BodyLanguage nad its importance in communication

non verbal skills

1. Business Communication 2e
Body Language

2. 
Body language is a non-verbal, sub-
consciously interpreted and generated
set of body movements, postures,
gestures, etc.

Since body language is not as neatly
defined as a normal language is, it can be
understood and interpreted in many
different ways.

This ambiguity and depth in
understanding body language of humans
and the insight it gives into the human
psyche is what makes it an interesting
subject to study.

3. 
These differences may arise due to many reasons:
•Time
•Economic status
•Social status
•Gender
•Cultural differences

In this modern world, where the horizons are always expanding,
and the lines between cultures are becoming thinner, it is very
important to have an idea of how body language varies across
cultures around the world.

4. Body Language Determinants
Greetings
Postures
Gestures
How people of different cultures greet each other
Different gestures mean different things in different
cultures. Knowing these differences is important.
Interpretations of postures vary across cultures

5. The way two people greet each other varies
widely and depends on the following factors
apart from the culture those individuals belong
to.
•Level of acquaintance
•Location
•Gender
•Age
It is very important to know and understand the
greetings of a place when you are guest there.
Greetings

6. 
The hug: This is a very common form of greeting in the US,
where the French consider it as a very intimate gesture.

The kiss-on-two-cheeks: This is very common way of
greeting the France. However, people in the US might not be
comfortable with it.

Peck on the cheek: It is common in Britain between two
females or a male and a female.
Greetings (…contd)

7. 
Rubbing noses In New
Zealand, among Maori people,
this is called ‘Hongi’ meaning
‘sharing breath’.

Bowing In Japan this can
range from a slight nod in the
head to a full 90 degree bend.

A hand shake A common way
of greeting in the US and
Mexico, especially among men
or between a man and a
woman.
Greetings (…contd)

8. 
In the US, a thumbs up means
“OK” or “good”. However, it is
considered an abuse in Australia,
Brazil, South Italy, Germany,
Greece, and some Islamic nations.
Innocent yet Rude Gestures

9. 
Slurping your soup is considered good
manners in Japan and implies that you
actually like the food, but in most other
cultures it is bad manners.

In some societies like Germany punctuality
is given utmost importance. Being 10
minutes late even to an informal gathering is
considered very rude.

It is a belief among some African people that
photographing them steals their souls from
them.

10. 
Pointing your feet towards a Buddha
statue is a serious offence in Buddhist
countries.

Pointing your finger in a direction
might mean showing that direction in
many cultures, but in Middle East and
Russia, is a no-no. It is preferable to
show a direction with an open palm.

The victory sign may seem harmless;
but in Britain, if you show it with the
palm facing you, it is a very offensive
gesture.

11. 
Having your fingers crossed is
generally a sign of good luck in
many a places, but not in
Paraguay. It is considered
offensive there.

Snapping your fingers to get
someone’s attention sends a
vulgar message in France and
Belgium.

12. 
Hands in pockets might be common in
some places, but is considered impolite
in many regions around the world.

Hook ‘em Horns are supposed to be a
cheering symbol in Texas, wishing good
luck in Brazil and a curse in Africa!

13. 
The OK sign is one such sign which has
many multiple meanings.
•In America, it may mean approval.
•In Brazil, Italy, Germany, and Greece, it
is a very offensive insult.
•In southern France, it might also mean
‘zero’ or ‘worthless’ depending on the
facial expression.
Gestures with Multiple Meanings

14. 
Shaking head sideways
•In the US, it means ‘no’.
•In Bulgaria, it means ‘yes’.

Nodding the head up and down
•In the US, it means ‘yes’.
•In Bulgaria, it means ‘no’.

15. Postures are a very important
form of body language, and are
generally involuntary unlike
gestures.
Like gestures, even postures carry
various meanings across cultures.
Postures

16. 
Crossing legs when sitting: In a survey it was
found that American men found their
European counterparts to be slightly
feminine. This is attributed to the way they
sit.

American men cross their legs in an ankle-
on-knee fashion whereas the European men
cross their legs in both the ankle-on-knee
fashion and knee-on-knee fashion.

In America, the knee-on-knee fashion is
exclusive to women, and seldom do men sit
in this way, which causes American men to
see a feminine side in the way European
men sit.

17. 
Actions and postures speak louder than words.

In today’s world, where globalization is an unstoppable
phenomenon, knowing and understanding body language,
its interpretation around the world, and its cultural
significance is very important in building and maintaining
good business relationships.
Conclusions
REPLAY