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Module 3

🎭 Non-Verbal Communication

Master body language, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate without words!

🎯 What You Will Learn

📖 Story: The Silent Message

Aditya went for a job interview at Cognizant in Chennai. He prepared well and knew all the answers. But something went wrong...

During the interview, Aditya:

His answers were good, but his body language said: "I'm not confident. I'm nervous. I'm not interested."

Result: He didn't get the job. 😢

Later, Aditya learned about body language. In his next interview, he sat straight, made eye contact, smiled, and appeared confident. Guess what? He got the job! 🎉

🤔 What is Non-Verbal Communication?

Non-verbal communication means sending messages without using words. Your body, face, and gestures speak louder than words!

🎯

Amazing Fact!

Research shows that 55% of communication is body language, 38% is tone of voice, and only 7% is the actual words! Your body speaks more than your mouth! 🤯

Types of Non-Verbal Communication

👀
Eye Contact
Where you look while speaking
🧍
Posture
How you sit or stand
🙌
Gestures
Hand and arm movements
😊
Facial Expressions
Smiles, frowns, emotions on face
📏
Personal Space
Distance between people
👔
Appearance
How you dress and groom

👀 The Power of Eye Contact

Eye contact is one of the most important parts of body language. It shows confidence, honesty, and interest!

Good Eye Contact

What to do:

  • Look at the person's eyes while speaking
  • Look away occasionally (don't stare!)
  • In meetings, look at different people
  • 3-5 seconds at a time is perfect

Bad Eye Contact

What to avoid:

  • Looking down at the floor
  • Staring at your phone or computer
  • Looking at the ceiling or walls
  • Staring too much (makes people uncomfortable)

🇮🇳 Cultural Note for India

In Indian culture, eye contact shows respect and confidence. However:

  • With seniors/elders: Respectful eye contact, not too intense
  • With colleagues: Normal, friendly eye contact
  • In presentations: Look at the entire audience, not just one person
  • During video calls: Look at the camera, not your own image!

🧍 Perfect Posture for Confidence

How you sit or stand tells people a lot about you. Good posture = Confidence and professionalism!

Standing Posture

Do this:

  • Stand straight and tall
  • Shoulders back and relaxed
  • Feet shoulder-width apart
  • Hands at sides or loosely clasped
  • Weight balanced on both feet

Sitting Posture

Do this:

  • Sit up straight (don't slouch)
  • Back against the chair
  • Both feet flat on floor
  • Hands on table or lap
  • Lean slightly forward to show interest

What to Avoid

Don't do this:

  • Slouching or hunching
  • Crossing arms (looks defensive)
  • Leaning back too much (looks lazy)
  • Fidgeting or constantly moving
  • Putting hands in pockets while standing

📖 Story: Priya's Presentation Success

Priya had to present a project to clients at her office in Mumbai. She was nervous but remembered her body language training.

What Priya did:

The clients were impressed! One client said: "Priya looks so confident and knowledgeable. We trust this team!" They signed a contract worth ₹1 crore! 🎉

Priya's manager gave her a bonus and said: "Your body language made all the difference!"

🙌 Using Gestures Effectively

Hand gestures help emphasize your words and make your message clearer. But use them wisely!

Effective Gestures at Work

✅ Open palms: Shows honesty and openness

✅ Counting on fingers: Helps list points clearly

✅ Thumbs up: Shows approval (casual settings)

✅ Handshake: Firm but not too strong

❌ Pointing fingers: Seems rude and aggressive

❌ Crossed arms: Looks defensive or closed

❌ Too many gestures: Distracting and confusing

❌ Hands in pockets: Looks too casual or uninterested

💡

Pro Tip: The "Namaste" Advantage

In Indian workplaces, a respectful "Namaste" gesture with folded hands is professional and culturally appropriate, especially with seniors or in formal situations! 🙏

😊 Facial Expressions That Work

Your face shows your emotions. Make sure it matches your message!

😊

Smile

A genuine smile makes you appear friendly, approachable, and confident. Smile when greeting people and during positive conversations!

🤔

Thoughtful Look

When listening or thinking, show you're engaged. Slight nod, raised eyebrows show interest and understanding.

😐

Neutral & Calm

In serious discussions, maintain a calm, professional expression. Not too emotional, not too blank - just balanced!

🙁

Empathetic

When someone shares problems, show empathy. Concerned but supportive facial expression helps build trust.

⚠️

Avoid These Facial Expressions at Work

Rolling eyes: Shows disrespect | Frowning constantly: Looks angry | Blank stare: Seems uninterested | Yawning: Looks bored or tired

🎮 Interactive Exercise: Match Body Language to Situations

Drag each body language item to the correct workplace situation where it should be used!

📖 Reading Other People's Body Language

Understanding other people's body language helps you respond better! Here's what to look for:

Positive Signs (They're interested and happy)

  • Leaning forward toward you
  • Smiling and making eye contact
  • Nodding their head while you speak
  • Open body posture (not crossed arms)
  • Taking notes (shows they find it important)

Negative Signs (They're bored, uncomfortable, or disagreeing)

  • Looking away or at their watch/phone
  • Crossed arms and legs
  • Leaning back or away from you
  • Frowning or furrowed eyebrows
  • Fidgeting or tapping

If you see these signs, change your approach! Ask questions, engage them differently.

📝 Module Summary: Quick Revision Points

55% is Body Language!
Non-verbal communication matters more than words. Your body speaks loudly!
Eye Contact & Posture
Make eye contact (3-5 seconds), sit/stand straight, and look confident!
Smart Gestures
Use open palms, avoid crossed arms, and match gestures to your words.
Smile & Read Others
Smile genuinely and observe others' body language to respond better!
⬅️ Previous: Module 2 Next: Module 4 - Written Communication ➡️