Page 6: Body Language
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After reading Emerson quote above, complete the following steps:
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(1) Look at the quote
(2) Reread the quote
(3) Listen to the quote
(4) Analyze the quote
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Using the results of the completed steps above, what message is Emerson communicating?
We will now visit another element, body language, within the Building Relationship for Coaching Framework. Professor Albert Mehrabian, Professor Emertius of Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, is known for his pioneering work in the field of nonverbal communication (body language). In his book, Nonverbal Communication (1972), Mehrabian discusses the research that created the 7-38-55% Communication Rule. This rule explains the following when communicating the emotional meaning of a message:
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7% is communicated through the exchange of words
38% is communicated by vocal intonation
55% is expressed through gestures, posture, facial expressions, and other physical cues.
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As coaches, we have to listen with our whole body. In our practice, we have to understand how the message is being communicated just as we listen to what is being said. When we attend to the body language of the teachers, we get an idea of their internal state (Bloom et al., 2005).
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As you read the case study below, LISTEN to what coachees are communicating to their coaches.
Exercise #1
(1) List the actions that spoke the loudest to you.
(2) Explain why.
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As a coach, you must be aware of the ways that you are not listening (Donoghue et al., 2019).
1. Can you identify your own body language that pass for listening?
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2. The Career Counseling Office of the University of Bahrain has created a document titled The Body Language. This document is a comprehensive list of the type of body language. Using that list, provided below, identify areas that you need to improve on to better communicate that you are actively listening.
Type of Body Language
Parts of the Body
head
facial expressions
body posture
hand and finger gestures
Intent
Voluntary/Intential movements
Involuntary Movements
Tone of Voice
Pitch of Voice
Loudness
Breathing
Parts of the Body
Head - movement and placement of head
Facial Expressions - consider what is being communicated as a result of a combination of face elements moving together (eyebrows, eyes, nose, lips, tongue, and jaw)
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Body Posture - how you place your body parts in relation to the other person (body proximity, shoulder movement, arm placement, leg and feet placement)
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Hand and Finger Gestures - how you hold and move your hands and fingers; handling and placement of objects
Intent
Voluntary/Intentional Movements (Gestures) - movements you intend to make (shaking hand, blinking with one eye, thumbs up, etc.)
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Involuntary movements (tells or ticks) - movements you have no control over
Tone of Voice
Pitch of Voice - high voice, low voice, intonation
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Loudness - range from shouting to whispering
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Breathing - slow, fast, sighs, etc.
Please note, coaches have to be aware of cultural differences. What is acceptable in one community is not necessarily accepted in another. Can you think of some examples of a gesture or action that is the norm in one culture but not another? If you are unsure of what is accepted in someone's culture, ask so that you do not offend. Do not forget that one of your superpowers is observation. Observe the teachers in different school settings so that you can study (not judge or evaluate) their nonverbal cues.
Exercise #2
Now that you have a comprehensive overview of body language. Reread the case studies from Exercise #1 and answer the questions below.
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Case Study #1: Once Maria entered the room how would you approach her? What did she show you to make you approach her in this way?
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Case Study #2: You are witnessing Lance’s body language. From what his body language is communicating, what would you do to address what’s being said in the initial meeting?
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Case Study #3: John is not his typical self. You failed to acknowledge that at the beginning of the meeting. However, as he has left a few times and you had a few moments to reflect, what specifically would have told you his mood and why?
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Case Study #4: As Richard’s coach what is his non-verbal communication saying to you? How would you address this in your next meeting?
Challenge & BRCF Connection
Optional
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The Department of Communication at Indiana State University has created an open source textbook titled Introduction to Public Communication. Please visit the website and read chapter 4 Nonverbal Communication.
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Check out the free pdf ebook, How to Improve Your Nonverbal Communications Skills:
Effective Strategies for Enhancing Your Non-Verbal Communication
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Interesting read about the Nonverbal Aspect of Teacher-Student Communication. As a coach, you may have to coach a teacher in this area. Learn more by clicking the link below.
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