The importance of body language

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From the course by University of Geneva

Humanitarian communication : Addressing key challenges

70 оценки

University of Geneva

Humanitarian communication : Addressing key challenges

70 оценки

Learn how to address the main challenges of communication in humanitarian settings and how to implement a communication plan in the midst of humanitarian action.

From the lesson

Week 3

This week is dedicated to the main challenges of communication in humanitarian settings and the way to address them. During the course we will also explore key behavioural postures to be more effective when communicating.

Introduction to Module 21:03

The importance of listening - Part 19:21

The importance of listening - Part 27:26

The importance of body language5:34

Week 3 - Wrap up1:25

Meet the Instructors

Prof. Doris Schopper
Director of CERAH, joint Centre of the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of Geneva
Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Valérie Gorin
CERAH lecturer
Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action
Jean-Marc Biquet
Course coordinator and lecturer at CERAH
Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action
Claire Barthélémy
Course coordinator and lecturer at CERAH
Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action
Claire Doole
Invited lecturer
Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action
Claire Bellmann
Professional Trainer, Coach and Facilitator
Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action

[MUSIC]

Body language matters.

It takes less than seven seconds for someone to form an impression of you.

That's why I'm going to give you some tips when meeting someone for

the first time and when giving a presentation.

[MUSIC]

First impressions count.

Different cultures have different ways of making a first impression.

Whether it's a handshake, a kiss on both cheeks, or

a nod, just make sure it's culturally appropriate.

But in all cultures, your body language is an essential element in getting

your message across effectively.

When you get up to give a presentation, all eyes are on you.

So here are some tips about what to do, and what not to do.

Adopt an upright posture, feet hip-width apart, shoulders back, head up.

Imagine that it's attached to a piece of string from your head.

Like this, you'll look and sound confident.

It's all right to move once you've started talking, but

go to a specific place and stop there before moving again.

Endlessly walking up and down is a real distraction, so don't do it.

Avoid doing the salsa, moving backwards and forwards and to the side.

It makes you look uncomfortable and

certainly it shows that you're lacking in confidence.

And, don't cross your legs in a scissor stance, it really gives the impression

that you've got mixed feelings about giving the presentation.

So, you know how to stand, but what about your hands and arms?

Here's what not to do.

Prince Charles is well known for holding his hands behind his back.

This pushes the weight forward creating an imbalance.

It's formal, it's rigid and it's very,

very difficult to communicate effectively like this.

Some people have their elbows tied closely to their bodies.

They're velcroed, which of course stops them from gesturing effectively.

Others decide to put their hands here.

But look what happens when they move their hands.

It's the fig leaf flasher.

Best to avoid this one.

We all know that if people put their hands on their hips, it says arrogance,

where as if you fold your arms, you look a bit defensive.

So what should you do to communicate effectively, to talk in public,

to give presentations?

[MUSIC]

Open gestures.

But do avoid pointing as that can look as if you're blaming or accusing someone.

If you want to emphasize the point, you can use this gesture, the two handed stab.

To talk about things coming together or working in partnership,

you can use this gesture.

This says, I'm leveling with you.

Here are the facts.

Its an assertive gesture and it can calm people down.

This says I'm in charge and I have something important to say.

While this is good to inspire people and is very good in front of a large audience.

Eye contact is extremely important if you want to create an emotional bond with

the audience, so if you want to quickly and

effectively get a rapport, then you're going to have to look at people.

You need to give the impression that you're talking to people individually.

In a big group, you have to make that really obvious.

One thing you can do is trace a W.

You start at the back.

You move forward.

You go to the center.

Forward again.

And back out to the back.

Like this, you're not going to exclude anybody.

You look at people for about two to three seconds, any longer than that and

it can be intimidating.

[MUSIC]

Your body language is important, but it's essential that you read the audience.

Now if you see that people are doing this.

Then you're doing something right.

Because it means they don't want to talk.

Their hand is on their chin, almost over their mouth.

And you've got their attention.

[MUSIC]

You need to adapt your body language to the culture you're working in.

In Morocco, for example, it's completely acceptable to give a presentation

with your hands behind your back.

In Japan and the Far East, people can find it difficult to make eye contact.

So if you're looking at your audience and

you're seeing that they have got their eyes closed,

it's not because they are bored, it's because they are listening attentively.

The bottom line is that you need to adjust your approach so

that your audience feels at ease and is also attentive.

[MUSIC]

So you've seen how important body language is to get your message across effectively.

It's important how you stand, how you use your hands, facial gestures, and

eye contact.

Now it's your turn.

Just give it a go.

[MUSIC.

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