Posts Tagged ‘Kinesics’
Kinesics: The Categories of Gesture
Posted on: May 10, 2011
The American anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell was a pioneer in the study of non-verbal behaviour. He labelled this form of communication ‘kinesics’ as it relates to movement of individual body parts, or the body as a whole. Building on Birdwhistell’s work, Professor Paul Ekman and his colleague Wallace V Friesen classified kinesics into five categories: emblems, illustrations, affective displays, regulators and adaptors.
Kinesics convey specific meanings that are open to cultural interpretation. The movements can be misinterpreted when communicating across cultures as most of them are carried out with little, if any, awareness. In today’s global environment, awareness of the meanings of different kinesic movements is important in order to avoid sending the wrong message.
- Emblems
Emblems are non-verbal signals with a verbal equivalent. Emblems are easily identified because they are frequently used in specific contexts. The person receiving the gesture immediately understands what it means.
Example:
The raised arm and tightly closed fist. Generally the fist is used as an expression of solidarity or defiance. In 1990 Nelson Mandela walked free of prison holding this position.
The Sign of the Cuckold. Your index and little fingers are extended pointing forward with your palm facing down, making ‘horns’. Your thumb crosses over your two middle fingers. You’re telling an Italian that his partner’s been unfaithful. In Texas, this gesture is the sign for the fans of the University of Texas Longhorns football team.
Because of different interpretations of the same gesture between cultures, the correct reading is dependent on the context in which the signal occurs.
- Illustrators
Illustrators create a visual image and support the spoken message. They tend to be subconscious movements occurring more regularly than emblematic kinesic movements.
Example: Holding your hands apart to indicate size
The usage of and amount of illustrators used differ to culture to culture. In general, Latinos use illustrators more than their Anglo-Saxon counterparts, who make more use of illustrators than many Asian cultures. In some Asian cultures, extensive use of illustrators is often interpreted as a lack of intelligence. In Latin cultures, the absence of illustrators indicates a lack of interest.
- Affective displays
Affective displays tend to be movements, usually facial gestures, displaying specific emotions. They’re less conscious than illustrators and occur less frequently.
Example: Expressions of love, frustration, or anger.
A lack of affective displays doesn’t indicate a lack of emotions. Cultural considerations determine what is considered t0 be acceptable behaviour. A person from Japan expressive anger shows significantly fewer affective display movements than his Italian counterpart.
- Regulators
Regulators – body movements that control, adjust, and sustain the flow of a conversation – are frequently relied on to feedback how much of the message the listener has understood.
Example: Head nodding and eye movements
Because of cultural differences in the use of regulators, the way in which people respond to the flow of information can be confusing. A misinterpreted regulatory signal in international politics and business can lead to serious problems.
- Adaptors
Adaptors include changes in posture and other movements made with little awareness. These body adjustments are to perform a specific function, or to make the person more comfortable. Because they occur with such a low level of awareness, they’re considered to be the keys to understanding what someone really thinks. Adaptors principally comprise body-focussed movements, such as rubbing, touching, scratching, and so on.
Example: Shifting body and/or feet position when seated.
The significance given to adaptors may be overstated as well as oversimplified. Many adaptor movements, such as shifting position while seated, may be simply a way of resolving a specific physical situation, such as being uncomfortable, rather than revealing emotions and attitudes.
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
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Boost Your Confidence!
Posted on: March 29, 2011
The three principles of self-assurance are clarity, confidence and commitment.
So, how do you demonstrate confidence when you’re shaking in your boots?
How can you create a presentation that is clear and compelling?
What do you need to know to convince your audience?
If you are confident, there is no mountain too high, no valley too low, no river too wide to keep you from reaching your goals. But what if you’re not feeling confident? What if every little word going through your head is telling you, “You can’t do this”?
Start by cutting off the negative self-speak. “Whether you think you can or think you can’t you’re right,” said Henry Ford. Given the choice, go for the positive. Look for what you do well and remind yourself on a regular basis. Why waste time and energy being your own worst enemy when a little bit of positive self-talk can lead you to success?
Next, find yourself a role model. Someone credible. Someone who speaks with passion and conviction. Someone whose way of presenting makes you sit up and take notice.
