Body Language
- englishiseasierwithamal.com
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Body Language
Read the following passage then answer the questions:
The Power of Non-Verbal Cues in a Canadian Workplace
Imagine walking into a job interview. You have a flawless resume and have memorized answers to every difficult question. However, before you even open your mouth, the interviewer has already formed an impression of you. In North American culture, non-verbal communication—often called body language—carries immense weight. Experts suggest that up to 55% of our emotional communication is delivered through posture, gestures, and facial expressions rather than spoken words.
First impressions begin in the waiting room. Slouching in your chair can inadvertently signal low energy, a lack of confidence, or even disrespect. Conversely, sitting up straight with your shoulders back demonstrates alertness and professionalism.
Once called into the interview room, the handshake is your first physical point of contact. A firm handshake combined with a brief, genuine smile establishes rapport and warmth. In contrast, a weak or "limp" handshake can leave a negative impression, while an overly aggressive grip might be viewed as intimidating.
During the conversation, eye contact is arguably the most critical element. In Canada, maintaining consistent, direct eye contact shows honesty, confidence, and active listening. Avoiding eye contact is often misinterpreted as dishonesty, shyness, or a lack of interest. However, there is a fine line; staring intensely without blinking can make the interviewer uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb is the 50/70 rule: maintain eye contact for roughly 50% of the time while speaking and 70% while listening.
Finally, your arms and hands tell their own story. Crossing your arms tightly across your chest often creates a defensive barrier, signaling that you are closed off or defensive. Using open-handed gestures while explaining a point, however, projects honesty and engagement. Subtle nodding while the interviewer speaks acts as positive reinforcement, silently saying, "I understand and I am listening." By mastering these subtle cues, newcomers can align their spoken skills with their physical presentation, ensuring their true capabilities shine through.
I. Answer the following questions:
1. According to the text, what percentage of emotional communication comes from body language?
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2. What might slouching in a waiting room signal to a potential employer?
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3. What two non-verbal actions should accompany a firm handshake?
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4. What is a potential negative consequence of a weak handshake?
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5. Why is direct eye contact considered important in a Canadian interview?
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6. How might an interviewer misinterpret a complete avoidance of eye contact?
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7. Explain the "50/70 rule" mentioned in the passage.
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8. Why should you avoid crossing your arms during a professional conversation?
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9. What does subtle nodding communicate to the person speaking?
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10. Vocabulary Match: Find words in the text that mean:
Inadvertently (Paragraph 2)
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Rapport (Paragraph 3)
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