What does body language mean to you ?

Image 3
What does his gesture mean ?

Gestures :  Gestures like hand movements and other body movements could be used to communicate too.  For instance waving, pointing and using fingers to indicate numeric counts and open palm gestures to suggest accessibility are some of them.  As much as gestures used well can add warmth and personality to a conversation, overuse can result in interruption or even distraction.  Just like most of the other non-verbal messages, gestures differ in different cultures.  Somebody, signaling success by forming the thumb and forefinger into a circle, should take care, not to do so in Germany or South Africa, as it denotes an obscene reference.

                                                                                                                             

Paralinguistics :  This refers to the vocal part of the communication apart from the actual words, like the tone of voice, loudness, inflection, rhythm and pitch.  For instance think about a situation where you say something in a strong  voice, listeners will interpret it as approval or enthusiasm.  On the other hand,  when you use a hesitant tone of voice, this would give out an impression of dissapproval or lack of interest.

Image 4
Do you think they are maintaining an appropriate personal space,
or are they overdoing it ?

Kinesics :  The study of the relationship between the way we carry our body and communication is called Kinesics.  Kinesics conveys our attitudes and feelings and its far more subtle and definitive.  Messages like high status,self-confidence, shyness and submissiveness could be conveyed through body stances.  Standing and walking tall and having a good posture,  gives out a message of confidence and respect.  Having relaxed fluid movements will put recipients at ease.

Proxemics :  This refers to the personal space or territory.  It could be a specific spot or the space around us.  This is the zone of privacy where we would  feel comfortable.  This  space depends on situational factors, social norms, personality characteristics and how familiar we are with the person communicating.  According to Anthropologist Edward T. Hall, there are four zones of social interaction among North Americans.  They are the intimate zone(1 - 1 1/2 ft), personal zone(1 1/2 - 4 ft), social zone(4 - 12 ft) and public zone(12 ft or more).

Referred from:
                 Guffey, M.E & Rhodes, K. & Rogin, P. (2011) Business Communication:

                Process Product (6th edition) Toronto, ON: Nelson