Once you’ve picked your person, observe their behaviour. What does that person do that rings true for you? Is it the way they use their voice? Is it how they command attention through stance and gesture? Is it how they use their eyes to connect with their audience? Chances are it’s all of the above.
Once you have noted the behaviour, make it your own. Look at your audience, not at the floor (ceiling, wall, table). When you move, move with purpose. When you speak, speak from your core. Smile. If you look like you’re enjoying what you’re doing your audience will enjoy the experience with you.
Self-trust is the first secret of success. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
All of us are hit from time to time with bouts of self-doubt. The occasional bout is normal and keeps us humble. When the bouts become a way of life, however, we stand little chance of achieving our goals and realizing our self-worth. Negativity is a draining emotion. It can lead to depression and self-destructive behaviour. It can make a person ill. Successful people don’t give air time to negative self-talk. Successful people have a belief in their own abilities. They claim their space and welcome others into it. They know they have the right to speak and to be heard. If you act like a confident person you will feel confident. And the more confident you feel, the more confident you will be.
When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things. – Joe Namath
Remember, communication is a contact sport. The audience only receives what you put out. It doesn’t matter if you feel confident or not. If you act as if you are confident, that is what the audience will receive and believe. And if the audience believes you are confident, you’ll find yourself agreeing with them!
Here are three things you can do to improve your confidence:
- No More Negative Self-Talk. If you find yourself saying, “I can’t…” change the wording to “I can…” At first it may feel uncomfortable; it may sound false to your ear; you may even fall into the trap of saying, “Yes, but…” Stick with it. The more you substitute positive language for self-denying, self-destructive messages the more positive and confident you will feel.
- Model Excellence. Look for those people who inspire you in the way they communicate. Observe what they do, the way they move, the way they speak. Note their gestures, the variety in their voices, the way they engage with their listeners. Make those techniques your own.
- Practice. To change behaviour takes time and commitment. The more you practice the more comfortable and confident you will feel. Before long, you will be presenting with clarity, confidence and commitment. And won’t that be fun!
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
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Stand Tall
Posted on: March 15, 2011
Spring is here and the daffodils are standing proud setting an example for you to follow. Your posture reveals how you feel about yourself, other people, and what’s happening in your world. So get those shoulders back, pull in your stomach, and hold your head high.
Think about the impression posture makes: someone slouching sends a very different message from the person who’s standing tall. How you hold your body shows the world how you view yourself – so make that vision positive. By following these simple guidelines and insights you’ll ensure the message you intend to send is both transmitted and received.
- Decide on your posture. Stand in front of a full length mirror and look at yourself. Pay particular attention to your shoulders, face, and the position of your head. What message are you conveying? Turn away momentarily. Decide how you want to be perceived and consider how you can convey that through your stance, breathing and facial expression. Adopt this image and turn back to the mirror. What differences do you notice between the first and second postures? By identifying the posture congruent with the attitude you want to convey you consciously determine how others perceive you.
- 3 main types of posture. Standing – standing straight with your chest gently opened projects strength and stature. For authority put those shoulders back and arms by your side. To add to your appeal lift from your diaphragm and raise your buttocks. Sitting conveys different states depending on the position of your arms, legs and head: back straight leaning slightly forward indicates that you are ready for action and focused in the here and now. Lying down is a great position for reflection, to clear your head and organise your thoughts.
- Reading posture. Understanding the body’s signs aids communication: how people hold their bodies can tell you about their attitude, mood and state of mind. This in turn tells you how best to engage with them. If you walk into your boss’s office and she’s hunched over her desk avoiding eye contact with you, wait to be invited to speak. Her posture is sending out a warning: DON’T INTERRUPT.
REMEMBER: The way you act is the way you are. Feeling negative about your body can be overcome by acting as if you relish and respect every bone, muscle, and sprinkling of fat. By seeing yourself in a positive light you may open yourself to new opportunities.
TIP: In a mood you don’t like? Change your posture and see what happens. If you’re feeling low, pull up from your waist, open your chest and let your head rise from your neck and shoulders like a balloon. Notice how your mood elevates.
TECHNICAL STUFF: Anthropological research states that a person’s posture reflects their past. Suffering prolonged depression may result in a tendency to slouch or sag into the body, whereas people who have a positive outlook tend to hold themselves upright.
