Tuning in to body language

Purpose

Either the coach or the coachee can do this activity. Its purpose is to help the individual tune in to his or her understanding of body language in order to improve his or her communication skills.

Resources

This will take approximately 40 “60 minutes. You will need a video recorder and TV. You will also need pen and paper.

Notes to the coach

You may want to do this prior to meeting your coachee for the first time, as part of your preparation. Alternatively, it may be a good activity for the coachee to do as part of the coaching plan.

Instructions

Video a short extract from a television drama or news programme. If possible try not to watch the programme whilst you are videoing it. Put the video on and watch it without any sound. Write down what you think the individuals in the video are displaying and/or communicating “ what messages are they giving with their body language?

Now re-watch the video with the sound on. How correct were you with your original assessment of their feelings and thoughts?

Alternatives

If you and the coachee do this activity together, compare your notes; you may find that you have noticed different aspects of body language and/or interpreted it differently. If so, discuss why this may be.

Record a foreign film without any subtitles , and do the same exercise to review both body language and tone of voice. Be aware, however, that some gestures mean different things in different cultures. This activity can also work very well with animated films as body language and facial expressions are accentuated in this type of media.