critical lens to understand body language and other nonverbal communication in a realistic way.

Cues (triggers)What led to the posture, the act, the facial

expression, the movement…

Changes: (transitions)

Changes: (transitions)

From open to closed formation as an example.

Changes: (transitions)

From closed to open formation as an example.

Changes: (transitions)

ClustersWhile body language can appear as single

events, they often appear as a group of different movements occurring one after the other.

Clustersexercise: can you explain what is going on?Identify the roles

Character

Character

This factor can confound and also can explain. The general character of the other person. Is he introverted or extroverted?

He will frequently display large body movements or concise depending on his character. (also can be confound with exhibitionism and timidity)

Temperament, mood, and even short-term emotions can also act as modifiers that affect body language. Yet, determining the current emotional state, you may apply this knowledge in your interpretation.

Context: (the broader context)

Context: (the broader context)

It affects how the other person thinks, feels and acts.- What is going on in his immediate environment.- Where are you?- Who is with you?- Gender interaction.

Understanding and using body language for teachers.

By following some principles, your classroom management plan will be built on a solid foundation. However, to be remarkably effective, to create the class you really want, you have to learn how to create leverage.Leverage simply means having great influence with your students.This is where the real power comes from.

Elements 1. KINESICS2. Proxemics3. Paralanguage4. Physical Context5. Haptics6. Chronemics7. Artifactics

KINESICSKinesics is the study of body movements to judge inner state of emotions expressed through different parts of the body . a. Facial Expression and Eyes b. Gestures c. Postures

ProxemicsProxemics is the study of how we use space round to communicate the message.• Intimate space• Personal space• Social space • Public space

Invading someone’s personal space causes arousal. this arousal can be interpreted positively or negatively depending on the person (familiar / stranger)

• In the classroomSome classroom management “experts” recommend standing close to difficult students during lessons. But moving into someone’s personal space without permission is a show of dominance. It won’t create leverage in the long run. Allow students their personal space. They’ll appreciate and respect you for it.

Paralanguage

Paralanguage involves the study of voice quality, volume, speech rate and the manner of speaking beyond the said words.• Tone• Pitch• Intensity• Rhythm• Tempo

Physical ContextThe physical context reflects the space around something and how that influences how you see it. Pay a close attention to your classroom

Haptics: the touch • Haptics is the study of touching in

communication situation

The subtle power of touch: It boosts confidence and happiness.

• In the classroom A brief tap on the shoulder or arm of a student you’re speaking with can elicit a subconscious response that makes you more persuasive. It does help build rapport

Chronemics

Chronemics is the study of the use of time in Nonverbal communication. Amount of time spent with another and time spent in waiting for others indicate a lot.

ArtifacticsArtifactics is the study of non verbal message signals that an individual sends across through appearance, clothing, personal objects like pens, briefcases etc.

Posture A sagging posture displays a lack of confidence and is associated with weak leadership. To students, it says that you’re unsure of yourself. They won’t listen to or trust you Walking tall, with your body erect and shoulders straight, engenders confidence in you as a leader.

1- Power posing postures to boost your confidence.

The power of eye gaze: eye contactthe most powerful way we communicate. A single fleeting look from across the classroom can speak volumes. Longer eye contact is associated with trust, good feelingsBe aware, however, that too much eye contact can be intimidating, especially for shy students.

So we shouldn’t over do it.

The power of eye gaze: eye contactthe most powerful way we communicate. A single fleeting look from across the classroom can speak volumes. Longer eye contact is associated with trust, good feelingsBe aware, however, that too much eye contact can be intimidating, especially for shy students.

So we shouldn’t over do it.

The smile: facial expression A smile makes communication easier, less awkward, and more persuasive. It’s also a mood-changer and will evoke warm and happy feelings in both the giver and the recipient.

The smile: facial expression

• According to (facial feedback theory) smiling makes a person happy.

Making a grand entrance.

