Section A : Grammar
9 Body Language and Its Use
in Speaking NOTES
When the movement of the parts of the body substantiates the words spoken
that is called body language. It is believed that at times the body language is
more expressive and convincing than the words of the mouth. That might be
far fetched but it varies from person to person. Somebody might be able to
mesmerize an audience without twitching an eyebrow. He does it simply by
tone and temper of his voice. Others have such expressive faces that before
they utter anything people know what is to come.
Every culture has very specific mannerisms ie. body language which has to be
followed by the gentility. Body language comprises of gestures and movements
of the body or body parts in response to confrontation with another individual.
As per the British norms, as soon as a woman enters the room all the men who
are seated will leave their chairs and stand up. Without uttering a word this
gesture done by the young and old reflects upon the respect shown to the
woman on her entry to the room. The cultured directors and managers of firms
still do the same on entry of their women officers who are juniors to them.
Check Your Progress
It is always advised to walk with an erect posture and not to stoop. Yet, when
12. What comprises body
in front of others a person always stoops to talk and converse with those language ?
around him. This is referred to as the “noble stoop” found amongst the Em-
perors , Popes, kings and leaders. Presenting oneself with the arms hanging in
front and clasped over the belly is the sign of submission and servitude which 43
a younger person displays for the other.
Communication Skills & In Indian context, the same hands when held up touching both the palms and
Personality Development bending forward is the mode of greeting rendered to all and sundry, including
God. It is customary in the Indian homes that the persons who are junior in age
bend down and touch the feet of the senior person, irrespective of sex of the
NOTES individual. In return the other person touches the head of the junior and blesses
him.
In traditional households it is customary for the younger people not to look
straight in the eyes of the senior when they are being addressed. On being
reprimanded if the guilty looks up at the other then it indicates spirit of con-
frontation and wanting to argue it [Link] the eye to eye contact is avoided,
to save the situation from becoming volatile.
A man or a woman never turn their back on somebody . It amounts to refusal
to talk and indifference. Similarly legs and feet have to be kept away from the
face of the other visitor, since, it entails disrespect. It is to be noted that all
these body languages are done without a sound from the mouth.
Irrespective of the country and culture body language is becoming a very
important mode of communicating ill feelings. This has been witnessed during
international games , where due to rough and rampant use of derogatory body
language opposing teams try to demoralize the other team. Thus when talking
is loosing its importance body language is taking over the stage silently. The
cases of road rages followed by killings is one instance which has put the alarm
bell ringing for the experts and the parents.
Smile a facial movement, where lips are stretched revealing the teeth and the
eyes sparkle up in unison expressing a congenial friendly gesture is the only
body language which cross cuts cultures and races, young and old to spread
warmth and happiness. If it is being used more often one can avoid many a
disasters. It is advised to wake the baby in the morning with a smile so that
from infancy it learns the value of this important body language.
Here are given a few clues to understand the body language of a person in
general :
Raising the eyebrow= questioning, surprise
Nodding head forward and backward = affirmation
Movement of the head right to left = negation
Shrugging the shoulders = not bothered
Looking down = shame, shyness
Hand movements = this serves several purpose while talking.
Raising a finger towards the other = a threatening gesture, avoid making
it.
thumping or slapping the table = avoid this while talking , since it is
considered outrageous.
Exercise
44 Collect some more body languages that you have come across and note
them down in your exercise book.