Question

enrichment activity
using body language
directions: on the lines below, describe how the following statements can be interpreted differently based on the body language of the communicator. give examples of body language that reinforce the message and examples that contradict the message.

1. “i’m not the least bit nervous about auditioning for the lead part in the school play.”

a. reinforcing body language:

b. contradicting body language:

1. “thanks for the present. it’s just what i wanted.”

a. reinforcing body language:

b. contradicting body language:

1. “it doesn’t matter where you placed in the track meet. i’m proud of you.”

a. reinforcing body language:

b. contradicting body language:

1. “i’m so surprised you all remembered my birthday.”

a. reinforcing body language:

b. contradicting body language:

1. “i’ve told you the whole truth!”

a. reinforcing body language:

b. contradicting body language:

Explanation:

For question 1:

• Reinforcing body language: Standing tall with a relaxed posture, steady eye contact, and a confident smile. These non - verbal cues show confidence and lack of nervousness, matching the statement.
• Contradicting body language: Fidgeting with hands, avoiding eye contact, and having a tense posture. These actions suggest nervousness, going against the statement.

For question 2:

• Reinforcing body language: Smiling warmly, making eye contact, and giving a sincere hug (if appropriate). These show genuine appreciation, reinforcing the message.
• Contradicting body language: Forced smile, looking at the present with a bored expression, and a limp handshake (if giving a handshake). These show lack of enthusiasm, contradicting the statement.

For question 3:

• Reinforcing body language: Giving a pat on the back, smiling genuinely, and having an open posture. These show pride and support, matching the statement.
• Contradicting body language: Rolling eyes, crossing arms, and a dismissive tone in the voice (along with body language). These show disapproval or lack of pride, contradicting the statement.

For question 4:

• Reinforcing body language: Eyes widening, a big smile, and clapping hands in delight. These show surprise and happiness, reinforcing the statement.
• Contradicting body language: A flat expression, looking down, and a monotone voice. These show lack of surprise, contradicting the statement.

For question 5:

• Reinforcing body language: Maintaining steady eye contact, an open posture, and a sincere tone of voice. These show honesty, reinforcing the statement.
• Contradicting body language: Avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, and a nervous tone of voice. These show dishonesty, contradicting the statement.

Answer:

1. a. Standing tall, relaxed posture, steady eye contact, confident smile

b. Fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, tense posture

1. a. Warm smile, eye contact, sincere hug (if appropriate)

b. Forced smile, bored look at present, limp handshake (if applicable)

1. a. Pat on back, genuine smile, open posture

b. Eye - rolling, crossed arms, dismissive posture

1. a. Widened eyes, big smile, clapping in delight

b. Flat expression, looking down, monotone voice

1. a. Steady eye contact, open posture, sincere tone

b. Avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, nervous tone