It is essential to use your body language to communicate positive, constructive and collaborative intent to others. To maintain good body language, develop good eye contact and smile as a first step. Remember not to stare. Use hand gestures to better explain your points and make sure your body is parallel to the person you are talking with. This means that you should try to face them directly when speaking or listening. Keep your body posture upright and relaxed.
Body language can be positive and complement the verbal message being sent. For example, if you require swimmers to move so that they are between the flags, blow a whistle to gain their attention, point at them to identify that you are blowing at them, then point to where you want them to move to, and begin to move in that direction once they move. Smile in affirmation as they move or give a thumbs up. You can also hold a tube in the direction they must move in, while the other hand directs them or points.
Body language can also be negative, and conflict with the verbal message. Frowning, crossing arms, tapping feet, avoiding eye contact, slumping, cringing, nervous shifting of weight, leaning over people and wagging fingers are all examples of non-verbal communication methods that can be negative in their effect on others.
Positive communication examples
Negative communication examples
