Page 36 - PowerE-L04-F

Lesson 9

Body Language

Body language is one form of non-
verbal communication. This includes
gestures, postures, movement and body
positions. These are often used to express
one’s thought even without uttering any
words. It is also used to emphasize things
or words that are being spoken like hand
gestures, which add and strengthen the

meaning of what a person says.
An example of body language is holding
both hands with palms up while shrugging the shoulders meaning “I don’t
know”. The use of body language can sometimes show more meaning than
saying a word. Studies show that one third of meaning is transmitted by words
and two thirds is communicated non-verbally. That is why when talking to a
person, it is better to be observant of the gestures and body language they
portray while listening to what they say so that you can understand them more.

Comprehension

1. What is the purpose of using body language?

2. What are the different kinds of body language?

3. Do you agree that body language can convey more meaning?

Questions

1. Do you often use body language?

2. Can you cite another example of body language?

3. In what situation do you think body language will be most helpful?

Vocabulary & Expressions

convey - to transfer or to impart
gestures - the use of movements or positions of the hands or body
utter - to express, speak or make known of
emphasize - to stress out something or highlight a certain thing or event
shrug - raising and contracting the shoulders
Transmit - to transfer, spread or pass something

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