Abstract
The paper relates that the study of body language and gesture as modes of non-verbal communication is a complex field, and one in which there exists a considerable range of scholarly controversy. The paper asserts that nowhere is this more evident than in the discussion of the influence of culture upon body language; for example, while some gestures and body language acts are seen as universal signs (Danesi 50), others are seen as culturally specific (Danesi 56). This paper focuses upon the cultural and natural determinants of body language/gesture. The thesis is argued that while in general body language/gesture is culturally defined, in a number of respects the signs of this language are "natural" and cross-cultural. The paper discusses how this finding has implications for how humans understand language and its role in human society.

From the Paper
"The study of body language and gesture as modes of non-verbal communication is a complex field, and one in which there exists a considerable range of scholarly controversy. No where is this more evident than in the discussion of the influence of culture upon body language. For example, while some gestures and body language acts are seen as universal signs (Danesi 50), others are seen as culturally specific (Danesi 56). This essay will focus upon the cultural and natural determinants of body language/gesture. The thesis will be argued that while in general body..."

Tags:language, body, universal

Abstract
All the forms of body language and how they contribute to communication are examined. The paper focuses especially on body language types, how how they are used and what it reveals about the communicator. The paper begins by briefly discussing the process of communication in regards to body language. It then looks at various forms of body language. Finally, it concludes by showing what body language contributes to communication that verbal language does not.

From the Paper
"Communication can be defined as the process of creating understanding between two individuals or between an individual and a group. Communication is a transactional process, where a transactional process is defined as, "a process in which two or more people exchange speaker and listener roles, and in which the behavior of each person is dependent on and influenced by the other" (Friedrich 11). The important point here is that in any communication, the participants are effected by each other. They interpret what the other person says, and why they say it and respond based on what they see the meaning as. Each person does not necessarily say what they think, they may say what they think is appropriate or what they believe the other person wants them to say. "

Tags:posture, facial, expressions, motion, contact, affect, displays, paralanguage

Abstract
The paper discusses examples of voluntary body language, such as posture, relative limb position and hand gestures. The paper then looks at elements of non-verbal communication that are automatic and occur without any voluntary action, such as eye movement and the timing of our actions, gestures and changes in posture.

Outline:
Introduction
Typical Examples of Voluntary Body Language
Involuntary Aspects of Body Language

From the Paper
"Communication consists of much more than just spoken language; ii includes many physical components of communication such as posture, eye contact, relative limb position, and even the timing of those physical aspects of nonverbal communication. Early humans evolved these types of communications from their earlier pre-human and proto-human ancestors just as all other animal life forms did during the course of their evolution."

Tags:posture, eye, contact, relative, limb, position, communication

Abstract
This paper focuses upon the cultural and natural determinants of body language and gestures. More specifically, the paper explores the parameters of body language communication across cultures and distinguishes those signs that may be innate or universal from those that are purely culturally-specific. The paper also stresses the significance of body language and gestures in communicating across cultural lines in our rapidly shrinking global village.

From the Paper
"As these definitions suggest, body language and gesture can be seen as sign systems that are used to convey meaning from a sender to a receiver. The question of how this communication process occurs, and the roles of coding and decoding that are part of the process, are the subject of considerable scholarly debate. For example, when we encounter someone unknown to us who is making an overt gesture at us, it is necessary that we decode the gesture to determine what is being "said". However, in such cases, do we always have the "key" to unlock this code. Can some "keys" be hardwired into our genetic makeup as humans, or are these "keys" always culturally determined in the same way that spoken languages can be widely different depending upon the culture."

Tags:kinesics, expressions, contact, handshakes

Abstract
The paper examines the features of universal human body language that can be completely unconscious to both the communicator and the recipient. The paper explains the phenomenon of mirroring and describes the nonverbal cues used by dating couples. The paper then shows why learning to interpret nonverbal communication is essential in the professions of sales, policing and nursing.

Outline:
Introduction
Universal Human Body Language
Mirroring Behavior and the Importance of Postures and Body Position

From the Paper
"Like other animals, human beings have evolved patterns of body language to help them communicate with others. Because we rely so heavily on verbal communication, we tend not to notice it as consciously as spoken language except in more extreme circumstances such as fear or outright aggression. Nevertheless, human body language and other forms of nonverbal communication patterns provide considerable amounts of information about others (Gerrig & Zimbardo 2005)."

Tags:mirroring, cues, signals, posture, sales, policing, nursing

Abstract
This paper compares two divergent views of unspoken communication, known of late as body language. The earlier work is by Charles Darwin first published in 1872, the later is a publication by Julius Fast, published nearly one hundred years later. The paper discusses how, although the meaning of the expressive language is essentially the same, the roots and origins of these emotions are interpreted differently by the two authors. These differences and contrasting opinions are reviewed and explained.