CAUTION: Be aware of cultural differences. For example, bowing implies deference; in many Eastern countries it is an expected behaviour for demonstrating respect.
FINALLY: Understanding the language of posture and consciously controlling it results in clear, effective communication and creates positive impact.
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
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6 Ways to Spot a Liar
Posted on: March 9, 2011
Liars Bluff
If you’ve ever had a hunch that someone was lying to you, or withholding information, you were probably right. Even white lies – those little untruths or omissions that are meant to protect your feelings – can leave you feeling hurt, suspicious, and offended. When people lie they send out signs and signals that something’s not quite right. Even an expert liar can get caught out. See below for Kuhnke Communication’s six indicators that someone’s telling you a porky.
Eye Contact – In Western Cultures people tend to make eye contact between 45-65 % of the time while they’re talking and between 65-85% of the time while they’re listening. Too little eye contact indicates that the person is avoiding telling you something while too much indicates that they’re trying to convince you that what they’re saying is true.
Change in voice – When someone is withholding information or telling an out-and-out lie their voice sound different than normal. Changes in pitch, pace, tone, and rhythm are signs that something’s amiss. In addition, a lack of clear articulation indicates that what they’re saying isn’t worth hearing. When the speaker’s pitch is higher than usual you can bet they’re feeling uncomfortable about what they’re telling you.
Contradiction – If someone’s statements don’t tally, you can bet that they’re struggling to keep pace with their ever-changing tale. Statements that don’t ring true happen when someone forgets what they’ve said before or contradicts themselves. Giving more information than was asked for is also a sign of lying. If the story is confused and details don’t match up, the person is most likely lying
Subject Change – If someone touches on a subject that requires a lie, observe to what happens. The person who’s withholding information will look away and switch to a different topic. If the person were telling the truth, they’d stay with the topic until it reached its natural conclusion.
Ultra-Defensive – Liars often display a high level of defensiveness, for fear of being caught. Anger could be masking nervousness, or hesitation to talk about a subject they’d rather avoid. Ask what they’re defending. If they’re telling you the truth they’ll speak in a calm and rational manner.
Fidgeting – Fidgeting is a displacement activity that indicates nervous energy. If they’re chewing their lips, fiddling with their fingers, and putting a hand over their mouth, they’re sending out signs that they just might be holding something back.
Be warned, these signs alone are not concrete evidence that a person is lying. To get a clearer picture, think about their “normal” behaviour and compare it to what you’re observing. Trust your instincts. If the behaviour is out of character, and Red Alert bells start ringing in your head and heart, there is a good chance you are being lied to.
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
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Asserting Yourself in the Workplace
Posted on: March 3, 2011
Use these simple tips to assert yourself and claim your space in the office, making the difference between being perceived as powerful, or merely part of the pack.
- Consider your stance. Place your hands facing each other and steeple your fingers. This forces your palms apart and, whether you are sitting or standing, you arms will take up more space. This is a highly effective negotiating posture; watch how CEOs, politicians and solicitors use it.
- Delay your introduction. When you first meet a person, engage them in conversation for a few seconds before giving your name. By then he or she will have a reason to remember it.
- Be aware of your body language. If you nod to show empathy, it can be misinterpreted as agreement. If you disagree with something, say so verbally. This will avoid misunderstanding. When talking, keep your head upright, even balanced on your neck. Relax your shoulders, keeping your upper chest softly opened like a book. This position will give you a look of authority and influence.
- Practise speaking with a lower, more even delivery. A lower voice has more credibility, which is why most commercial voiceovers are done by men. If your voice rises at the end of sentences, force the intonations down.
- Don’t allow others to interrupt you. If co-workers try to interrupt you, increase the volume of your voice and keep speaking. If they continue to speak over you, put up one finger to indicate that you have not yet finished. If that doesn’t produce the desired result, hold up your hand as if to say, “Stop!” Or say, “Excuse me, I hadn’t finished.” Assertiveness shows that you are confident and aware of your rights. The more you practise, the easier it will get. You’ll feel good about yourself too.
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
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First Impressions
Posted on: December 16, 2010
Flash! News Break! Hold the front page!
YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION.
“What?!” I hear you say, “Is that it? Tell me something I don’t already know!”
I would if I could and the truth is I have yet to discover any new and exciting concepts when it comes to interpersonal communication. In this arena it’s more like the tried, true and tested, with the possibility of a fresh approach.
However, what I have discovered is that we often forget to apply that which we know works best.
People who are perceived as ‘warm’ are considered to be less threatening than those who come across as aloof or ‘cold.’ But what exactly does it mean to be ‘warm’?
A study was conducted to understand how body language sends ‘temperature’ messages. Volunteers were videotaped as they participated in 5-minutes conversations. Each participant was subsequently asked to assess the degree of warmth or coldness they thought they projected. The researchers then showed a silent videotape of the interaction to a group of observers who were asked to evaluate the conversationalists in the same way.
The observers reported that smiling, nodding and showing physical attention indicated warmth. Coldness was perceived by body language that did not attend to others, a lack of smiling and extending their leg (while seated).
Interestingly, the volunteers being rated did not perceive these behaviours as indicating coldness in themselves. They were unaware that this was the image they were projecting.
So, the message is, pay attention to your ‘temperature signals.’ We will be judged based on how we behave. And, if people respond to you negatively you may find yourselves, as the researchers say, ‘unpleasantly mystified’!
(R. Gifford, “A Lens-Mapping Framework for Understanding the Encoding and Decoding of Interpersonal Dispositions in Nonverbal Behaviour,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 66, no. 2 (1994): 398-412)
If you want to make a positive first impression make sure you do the following:
- Smile!
- Adapt your behaviour to the situation
- Introduce yourself and include others in the conversation
- Actively invite people to join you
- Draw out others by demonstrating an interest in them
- Ask open ended questions pertinent to the person or event
- Open a conversation by being engaged in the moment
- Smile!
If you act on these ‘golden rules’ you will appear socially skilled, comfortable to be around and easy to engage … and you’ll make a ‘wow’ of an impact!
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
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Kinesics
Posted on: November 23, 2010
- In: Body Language | Lifestyle
- 1 Comment
What is kinesics, how do you pronounce it, and why is it essential for effective communication? Simply translated, kinesics is body language and is pronounced ki’ni:siks. By employing appropriate body language you can connect with your listener, create a positive impression, and communicate at your best. So read on to garner tips and techniques for maximising your potential through your application of gestures, facial expressions and movement.
Words are important. The way you say them is important. How your body moves when you are speaking is VERY important. Matching the action to the word adds authenticity to your message and engages your audience on a physical level. The result? A rich sensory experience and an enhanced image that inspires trust and motivates action. Knowing about kinesics also enables you to recognise non-verbal signals in others: your understanding of those around you deepens and communication levels soar.
So how can you translate kinesics into action?
Incorporate specific gestures to re-enforce your message. A BIIIIIIG idea can be demonstrated by spreading your hands wide apart. Putting your fingers closely together indicates precision. A chopping gesture delineates boundaries and conveys determination. By backing up your message physically you communicate confidence and authenticity.
Reveal your attitude by including facial expressions when you communicate. If you want to demonstrate interest, for example, establish eye contact with your listener, relax your mouth and tilt your head slightly. If you want to show disapproval, lower your eye brows, tighten your lips, and drop your chin toward your chest. If you’re looking for signs of interest and understanding, watch for engaged eyes, a relaxed mouth, and heads nodding in approval.
How you stand, sit and walk all play a part in determining how people perceive you. Moving with purpose, claiming your space and breathing from your core demonstrates strength and positivity. Hanging your head, slouching, and breathing from your upper chest indicates lack of confidence. Awareness of the impact of your movements enables you to create the image you want to project.
REMEMBER: You determine how you are perceived. Be clear about the image you want to portray and utilise appropriate gestures to reflect that impression.
TIP: Don’t overdo the gestures. Repetition weakens impact. Be precise and selective.
TECHNICAL: Research suggests that spoken language evolved from gesture. Body language is still the most reliable source for conveying attitude, feelings and emotions. Confirmed by the statistics ( 55% of a conveyed message is communicated through body language, 38% through the tone of your voice, and 7% via the words) knowledge of kinesics is an essential tool for effective communication and management.
