Gestures send the right unspoken message.
In this lesson, we will talk about body language and gestures. Sending the right unspoken messages will make your overall communication much more effective.
Everyone uses gestures when they communicate. In this lesson, we will think critically about them and work on matching strong gestures with other parts of communication, like phrases and intonation.
If you have taught this student before, give them a critical assessment of how they use gestures and body language in class.
Tests
G.B.C.:
- There is a score that directly relates to gestures on the G.B.C. exam, so this lesson is important. It will also help students seem more confident and natural in other settings.
Answer these questions with your teacher:
- How important are gestures in your speaking test?
- What gestures do you already use?
- Have you seen native English speakers use gestures? What are some examples?
- In the G.B.C., there are a number of criteria related directly or indirectly to gestures:
- Gestures were weak or nonexistent.
- Did not show animation/enthusiasm.
- Displayed nervousness.
- Failed to fill pauses smoothly.
- Some students will already use gestures. If so, great!
- For students that don't take naturally to gestures, you can ask: "What are you doing with your hands now?" The student will probably say, "Nothing."
- You can point out that's not exactly true. They are resting their hands somewhere. What message do resting hands send? Probably that they are relaxed or calm.
- But being relaxed and calm all the time is not effective communication. It can be seen as boring or not caring about what's said.
- Not gesturing still sends a message, but it might be the wrong message.
- In movies or TV, on the street, when traveling—everyone's seen English speakers gesture. You can mention the picture in this lesson. What kind of gesture is that person using?
NOTE
Some students feel like they are acting when they do English-style gestures. That's okay. With enough practice, the gestures will become natural.
We are going to think about when you can use gestures, and then what gestures you can use.
Thinking
At the start of some answers, you may need time to think. Here are some gestures for thinking:
- Scratch your chin.
- Tap your cheek.
- Lean back.
- Look up and frown.
Emphasis
When making a key point, you can use gestures for emphasis.
- Pointing forward is very strong and is considered rude in some cultures, so a safer gesture is to make a loose fist or use an open hand to motion forward.
- Use eye contact with strong adjectives along with your gesture.
Uncertainty
If you are not sure about an opinion or a fact, you can use gestures to show that. For instance:
- Shrug your shoulders with open hands.
- Or just use open hands without the shoulder shrug.
Comparison
If you make an analogy or compare two things, you can gesture to one side, then the other.
Counting
If you count points through your answer or in your conclusion, then count up, starting with your index finger. You can use this during the middle of your answer, especially if you say, "Second..." or "Third...". You may also want to use this in your conclusion as you repeat your key claims.
Referring to yourself
If you talk about yourself, you can gesture to yourself. Just motion towards your chest. This seems natural with phrases such as:
- Well, personally, I think...
- In my case...
Thinking
All these gestures can be done sequentially (some even simultaneously), as well as while saying a phrase like,
- Let me see...
- That's a good question...
- Hmm, I have to think about that for a moment...
Emphasis
Intensifiers are adjectives (or adverbs) that make your language stronger (or more intense)
I really/definitely/absolutely think that's FANTASTIC/AWESOME/TERRIBLE.
Uncertainty
Use language to express uncertainty, along with gestures, to show that you are not sure of something:
How's our economy? I'm not exactly sure, but I guess it's in bad shape. I think Brazil's GDP is roughly the same as it was 20 years ago. I should check, though. Again, I'm not 100% sure....
Comparison
If you compare two things, gesture to one side, and then to the other:
I'd say London and New York are similar. They're both global cities and have a lot of culture and entertainment to offer. New York is bigger, so there's more to do; but London has the Arsenal football club.
You can also compare the past, present or future in the same way:
Now, New York is a good place to visit. But twenty years ago, it was really dirty and really dangerous.
Counting
English-speakers count up, starting with our index finger or thumb.
Ending like this is a good idea too. For example:
I'd say the economy is going to decline in the future, because [first finger/thumb] the birth rate is decreasing, and the aging population [first/second finger] means the government won't pass progressive laws.
Referring to yourself
In English, we point to our chest when referring to ourselves.
Make sure your student uses word stress when gesturing:
- Well, PERSONALLY, I think...
- In MY case...
1. Read this answer aloud, using as many gestures as possible.
Question: Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Well, let me think about that. Twenty years! I haven't really thought that far ahead, so I don't know exactly, but let me see. Well, my company is fantastic, so I guess I'd like to still be working here. On the other hand, starting my own business could be great. I'm not ready to do it now, but in twenty years, it's possible. So, to wrap up, I guess I see myself either at this company or at my own company. I'll have a management job, a nice office, and a happy family! I hope, anyway.
2. Discuss the possible gestures with your instructor.
3. Now practice answering another question with natural gestures.