Words have the power to boost the lowest of the lows and tear down the greatest of the highs. However, there is a compelling case to be made that our body language has far more power. They have the power to either enrich or confuse or even shut down our listeners when combined with our words. When the importance of body language in communication is understood, the most effective teaching occurs. Communication synergy occurs when these gestures’ nonverbal communication clues are in tune with our verbal messages.
This blog will talk about the body language tricks for teachers and why is it important in teaching.
Importance of body language in teaching
Let us discuss the importance of body language in communication, which is an essential part of teaching. Body language is the superset of the different non-verbal means of communication like facial expressions, hand gestures, and body postures. Now let us look at the various importance of body language in teaching.
Class management
You automatically catch your pupils’ attention when you use clear body language. Your students’ minds are captivated by learning while they are attentive in class. The importance of body language includes students not getting into mischief and your classroom running smoothly. One of the significant advantages of using clear body language in the school is that it makes classroom management easier for you.
Good body language positively influences the energy in class
How do you feel when you meet someone who uses powerful hand gestures and facial expressions while interacting with you? You are most likely to feel active, attentive, and enthusiastic. Isn’t it? This means that someone with strong and lively body language has a good effect on your energy level, such as the importance of body language.
It helps develop a good rapport with your students
The first thing we notice about people is their body language when we glance at them. We see that someone isn’t pleasant if they have closed body languages, such as a frowning look or a casual body posture. As a result, we begin to feel unsettled.
This means that the importance of body language in communication can not be undermined. For example, your students will perceive you as warm and loving if you have an open and relaxed body language. As a result, they’ll be drawn to you and form favorable interactions with you.
Body language tips for teachers
A teacher should be perceived as warm and approachable; at the same time, students should be respectful toward their teachers. You can use your body gestures to convey the type of personality you want to be perceived as. Here are a few tips for effective body language.
Eye contact
People make snap decisions about others in a matter of seconds. Make every chance to market a positive impression of yourself to your pupils. Make eye contact with your students as soon as they enter the room. When people gaze down, they appear vulnerable and meek.
Children catch up on this, and your authority is eroded. Maintaining purposeful eye contact demonstrates that you are in charge of your classroom. The eyes are the most expressive of all body gestures, so it is essential to use them wisely. Make eye contact with one student for 5 or 10 seconds before moving your gaze to someone else.
Gestures
The importance of gestures in communication can be grasped because they encourage pupils to participate in the lesson. Retention rates improve dramatically when you add memorable nonverbal clues for the brain to file away as a connection. Gestures’ nonverbal communication is a valuable complement to our language that help us understand and remember what we’re saying. Understanding is ascertained by pointing, putting a finger over your lips, and raising your eyebrows.
A dynamic individual is significantly more engaging to observe than one who is simply inflexible. Children who struggle with their behavior are constantly bombarded with commands and reprimands. Long-winded chats cause them to shut down. Without all the talking, gestures can establish a new way of communication; such is the importance of gestures in communication.
Facial expressions
Using body gestures to support what you’re saying is a good idea. Consider how different it is to compliment a child if you also smile and lean in. They don’t simply hear but also feel your appreciation. Raised brows, angry eyes, and pursed lips can make you seem like a farce, and youngsters may find it challenging to detect your emotions just through words.
The correct facial expressions at the right juncture will aid classroom management. For example, make a shocking gasp for students who interrupt you often, and if you have a talkative student, giving a long gaze would work.
Safe touch
Schools, understandably, have strict procedures in place to protect pupils. Staff must never make inappropriate physical contact with students. However, when utilized correctly, touch can help to support behavior. A high-five, a clap on the shoulder, a handshake, and other types of body gestures can all be powerful ways to boost a student’s confidence. Touch can help to strengthen your words’ effect and establish good communication. A warm hug can do wonders for a child feeling low. You have to ensure that the student doesn’t feel awkward.
Teachers will only be able to become more effective communicators of knowledge if they are more aware of gestures and nonverbal communication in the classroom. It will also assist instructors in becoming skilled receivers of their students’ needs and gaining the necessary strength to deliver signals that reward good behavior.
The Classplus team can help you make teaching fun and interactive. If you are an online teacher looking to introduce interactivity and engagement in your classroom. Classplus has the right solution for you. With your online teaching app custom-built for your requirements, you will be more empowered to reach out to students. Call now for a demo!
