UNDERSTANDING BODY LANGUAGE

What you say with your body can be as important as what you say with words. In meetings,
negotiations, and social situations it is important to think about body language gestures,
posture, facial expression, eye contact and other non-verbal signals.
Of course, body language can mean different things in different cultures. In western countries
crossing your arms can indicate you are suspicious or even hostile, but smiling and keeping your
hands visible can indicate you are open-minded. If you play with a pen or even your hair, it can
mean you are distracted; but putting your hand on your chin can show you are thoughtful.
Leaning back in your chair can sometimes be rude, but leaning forwards slightly can indicate you
are attentive. Nodding gently when someone is making a point can show you are supportive and
encouraging. If you stare at someone they may think you are being intrusive, but establishing a
good eye contact is important if you are trying to be decisive.
I Vocabulary
Gesture (n)-gest, gestikulacija
Posture (n)-dranje tela
Hostile (adj)-neprijateljski, neprijateljski nastrojen
Distracted (adj)-rastrojen, rasejan
Chin (n)-brada
Thoughtful (adj)-misaon, zamiljen
Rude (n)-neutiv, nevaspitan
Attentive (adj)-paljiv, koji paljivo slua
Supportive (adj)-podravajui, koji podrava
Encouraging (adj)-ohrabrujui
Intrusive (adj) -nametljiv
Decisive (adj)-odluan
Punctual (adj)-taan
Exercises
I Replace the phrases in italics with adjectives below.
analytical
diplomatic
flexible
motivated
confident
enthusiastic
innovative
punctual

responsible
thorough

An excellent employee who is able to be trusted (1)_____________________. He is always on

time (2)_________________, and clearly interested in his work and works hard (3)___________.
His ideas are new (4)______________, and he is sure about his own ability
(5)_______________when putting them forward. He is also good at dealing with people in
difficult situations (6)________________, and is able to change to suit new situations
(7)____________. Perhaps he needs to be a little more logical and scientific
(8)______________about his approach, but his reports are very detailed(9)____________.
His best quality is that he is excited and interested (10)_____________________about
everything.

II What word goes best with these verbs?

1. book
a) a factory
b) a deal
c) a room
d) a business
2. set up
a) a room
b) a customer
c) a book
d) a meeting
3. make
a) competition
b) a book
c) a room
d) a deal
4. open
a) a market
b) a competitor
c) a manager
d) a new branch
5. break into
a) a market
b) a competition
c) a deal
d) a TV show
6. face
a) a room
b) competition
c) a factory
d) love
Key
I
1.responsible
2.punctual
3.motivated
4.innovative
5.confident
6.diplomatic
7.flexible
8.analytical
9.thorough (temeljan)
10.enthusiastic

II

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

c
d
d
d
a
b