From the Paper
"There is a fascinating contrast between the interpretations of non-verbal cues as observed by a nineteenth century observers and similar observations that are the beneficiary of nearly a century of psychological investigations. Charles Darwin (1965) conducted extensive observations of the expression of emotions by both humans and animals and concluded that similar emotions are expressed in similar manners regardless of the cultural background of the individual conveying their emotions (p.347). Julius Fast relates similar conclusions, except he has the benefit of the psychological theorems developed in the proceeding hundred years (Fast, 1970, p.9). "

Tags:communication, emotions, non-verbal

Abstract
The paper emphasizes how body language is an imperative part of communication. The paper then describes the strategies that can be employed to improve interpersonal communication, such as using the right tone of voice, maintaining eye contact and becoming a good listener. The paper believes that effective interpersonal communication is a must for anyone in their daily lives.

From the Paper
"Body language is an imperative part of communication. "In face-to-face communication, words account for only 7% of what people notice and believe about you. Tone is 38% and body language 55%. So a full 93% is tone and body language" (Kettenhofen, 2007). When people meet one another, it is an instant like or dislike attitude based upon one another's mannerisms. If a person has a negative body image or shyness about them, when in social situations the person will not put forth a strong willingness to meet others. This could be misconstrued as being snobbish or not wanting to be part of the social party. In turn, the deficient party feels ostracized and might not want to take part in the interpersonal communication going on and will distance themselves from future interaction. Changing the way one puts forth body language would be an excellent goal. Without the assertiveness of personality jobs could be lost, friendships can suffer, and a person could very well become lonely."

Tags:tone, voice, eye, contact, assertiveness, collectiveness

Abstract
This paper looks at an early work by Charles Darwin first published in 1872, and a later work that is a publication by Julius Fast, published nearly one hundred years later. The paper shows how although the meaning of the expressive language is essentially the same, the roots and origins of these emotions are interpreted differently by the two authors. These differences and contrasting opinions are reviewed and explained.

From the Paper
"This paper shall compare two divergent views of unspoken communication, known of late as body language. The earlier work is by Charles Darwin first published in 1872, the later is a publication by Julius Fast, published nearly one hundred years later. Although the meaning of the expressive language is essentially the same, the roots and origins of these emotions are interpreted differently by the two authors. These differences and contrasting opinions shall be reviewed and explained. There is a fascinating contrast between the interpretations of non-verbal..."

Tags:darwin, fast, body language

Abstract
Like other more complex animals, human beings evolved a complex system of physical gestures and postures used to communicate with other members of their species; in the case of humans, this preceded the eventual development of verbal communication. The author of this paper examines the importance of professionally appropriate nonverbal communication at work, potential conflicts presented by unintentional nonverbal communication, and the need for employee training in optimizing nonverbal communication.

Outline:
Introduction - Nonverbal Human Communication
The Importance of Professionally Appropriate Nonverbal Communication at Work
Potential Conflicts Presented by Unintentional Nonverbal Communication
Employee Training in Optimizing Nonverbal Communication
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Specifically, authority figures and leaders initiate movements such as crossing their legs, opening folders, and even taking a sip of water from a glass at the conference table first; conversely, followers and those in positions of subservience tend to wait for these cues from more assertive individuals before mirroring their behavior instead of initiating the same types of gestures spontaneously or independently (Hogg & Reid 2006). In a competitive professional environment where one's demeanor and apparent personal confidence plays a role in establishing a social hierarchy, unconscious mirroring behavior may conflict with the messages we hope to communicate consciously. To the extent our professional efforts are designed to enhance our perceived value with respect to establishing our leadership potential, conflicting signals communicated unconsciously to the contrary thereby undermine those efforts."

Tags:language, perception, usage, human, development, nonverbal, relationships, professional, ethics, behavior, career, gesture, posturing, social

Abstract
This paper deals with body language, specifically in relation to the manager and to employee-manager communications. The author discusses why communication as a manager is so important and also introduces the nature of communication and the part that body language plays in communication. The paper also explains why body language is even more important in a manager-employee relationship, where the nature of the relationship means that hidden meanings are expected. The paper also describes the different types of body language which include posture, affect, eye contact, etc.

From the Paper
"When listening to an employee a manager can gain insight into their real thoughts by looking them in the eye, by taking note of their posture, by listening to their tone and taking note of any affect behavior. If their is any behavior indicating boredom it is also a sign that the employee is not really listening and this can then be rectified. It is also important to keep in mind that what appears on the surface does not always represent real feelings. There is a need to look beyond what is a surface smile and look to body language for clues about real feelings. Once you are aware of these feelings you can then discuss them and rectify any problems."

Tags:communication, language, eye, contact, affect, posture, relationship, managemeny, employee, employer, behavior, paralanguage, regulators, adaptors