As mentioned earlier, there are many parts of your body that add to the nonverbal
message. This type of nonverbal communication is called kinesic code. It is made up
of emblems, illustrators, regulators, affect displays and adapters. These behaviors
are each communicated in different behaviors and movements of your body.
The first important aspect of kinesics is posture. Standing or sitting in a relaxed
professional manner is a positive posture nonverbal. Also, being comfortably
upright, squarely facing an audience, and evenly distributing your weight are all
aspects of posture that communicate professionalism, confidence, attention to detail
and organization.
Nonverbals communicated by moving the trunk of your body are called body
gestures. Several different body gesture strategies are to move to change mood or
pace, draw attention, or reinforce and idea. Some examples are stepping aside for a
transition or stepping forward to emphasize a point.
Hand gestures are what are most often ide ntified as nonverbal communication. One
reason is because they are so obvious to a receiver and seen to be partly conscious. It
is important to let your gestures flow naturally as if in conversation with a close
friend. You may also use gestures to specifically describe shape and size, emphasize
a point, enumerate a list, or picking out a specific item.
In conjunction with hand gestures is touching. This is a very powerful
communicator especially for establishing a link to a receiver or conveying emotion.
However, touching is dangerous because it invades a persons intimate space and
may be perceived as unwanted or breaking norms. It is important to pay attention
to the other person’s nonverbal cues before deciding to initiate a touch.
The last area of physical nonverbal communication is facial expression. Facial
expression is partly innate and also partly learned. Because of the number of
muscles and features, such as mouth, nose, lips, cheeks, in your face, it is extremely
expressive. A face can ask questions, show doubt, surprise, sadness, happiness and a
wealth of other messages.
Below is a list of some body behavior and the message they communicate.
1) Slumped posture = low spirits
2) Erect posture = high spirits, energy and confidence
3) Lean forward = open and interested
4) Lean away = defensive or disinterested
5) Crossed arms = defensive
6) Uncrossed arms = willingness to listen