More than words

In the following lessons we are going to explore nonverbal communication and body language.In some situations it is very important how we use gestures, facial expressions or other body langauge signs. Also very important is to be aware of the differences in meaning of body language in different countries and cultures. You don't want to be missunderstood or being considered rude or impolite when meetinh new people, do you?First, let's take a look at some basic vocabulary when talking about communication. A) VOCABULARY WORK Match the words with their definitions. how you look someone in the eyes when speaking or listening eye contact using words to communicate verbal communication using gestures or body language for communication non-verbal communication loudness of your voice when speaking volume the person who is talking speaker the person who is listening to the speaker listener talk between two or more people conversation main idea of a conversation topic to speak before the speaker has finished talking interrupt offering a possibility to someone suggestion the space you give between yourself and others comfort zone a way of showing how positive or negative you feel about something attitude B) LISTENING COMPREHENSION How to speak English without using words? 1.Have you heard of the saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" ?It means to adapt to one's cultural rules, manners, ways of speaking. Not less important is nonverbal communication when in a foreign country or among foreign people.Watch the video about 12 most common British hand gestures and find out how the British speak without using words. 2. So, what do the following hand gestures mean? Watch the video again and match the hand gestures with their meaning. rub your fingers sth is very expensive tap your nose don't be nosey / mind your own business rub your chin I don't believe you. pointing to your eyes with your fingers I'm watching you! show two fingers show the middle finger / be rude spin your finger near your head You're crazy / bananas / cuckoo! woosh your hand over your head with a loud sigh - It goes over my head! I don't understand that! show the drinking signal with raised eyebrows ask someone to go out for a drink show the drinking signal in a restaurant order another drink show the drinking signal pointing at someone They're drunk! winding your finger go on/ continue / keep going nodd your head YES shake your head NO Think of hand gestures we use in our language / culture and share them here.Choose 3 - 5 hand gestures and explain their meaning as shown in the previous task. If you like, you can also share photos of yourself showing the hand gestures to make it more fun. Share your answers here: