ABSTRACT
Body language can tell as much about people as anything they might say. Gestures, facial expression and how words are spoken are frequently more reliable indicators of what people are feeling than what is actually said. Often this silent language compliments what is being said, reinforcing the words spoken. The exercises in the session enable group members to begin to explore and develop awareness of what their own body language says about them, either intentionally or unintentionally. In some countries, if beckon a Muslim with an upturned palm, the gesture would be regarded as obscene. In Greece, holding up thumbs to hitch a lift would be thought insulting. Making direct eye contact in some cultures may also be interpreted as rude. The exercise introduces and explains what body language is and starts discussion on what is involved and how important body language is when interacting with other people.
