People communicate as much with the rest of their bodies as they do by the words they utter with their mouths. Often people believe the message conveyed by body language more than the message in your words, so it is important to learn body language and the messages it is conveying.

Beginning Learners:

In some ways, beginners have an advantage in observing body language, because you don’t yet know enough language to say very much and so aren’t distracted by thinking of what to say. When you practicing your Useful Phrases, such as greetings, and leavetaking expressions, or the other phrases you have used, Role Play these exchanges with your LH and note the body language, including: how far away he or she stands. Note if this is different between men and women, two men or two women. Also notice gestures and facial expressions. For example, in some cultures you would never wave at someone with your left hand or take food, or offer food with your left hand – which is considered your dirty hand, no matter how well you have washed it. Also pay attention to eye contact – especially between people of opposite sex.

Tell your LH you want to practice body language in the Conversational Exchanges you have learned to say.

Intermediate Learners:

When you are practicing Dialogue Variations, pay attention to changes in Body Language that go along with differences in age or status of the participants, or the formality of the occasions. Role Play these with your LH.