Added: 12/01/2005 |
Translating Body LanguageHumans do not do all of their communications with their vocal chords. They also communicate with their eyes, their hands, their facial expressions, their legs, their shoulders and their posture. These forms of non-verbal communication are called body language.
Albert Mehrabian, a psychology professor at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) tells his students, "Body language is a very elementary level of communication that people react to without realizing why." Dr. Mehrabian has studied many forms of body language, female and male body language. He wrote about the language of the body in his book, Silent Messages. When interviewed about that book he said, "[Body language is] the building block upon which more advanced forms of verbal communication rest."
The comprehension of body language aids the development of a relationship. Dr. Marilyn Maple, an educator at the University of Florida has said, "[Body Language is] one of the most practical skills you can develop. When you can consciously read what others are saying [nonverbally], you can deal with issues before they become problems." Dr. Maple understands that what people do not say is just as important as what they do say.
The language of the body in one region of the world might be very different to the body language in another, rather distant area. Culture holds great influence over the significance of body language. For example, some cultures discourage use of eye contact, suggesting that it connotes hostility. Other cultures approve of using the eyes in body language. Females in such cultures, those who communicate with their eyes, are considered friendly.
Dr. Maple and others who have studied nonverbal communication believe that nonverbal communication delivers a message about the personality of the person who is sending the communication. Dr. Maple told Diane Hales, the author of An Invitation to Health, "Nonverbal messages come from deep inside of you, from your own sense of self-esteem."
Dr. Maple has advice for those who want to use body language to help to cement a relationship. She has said, "To improve your body language you have to start from the inside and work out. If you're comfortable with yourself it shows. People who have good self-esteem, who give themselves status and respect, who know who they are have a relaxed way of talking and moving and always come across best."
The readers of Diane Hales' book have been given some tips for demonstrating more self-respect.
1) Analyze your emotions while you are speaking, and think about how they might affect your body language.
2) Learn how to establish good eye contact without staring somebody in the face.
3) Don't create body language that can create barrier to communication. (Such as folding the arms in front of you).
Young people who follow the above suggestions should have good control of their body language. They will undoubtedly communicate better with any other young adult who has come into their life.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
