Page 19 - DENG102_COMMUNICATION_SKILLS_II

Communication Skills-II

notes to be properly coordinated. In the absence of speech-gesture-co-ordination, we experience
confusion and discomfort. Although Gestures are spontaneous, we can learn to monitor and use
the positive gestures and minimize the negative ones.
Positive gestures: Positive gestures are body signals which make us look relaxed, confident and
polite.
Positive listening gestures include:
l Leaning a little towards the speaker

l Tilting the head
l Eye contact with the speaker
l Gently nodding the head in agreement.
Good speaking Gestures include:
l Keeping the hands open

l Avoiding clutching them or folding them across the chest.
Walking with the head upright, hands swinging freely by the sides.

Negative gestures: Negative gestures include body movements which give a negative impression
about us. These are categorized as below:
Signs of Nervousness:

l Hands in the pocket
l Covering the mouth with the hand while speaking
l Scratching
l Biting nails
l Glancing sideways

l Drumming fingers
l Tapping the feet
l Wringing hands
l Crossed arms or legs
l Setting the hair with hands

l Sitting on the edge of the chair
l Speaking too fast, or too slow
l Straightening the tie
l Clearing the throat too often
l Blinking the eyes a lot
l Clicking the pen

l Playing with the paper weight
l Adjusting the glasses up the nose
l Head, Body Shape and Posture
Head: In any face-to-face communication or meeting or interview the way we hold our head is
very important. Everybody is aware of the age-old saying. “Hold your head high”. It is a sign

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