Research shows that 55% of what we communicate is through body language. It is more important than the words we say or the way we say them. How we use body language also varies between cultures.
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Tick the examples of body language that are usually positive or negative.
Compare your answers from 1 with your classmates. Think of a situation when you might use some of the body language.
Here are some phrases connected with the body. Match the phrases (a–f) with the meanings on the right. Do you have similar ideas in your language?
a Pull your weight. b I’m all ears. c Twist his arm. d Don’t stick your neck out. e Give him a pat on the back. f
It cost an arm and a leg. Smile
Bow your head Raise your eyebrows Lean back in your chair Wave Make eye contact Bite your nails Fold your arms Frown Yawn Shake hands Point at someone
It was very expensive. Thank/Congratulate him. Don’t do anything risky. I am listening carefully. Make an effort. Persuade him to do something.