General English Level 6 Version 2.1 © 2004 acl Pty Ltd GELEV6 Unit 05 Topic 03.doc  READING 05 Body language Why is body language so important? Read the article below to find out more about it. Please note, this article is written from a Western viewpoint. Most people think that when they communicate it is words that convey their meaning. However, according to researchers, this is not the case. Several studies have shown that around 55% of communication takes place non-verbally. This means that, either consciously or sub-consciously, our interpretation of what people are "saying" is based not only on their words but on other factors as well. These are just some of the things researchers say we notice when we talk to people: How they look at and greet us Where they sit or stand in relation to us How they sit or stand Their facial expression How they move their arms, hands, legs and feet to change their posture Whether they fiddle with their glasses or doodle with a pen In the workplace, body language plays an extremely important role. When a colleague or boss talks to us, it is very important to make eye contact. It shows we are interested and open to what they are saying. Looking away when someone talks to us can suggest disinterest and untrustworthiness. In addition, when we are meeting someone for the first time, a firm handshake gives the impression that we have a strong character and are sincere and reliable. Respecting an individual's personal space is also important. Sitting or standing too closely to people can make them feel extremely uncomfortable. Unless we know a person very well, researchers suggest standing at least one metre away from him or her in order to create a comfortable distance. 159