B2 – Upper Intermediate
We all want to make a good impression when we meet people for the first time, but how?
Read the article and find out what role body language plays in communication and what gestures to use when you want to make an excellent first impression on somebody.
https://www.rightattitudes.com/2008/10/04/7-38-55-rule-personal-communication/
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “incongruent” mean, “The non-verbal elements are particularly important for communicating feelings and attitude, especially when they are incongruent: if words and body language disagree, one tends to believe the body language.” Use this in a sentence.
- What does “substantiate” mean, “These non-verbal elements can present a listener with important clues to the speaker’s thoughts and feelings and thus substantiate or contradict the speaker’s words.”? Use this in a sentence.
- What does “only a fraction” mean, “In communication, a speaker’s words are only a fraction of his efforts”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts on this statement, “If a speaker’s words and body language differ, listeners are more likely to believe the nonverbal communication of the speaker, not his words.”?
- How can one be effective and persuasive in their verbal communication?
- What is the most crucial factor you pay attention to when you talk to someone? Is it their appearance, manners, or behavior? What about their voice and gestures?
- Are you surprised at the statistics? Why or why not?
- How do you control your voice and gestures when you talk to someone?