Body Language - Admission/Application Essay Example

The idea of the word ‘gesture’ can have almost as many meanings to the individual as the gestures used to communicate ideas. Although they can be used to completely replace speech, such as in a signal sent from a coach to a player, it can also be used to enhance speech by providing visual clues as to what is coming up next or to demonstrate an action or quantity. Whether we use gestures consciously or unconsciously, participate in large or small movements, we all express something through the body language we use whether we’re aware of it or not.

This is particularly true in the work environment, as the following articles and books reveal. Duke explores the meaning of gesture through a variety of fields in this study. He illustrates that many gesture studies are flawed in the way in which their own approach tends to limit and shape understanding. They’re also limited by the cultural background and understanding of the interpreters. However, Duke also illustrates that the natural leader will tend to gravitate toward the end position of the meeting table or the more elevated positions within a given environment.

The more vocal participants tend to move toward the center of a table or meeting space. These nonverbal clues thus emerge as being nearly universal perhaps due to simple logistics. Duke’s study shows that the context of nonverbal meanings must always be taken into context with the culture of the individual displaying them as well as the context in which they are made for accurate interpretation. Galloway’s study outlines the various problems inherent in trying to decipher nonverbal behavior, what creates the meanings, when they are used and how they are different from verbal communication.

In this discussion, he lists several activities that are learned early in the teacher/student relationship that don’t seem to spring