Fun with Character: Body Language

Reading non-verbal communication is a skill that takes time to develop.  For this exercise, you will need to have 2 chairs or 2 desks and chairs in the front of the room facing the students.  Select 2 students who have very expressive personalities.  Give each of them one of the lists below.  When you call out a number, they both to act the way it describes at the same time.

Student #1

1. Slouch in your chair

2.  Drum your fingers on the desk or your knee and look around

3.  Smile and lean forward, head at a slight angle

4.  Stand up and put your hands on your hips

5.  Initiate a handshake using a firm grip (not a squeeze) and a single firm pump of the hands; look directly at them

6.  Receive the handshake in the manner in which it is offered

Student #2

1. Sit up straight

2. Smile, nod gently, and look directly at the speaker

3. Cross your arms tightly, scowl

4. Stand up and put your clasp your hands behind your back

5. Receive the handshake in the manner in which it is offered.

6. Initiate a handshake with the other person using a loose grip and no movement; look down.

Teacher:

1. Do #1. Who is showing respect for the speaker?

2. Do #2. Who is showing boredom with the speaker?

3. Do #3.  Who is showing anger?

4. Student #1, fold your arms, but you aren’t angry.  You are cold.

5. Ask the class what Student 1 could do differently to avoid being classified as angry.

6. Do #4. Who is showing defiance?

7. Ask the class to suggest changes to both students that would reverse the perception.

8. Do #5.

9. Do #6

10. Whose handshake said, ‘I’m somebody worth getting to know’?

11. Whose handshake said, ‘You’re somebody worth getting to know’?

Download a printable of the questions for this activity.

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When the exercise is over, process it with these or similar questions:

• Was it easy to tell how people were feeling?

• Do you think it makes a difference if it is somebody you know versus a newcomer?

• Why is it important to practice empathy and try to determine how others are feeling?

• Do you act differently based on how you think they are feeling?  (Do you ask Mom or Dad for a treat if they are in a bad mood?)

• Once you use your Empathy and determine that someone is sad, what can you do about it? What do you want others to do when you feel sad?

• Will you remember this exercise when you are practicing Empathy?