Communication skills
Body language (cont.)
Sometimes, despite what we say, our body tells a different story. For example, standing with your arms crossed might tell someone you are angry with them. What about rolling your eyes when someone speaks to you? What might this tell them about what you are really thinking?
It can be useful and also fun to watch other people's bodies and try to work out the message that their body is giving. It can also be useful to watch the way you hold your own body when you are talking. Is your body giving the message that you want it to be giving?
Tone of voice
The sound your voice makes when it comes out of your mouth can also change the message someone gets from you. If you want to communicate with someone in a way they can REALLY understand, you need to make sure that your tone of voice is telling the right story!
Most kids have had the experience where an adult tells another kid (usually their brother or sister) to apologise to them and even though they say "I'm sorry", the WAY they said it lets you know loud and clear that they really aren't! Has that ever happened to you?
It can be fun to play with your tone of voice. Try saying "I love you" or "you're my best friend" in a grumpy way that tells a different story. Can you say "I'm really angry with you" in a way that really says you are just joking around?