After my observation by a PGCert tutor in my feedback there was a suggestion that I look further into how my body language can impact my teaching and to consider writing a reflective blogpost on this topic. The feedback mentioned specifically, tapping my fingers on a table when asking a question, thus conveying the message that there wasn’t space or time for the students to consider and/or give the answer. In hindsight, I was rushing through this stage of the class as many students arrived late and did not prepare so I had to make some time back in the class to accommodate for this, the finger tapping was completely unconscious.
Tammy Gregerson writes that nonverbal communication consists of “non-linguistic codes such as body language, facial expressions…used to communicate meaning” (20007, p.53). She goes on to explain that although there is a distinction between verbal and non-verbal communication, these happen in conjunction, they “become integrated into one communicative event” (Gregersen, 20007, p.53). As both happen simultaneously, when communicating or being communicated with we read both together. One can be read into more than the other, or the verbal and nonverbal can conflict and send mixed messages.
She states there are four kinds of gestures that are key in effective communication and “convey the same meaning as the verbal message” (Gregersen, 20007, p.54). One of these gestures she calls ‘emblems’ which refer to body language which conveys a word and/or message, for example tapping one’s finger.
I found the reading very interesting and must admit I had not actively considered my body language when teaching or ways in which I can mindfully use my body language to convey a point and/or concept. Its food for thought, something I will be more mindful and reflective of going forward and a topic which I look forward to research further.
References
Gregersen, T. (2007). ‘Language learning beyond words: Incorporating body language into classroom activities’, Reflections on English Language Teaching, 6(1), pp. 51–64. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/252225970_Language_learning_beyond_words_Incorporating_body_language_into_classroom_activities (Accessed: 18 March 2025).