Body Posture in Communication with Types and Examples

Your body speaks and indicates even when you don’t. The facial expressions, body gestures, the way you sit or stand, or any other non-verbal signals send a message and may account for as much as 70% of all communication. 
A person's body posture in communication plays an important role in deciding how others perceive them. It conveys fear, excitement, nervousness, confidence, attentiveness, etc., all without a single verbal communication. 

In this blog, you will learn about the importance of body posture in communication, its types, along with body language, and how PlanetSpark helps in positive body language for effective communication.

What is Body Posture in Communication?

Body Postures are an important aspect of non-verbal communication that conveys various states of a human being, such as confidence, nervousness, attitude, attentiveness, etc. In humans, postures provide significant information through non-verbal communication. In other words, postures convey a huge amount of information about how a person is feeling as well as help the other person in front to perceive the personality’s characteristics, whether he is an introvert, an extrovert, or submissive.

Understanding Types of Body Postures in Communication

There are mainly two types of body posture in communication, which are open and closed posture.
The open posture shows confidence, interest, and engagement, like standing straight or leaning slightly forward. The closed posture often indicates defensiveness or disinterest, like crossed arms or slouching. Keeping a balanced posture helps you to look confident, relaxed, and professional while communicating. Other body postures include the Dominant posture, which is normally used by leaders or speakers to show authority (standing tall with broad shoulders), the Submissive posture, which reflects nervousness and low confidence (shoulders down and eyes lowered), and Neutral Posture, which is best applicable for professional and social communication (calm and balanced position). 

What Is Body Posture in Non-Verbal Communication?

Body Posture in non-verbal communication is the way in which a person holds their body, which shows or communicates their emotional state, attitude, and level of confidence to the person in front. It helps others to interpret your emotions and attitudes even when you are not speaking. 
For example, an upright posture with open body language shows confidence, while a slouching posture suggests low confidence or insecurity.  The body posture also shows interest and engagement during a conversation, even when you are quiet.

Importance of Body Posture in Communication

Your body language, mainly the way you sit, move, stand, speak, and react, speaks louder than words. It shows others whether you are confident, nervous or attentive. When your gestures and expressions match what you say, people in front of you are more likely to trust and understand you with ease. But if your body language and words do not match, it can create doubt or confusion. 
The body posture also plays an important role, as sitting and standing with open postures show confidence and interest, whereas slouching, crossing arms, or avoiding eye contact can make you appear bored or not interested. Having a good body posture while communicating not only helps in the easy flow of interaction but also makes others see you in a positive light. 

Benefits of Good Posture:

1. Helps in boosting confidence and presence.
2. ⁠Improves focus and listening.
3. ⁠Makes the communication fast and clear.
4. ⁠Shows respect and interests.
5. ⁠Keeps you confident and positive during the conversation.

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What Is Body Language and Posture?

Body Language is the way we communicate without speaking. It includes facial expressions, hand and body movement, eye contact, gestures, and body posture. All of these help people understand what we feel or think.
On the other hand, body posture is an important part of body language that shows your attitude, confidence, and emotions through the way you move, sit, or stand. For example, A student standing tall with relaxed shoulders indicates confidence and openness in them, while someone with a slouching posture makes them feel nervous, upset or bored.

Body Posture in Communication With Examples

Also, check public speaking tips and tricks for children

Body Language in Communication With Examples

According to psychologists, body language contributes more than 70% of communication. It gives clarity, provides emotions, and ensures that the words you are speaking match your actions and attitudes. 
For example:
1. Teachers who have expressive body language can engage students better in class.
2. ⁠Students with good expressive body language can present any presentation or project better to teachers and peers.
3. ⁠Leaders having an open posture easily gain the trust of the voters.

10 Positive Body Language Everyone Should Follow

1. Good eye contact- Maintaining good eye contact makes you appear engaged and trustworthy. Avoid staring.
2. Natural Smile- A warm smile is generous but depends on the topic of conversation.
3. Body Posture- Sit or stand straight with your arms and legs uncrossed to convey that you are confident.
4. Strong handshake- Offer a firm handshake as it conveys confidence and professionalism.
5. Nodding- Nod while listening as it shows that you are listening and engaged in the conversation.
6. Hand Gestures- Use soft hand gestures to naturally explain points. 
7. Mirror other subtly- Subtly mirroring the other person’s body language helps you build rapport and connection.
8. Minimise movements- Eliminate any distractions or movements like nail biting, skill peeling, etc.
9. Leaning Forward- Leaning in shows that you are attentive and interested in the conversation.
10. Taking Notes- Taking notes during a conversation shows that you value what is being said or are actively engaged in the conversation.

How PlanetSpark Helps in Good Body Posture in Communication?

1. Personal 1:1 Guidance- Each child gets a personal trainer who observes the body language, postures, and expressions during the live sessions, giving instant feedback to help in improving the non-verbal communication. 

2. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) App- Our curriculum at PlanetSpark is developed to build self-confidence, empathy, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills, helping children express themselves confidently through posture and body language.

3. Activity-Based Practical Learning- With the help of mock interviews, public introductions, journaling, and real-life scenarios, children practise eye contact, stance, gestures, and expressive communication naturally

4. Leadership & Self-Presentation Training- Kids develop confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and stage presence while learning to maintain a proper posture, gestures, and tone during presentations and discussions.

5. Confidence Meter & Parent Consultations- Parents receive regular reports on their child’s progress in confidence, openness, posture, and communication skills for guided improvement

6. Etiquette and Body Language Sessions- Children are trained on posture, eye contact, respectful gestures, and voice modulation with our specially designed curriculum on real-world situations to elevate their personality and non-verbal communication

Conclusion: Let Your Body Speak Confidently

Words convey meaning, but the body reveals the truth. Maintaining a good and right body posture during communication helps in expressing confidence, sincerity, and respect. Following simple tips like practising standing in front of a mirror, recording yourself during speeches, and watching videos of confident speakers will definitely help you learn and maintain a good posture.