Unit 10 – Body Language : Personality Development and Leadership

Vocabulary flashcards summarising the key terms and definitions from Unit 10: Body Language, covering non-verbal communication concepts, body-language types, proxemics, and their roles in effective interpersonal interactions.

Body Language

The non-verbal signals—posture, eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures—that convey feelings, intentions, and attitudes without words.

Non-Verbal Communication

The transmission of messages through physical behaviours (e.g., body language, tone, facial expressions) rather than spoken or written words.

Verbal Communication

Communication that relies on spoken or written words to convey specific information.

Facial Expressions

Movements of facial muscles that universally reveal emotions such as happiness, anger, surprise, or fear.

Gestures

Deliberate movements of the hands, arms, or body that emphasise speech or convey specific ideas (e.g., waving, pointing).

Posture

The way a person positions their body while standing, sitting, or moving, indicating confidence, openness, or defensiveness.

Eye Contact

Looking directly into another person’s eyes to signal attention, respect, and engagement in conversation.

Proxemics

The study of how personal and social space affects communication and interpersonal interactions.

Personal Space

The immediate area (approximately 18 in–4 ft) individuals maintain for comfort and security during interactions.

Social Space

The distance (about 4 ft–12 ft) used for formal or casual conversations with acquaintances, colleagues, or strangers.

Intimate Space

The closest zone (contact to 18 in) reserved for close relationships where physical closeness indicates trust and affection.

Public Space

Distances beyond 12 ft, typical in lectures, public speaking, or large gatherings where personal interaction is minimal.

Open Posture

A relaxed, uncrossed body position that signals friendliness, confidence, and approachability.

Closed Posture

A defensive body position, often with crossed arms or legs, indicating discomfort, insecurity, or disengagement.

Power Pose

A dominant stance—standing tall, shoulders back, feet firmly planted—used to project confidence and authority.

Expressing Emotions and Attitudes

A primary function of body language that reveals feelings (e.g., joy, anger) more instantly than words.

Enhancing or Replacing Verbal Communication

Using non-verbal cues to clarify spoken messages or, when necessary, to convey meaning without words (e.g., sign language).

Regulating Interactions

Non-verbal behaviours that manage the flow of conversation, indicate turn-taking, and show engagement or withdrawal.

Building Trust and Rapport

Creating connection through consistent, positive body language such as steady eye contact and genuine gestures.

Communication Effectiveness

The clarity and impact of a message, strengthened when verbal and non-verbal cues align.

Conscious Communication

Intentional, carefully crafted verbal messages where words are deliberately chosen.

Unconscious Communication

Automatic non-verbal cues that often reveal true feelings without deliberate control.

Cultural Differences (in Proxemics)

Variations in preferred personal distance and non-verbal norms across societies that influence comfort and interpretation.

Universality (of Facial Expressions)

The research-based finding that certain facial emotions—like smiles or frowns—are recognised across cultures.

Purpose of Non-Verbal Communication

To complement, reinforce, or contradict verbal messages while conveying emotion and building relationships.

Elements of Verbal Communication

Language choice, sentence structure, and tone that shape how spoken or written messages are received.

Elements of Non-Verbal Communication

Body language, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and tone that express emotions and attitudes.

Attention and Engagement

Functions of eye contact and posture that show interest in the speaker and encourage continued dialogue.

Cultural Context (Non-Verbal)

The cultural background that influences how gestures, eye contact, and space are interpreted.

Misinterpretation

Incorrect decoding of non-verbal cues, often due to cultural differences or conflicting signals.

Positive Body Language

Non-verbal behaviours—open posture, nodding, smiling—that foster trust and positive interactions.

Negative Body Language

Cues such as crossed arms, avoiding eye contact, or slouching that may signal defensiveness or disinterest.

Nodding

A head movement typically indicating agreement or understanding in many cultures.

Thumbs-Up Gesture

A hand sign generally meaning approval, though it can be offensive in some cultures.

Eye Contact Avoidance

Looking away during interaction, potentially interpreted as discomfort, dishonesty, shyness, or cultural respect.

Attention Regulators

Non-verbal signals (e.g., raising a hand, pausing speech) that manage conversational turn-taking.

Tone of Voice

The pitch and quality of speech that adds emotional context to verbal communication.

Non-Verbal Alignment

Consistency between words and body language that reinforces credibility and sincerity.

Space Violations

Unwanted intrusion into personal or intimate zones causing discomfort or defensiveness.