CAUTION: An acceptable gesture in one culture may send you to the gallows in another. Before visiting foreign lands or greeting people from unfamiliar cultures, do your homework. Find out which gestures are suitable and which are not.
FINALLY: Properly utilised, kinesics can enhance your image, add impact to your message, and clarify your meaning.
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
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Communicating with Confidence
Posted on: October 8, 2010
You want to communicate in a way that motivates, convinces and inspires. Use our tips, tools and techniques every time you speak and, whether the audience is one person or a thousand, the basic principle will always apply.
The three principles are clarity, confidence and commitment.
So, how do you demonstrate confidence when you’re shaking in your boots?
How can you create a presentation that is clear and compelling?
What do you need to know to convince your audience?
If you are confident, there is no mountain too high, no valley too low, no river too wide to keep you from reaching your goals. But what if you’re not feeling confident? What if every little word going through your head is telling you, “You can’t do this”?
Start by cutting off the negative self-speak. “Whether you think you can or think you can’t you’re right,” said Henry Ford. Given the choice, go for the positive. Look for what you do well and remind yourself on a regular basis. Why waste time and energy being your own worst enemy when a little bit of positive self-talk can lead you to success?
Next, find yourself a role model. Someone credible. Someone who speaks with passion and conviction. Someone whose way of presenting makes you sit up and take notice.
Once you’ve picked your person, observe their behaviour. What does that person do that rings true for you? Is it the way they use their voice? Is it how they command attention through stance and gesture? Is it how they use their eyes to connect with their audience? Chances are it’s all of the above.
Once you have noted the behaviour, make it your own. Look at your audience, not at the floor (ceiling, wall, table). When you move, move with purpose. When you speak, speak from your core. Smile. If you look like you’re enjoying what you’re doing your audience will enjoy the experience with you.
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
and…follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.con/diamondpolisher
Gestures
Posted on: October 5, 2010
Gestures are a part of our daily communication. They are a means of demonstrating our attitude about a subject. They can reinforce our message or contradict what we’re saying, giving an insight into our REAL feelings.
According to psychologists, using gestures while speaking improves the brain function of the speaker, making them more effective communicators.
Open and closed statements can be demonstrated visually by the way we gesture. When we speak with our palms facing upwards we are being open and inviting. The open palm gesture is effective for introducing oneself and inviting a response from your listener.
Contained gestures indicate authority. Gestures, such as those used by Prince Charles, or the BBC political editor Andrew Marr accentuate the spoken message and are healthy for the speaker
When our palms are facing downwards they indicate a strong, definitive statement, one which is not open for debate.
Dr Susan Goldin-Meadow of the University of Chicago. Professor of psychology. argues that gesturing “helps mental coherence and increases the efficiency of speech.” Research has concluded that gesturing helps to stimulate our memories as well as reinforcing the message.
What do your gestures say about you?
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
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Mixed Messages
Posted on: September 28, 2010
Beware of Mixed Messages
If you want to be understood it is vital that your communication is clear and succinct. This means communicating with total focus, clarity and commitment in order that your messages are received as you intended.
The problem with mixed messages is that they communicate verbally, physically and emotionally several conflicting ideas at the same time. The receiver is left uncertain as to how to respond; we don’t know what to do, what the communicator meant or which message is the intended one. Mixed messages lead to difficulties in communicating effectively and give rise to misunderstandings.
Mixed messages negatively impact relationships. The receiver of a mixed message has to spend time and energy on figuring out what the speaker meant. Appropriate responses are hindered because the listener doesn’t know which message to follow. This in turn leads to a lack of trust. By keeping the communication free of conflicting messages, you bring clarity and understanding to your relationships. People will know where they stand.
In addition to confusing the listener when you send out mixed messages, you make yourself appear weak. A strong communicator is direct, clear and focused. When the message is mixed it becomes diluted. Sending mixed messages makes the speaker sound unsure of himself and diminishes his personal power and impact.
The person who regularly sends out mixed messages is a bit like the little boy who cried ‘wolf.’ Eventually, the mixed messenger will be ignored because they have been confused too many times in the past.
Visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com for more information
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