Body Language: Vocab List & Further Study

Vocabulary List (Definitions + Examples)
1. Non-verbal communication – Information shared without using words.
Example: His non-verbal communication showed he was angry, even though he said nothing.
2. Posture – The way someone holds their body when sitting or standing.
Example: Good posture makes you look confident.
3. Gesture – A movement of the hand, arm, or head to express something.
Example: She made a welcoming gesture with her arms.
4. Facial expression – The look on someone’s face that shows their emotions.
Example: His facial expression told me he was surprised.
5. Eye contact – Looking directly into someone’s eyes during communication.
Example: In some cultures, too much eye contact can seem rude.
6. Personal space – The physical distance we like to keep from others.
Example: He stepped too close and invaded my personal space.
7. Cross-cultural differences – How things can mean different things in different cultures.
Example: Cross-cultural differences in body language can cause confusion.
8. Nod – To move your head up and down to say “yes” or agree.
Example: He nodded to show he understood.
9. Fidget – To move nervously or restlessly.
Example: She fidgeted with her pen during the meeting.
10. Slouch – To sit or stand with shoulders and head bent forward.
Example: Try not to slouch if you want to seem confident.
Page 2 – Listening Questions
- What percentage of communication is said to be non-verbal?
- What is “posture,” and why does it matter?
- Give an example of a gesture mentioned in the podcast.
- Why is eye contact different across cultures?
- What can fidgeting suggest about a person?
Grammar Tip: Using “Seem” to Describe Appearance
Short Explanation:
We often use “seem” to describe impressions from body language.
Examples:
- He seems nervous.
- She seemed confident during the interview.
Practice Sentences (Fill in the blanks):
- He _______ happy when he heard the news.
- You _______ very relaxed today.
- They _______ uncomfortable during the speech.
Writing Activity
Discussion Questions:
- Can you think of a time when someone’s body language sent a different message than their words? What happened?
- How is body language in your culture different from other cultures you know about?
- Which do you trust more – someone’s words or their body language? Why?
Reflection Activity:
Observe someone’s body language today (in a café, classroom, or on TV). Write down 3 things you notice and what you think they mean.