Making a grand entrance.

The cues that you give during the first seconds or minutes of meeting others can impress and have a huge impact on them.How you walk would even control how the rest of the encounter would be like.

1 – Assess the situation beforehand.2 – Do not be late.3 – Show the appropriate emotions for the situation.4 – Pause briefly to gather your thoughts.5 – Maintain eye contact / Gaze at the audience.6 – Determine when you are not the center of attention.7 – Look as if you are glad to be there.8 – Do not despair if you have blown your opening move.

The speaking positions The Satir Categories – 5 non-verbal

patterns of communication –

The Satir Categories – 5 non-verbal patterns of communication – were described in the 1970’s by Virginia Satir, a renowned family therapist.

These gestures/postures communicate certain archetypal messages that work internationally and across cultures.

They produce an internal response in both the presenter and the audience, with the audience feeling different emotions depending on how you are standing/gesturing.

BLAMER

• DEMONSTRATES – power, dominance, authority, in charge and superiority – on the offensive….it’s your fault not mine…

• VOICE – shrill, tight, loud voice• AUDIENCE – feel told off/blamed• USAGE – very sparingly – positively to empower an

individual, punch a point home, to get through to someone who just isn’t getting the message or for short guilt trips. Soften by pointing above the audience or using two fingers.

PLACATER

• DEMONSTRATES – helplessness, pleading, dependence, vulnerability, begging.

• AUDIENCE – feel you’re a “Yes man”, can’t think for yourself, just want their approval, trying to please, run from conflict…

• WARNING – women should avoid this gesture – ingratiating, weakens your position.

• USAGE – men only, use when say something confrontational to soften the blow or for sympathy.

LEVELLER (hands start at chest height and move down and out as if resting on a desk)

• DEMONSTRATES – frankness, truth, strength, honesty, openness, sincerity, calming.

• VOICE – slow, calm, includes pauses.• AUDIENCE – feels you level with them –

candid and forthright – tell them the truth.• USAGE – good for giving impartial or factual

information, use for believability, to convince an audience, bring them down to earth.

COMPUTER

• DEMONSTRATES – intellect, thinker, professor, logical, sensible, considering, rational, analytical, unemotional and super reasonable.

• VOICE – slow/monotone voice and long words.• USAGE – great to show someone you’re

considering what they say, good diffusion tactic when challenged by the audience, use to separate your message from emotions or to buy time.

DISTRACTER

• DEMONSTRATES – fun, laughs, jokes, clown – literally distracting.• WARNING – avoid for serious messages, always asymmetric in

gesture/posture – switches continually between categories, never makes sense! Can seem panicky…

• USAGE – use only for fun and to create energy/surprise. Don’t overuse!

• So next time you’re presenting, or even just talking to someone face to face, try these out. Computer is a perfect starting point and can be of value in a host of different situations. Are there any other gestures or postures that you use that you think are great for getting a certain message across?

Notes

In general people are good at understanding facial expressions, body language and finally personal space and touch.

Even understanding one channel is sometimes difficult as we may decode pleasant facial expressions rather than unpleasant.

• In the far lands of Peru, there lived a tribe of warriors called Lingo. Juan, was the youngest among seven of the chief’s tribe sons. Lingo was preparing for the battle against Mingo and all the members of the tribe were ready for it. They were all born to be warriors.

• Juan was very little and young but full of eagerness and willingness. He wants to join the battle with his brothers but his weak body didn’t give him way. Hence, he went to his older brother Bruno to teach him how to use the sword. “Juan, take the sword and fight me like a warrior must do” ordered Bruno. Juan took the sword awkwardly and tried to direct a hit or cover himself from being killed but he couldn’t. “you must use your body aptly as for the sword to travel to its purpose ” advised Bruno.

• The chief was inspecting the scene and with the words of the wise told Juan “When you fight stand up firmly use your hands firmly and never lean your back and always inspect the eyes and they will know your will”.