Listening - The Body

Listening - The Body

Your body communicates different impressions to the audience. People not
only listen to you, they also watch you. Slouching tells them you are
indifferent or you do not care...even though you might care a great deal! On
the other hand, displaying good posture tells your audience that you know
what you are doing and you care deeply about it. Also, a good posture helps
you to speak more clearly and effectively.

Now let us turn to eye contact. This helps to regulate the flow of
communication. It signals interest in others and increases the speaker's
credibility. Speakers who make eye contact open the flow of communication
and convey interest, concern, warmth, and credibility.
Facial expressions are equally important. Smiling is a powerful cue that
transmits happiness, friendliness, warmth, and liking. So, if you smile
frequently you will be perceived as more likable, friendly, warm, and
approachable. Smiling is often contagious and others will react favorably.
They will be more comfortable around you and will want to listen to you
more.
If you fail to gesture while speaking, you may be perceived as boring and stiff.
A lively speaking style captures attention, makes the material more
interesting, and facilitates understanding.
Attention to posture and body orientation are essential. You communicate
numerous messages by the way you talk and move. Standing erect and leaning
forward communicates that you are approachable, receptive, and friendly.
Interpersonal closeness results when you and your audience face each other.
Speaking with your back turned or looking at the floor or ceiling should be
avoided as it communicates disinterest.
Now what about the space we keep from the audience? Notions of proximity
vary with cultures. Cultural norms dictate a comfortable distance for
interaction with others. You should look for signals of discomfort caused by
invading other's space. Some of these are: rocking, leg swinging, tapping, and
gaze aversion. Typically, in large rooms, space invasion is not a problem. In
most instances there is too much distance. To counteract this, move around the
room to increase interaction with your audience. Increasing the proximity
enables you to make better eye contact and increases the opportunities for
others to speak.
One of the major criticisms of speakers is that they speak in a monotone.
Listeners perceive this type of speaker as boring and dull. People report that
they learn less and lose interest more quickly when listening to those who
have not learned to modulate their voices.