空中英語教室:肢體語言

Mar.26

An old saying goes: "actions speak louder than words." That's true according to communication experts. Some studies show that up to 90 percent of communication is nonverbal. Though you might you say one thing, your body movements may indicate something entirely different. This nonverbal way of communicating is called body language.

The universal language

While body language may differ from country to country, it is the universal language. We all use it even when we don't realize it.
For example: Your friend comes to you with a problem, and you say you'd like to hear about it. But while she's talking, you look at your watch and around the room. Your body movements tell her that you're bored, distracted, in a hurry or all three. Your body language has given you away.
The good news is we can all learn to use body language to our benefit. It just takes a little practice.

Word Bank:

Actions speak louder than words (idiom) 行動勝於言辭；坐而言不如起而行
Actions speak louder than words. You've said you want to learn to play the piano, but you never practice.

Communication (n.) 溝通（技巧）；通訊（學科，科技）
People can stay in touch easily by using communication tools like e-mail and Instant Messenger.

Universal (adj.) 共通的，普遍的
The need to be loved is universal.

Distracted (adj.) 心思不集中的，分神的
Annie was distracted by the TV and didn't finish her homework.

Give someone away (phr.) 泄露（某人的）
Ricky said he didn't break the vase, but his guilty expression gave him away.

Mar.27

The dos and don'ts of body language

Don't

Slouch when standing or sitting, giving an impression of laziness.
Fidget with small objects when talking, indicating nervousness or boredom.
Lean back with your hands behind your head while seated, giving a feeling of boredom or superiority.
Yawn publicly with an open mouth, indicating boredom.

Do

Smile when you meet people, letting them know you're friendly and approachable.
Lean toward the person talking to you. This lets the one speaking know he or she has your full attention.
Use proper gestures, nodding to show agreement and understanding.
Use your hands when talking (but not too much). This shows involvement in the conversation.
Keep your hands open and palms up when using hand motions. This shows honesty and openness.

As you can see, your body language speaks for itself. In the future, make sure your body communicate what you want to say.

Word Bank:

Slouch (v.) 彎腰駝背
Stand up straight! Don't slouch when you read your report.

Fidget (v.) 無意識地擺弄
Sandy fidgets with her hair when she's nervous.

Yawn (v.) 打呵欠
I tried not to yawn during Ted's presentation, but it was really boring.

Palm (n.) 手掌
My new phone is small enough to fit in the palm of my hand.

Speaks for itself (idiom) 不言而喻
Your work speaks for itself. You've done an excellent job!

More Information

Nonverbal (adj.) 非口語的，非言語達意的
Superiority (n.) 優越
Approachable (adj.) 平易近人的，親切地

Usage Tip

The good news is we can all learn to use body language to our benefit.
To our benefit 在句中可以翻譯成“為我們帶來益處”，除了advantage之外，還有其他類似的說法：
例句：
1．This is to show how we can use it to our advantage.
2．Saving water was crucial to the hiker’s survival.
聽力資料請訪問 http://ts.hjenglish.com/page/18591/###