Last week, we delved into voice projection, learning how to amplify our voices using diaphragmatic breathing to ensure our messages are heard loud and clear. Today's class took a closer look at two key areas of the human body: the head and the torso, arms, and hands.
We started on the head, with a particular focus on the eyes. In a fascinating activity, Dr. Abdullah had us observe our partner's eyes while he read aloud two different scenarios. The first scenario involved meeting someone we adored, and the second, meeting someone we despised. As I experienced the first scenario, witnessing the transformation in my partner's eyes was intriguing. The size seemed to expand gradually, shining with a brightness that made the eyelashes resemble blossoming flowers. It was as if their eyes were radiating warmth and joy, mirroring the positive emotions tied to meeting someone they adored.
Contrastingly, in the second scenario, where the meeting was with someone we harboured strong negative feelings for, the eyes told a different story. They began to narrow, almost squinting, as if attempting to shield themselves from the discomfort of the encounter. The shift was remarkable, and the eyes seemed to engulf themselves in the intensity of negative emotions. This activity provided a unique insight into the expressive power of our eyes. It made me realize how non-verbal cues, like changes in eye size, can communicate emotions more vividly than words alone. This newfound awareness can be a valuable tool not only in personal interactions
Exploring the head was interesting, and then we moved on to the torso, arms, and hands. We did a simple exercise where we crossed our arms to understand open and closed body language. In the first round of the exercise, I stood facing my partner with our arms relaxed by our sides, confidently uttering the phrase, "Trust me, I know what I am doing." The open body language emphasized a sense of assurance and sincerity. On the other hand, in the second round, my partner crossed her arms while I repeated the same line. This change in body language created a noticeable contrast. Crossing arms in the second round conveyed a certain level of defensiveness or skepticism, despite the repeated assurance.
The first round, with our relaxed arms, projected an open and receptive demeanour. It suggested a willingness to engage and an approachable attitude. In contrast, the second round, with crossed arms, introduced a subtle barrier. The closed body language in this scenario implied a defensive posture, potentially hindering the message of trust and confidence conveyed through the words. The shift from open to closed body language showcased the impact of non-verbal cues on the perceived message. While the verbal content remained constant, the visual element of crossed arms significantly altered the overall impression. This demonstrated how body language can influence the interpretation of spoken words, underlining the importance of aligning both verbal and non-verbal communication for effective and accurate expression.
Learning about the head and the torso, arms, and hands revealed to me the connection between verbal and non-verbal communication. While the eyes offered a window into emotions during scenarios, the activity with crossed arms underscored the significance of open and closed body language. Together, these exercises highlighted how subtle gestures can profoundly impact the message we convey, emphasizing the importance of aligning our words with our physical expressions for effective communication.