Lesson 11 of 12 · Leading the conversation

Body language that builds trust

People believe what they see before what they hear. Make both say the same thing.

About 20 minutes
Chapter 11 of the book
Saves on this device

Activity 1 of 5 · Check

Body language self-check

Be honest. How often do you do each of these in conversation?

Self-check

Your answers stay on this device.

✓ Done

A learner's story

Hiroshi's respectful eyes

Hiroshi · civil servant from Sendai · intermediate

In Japan, Hiroshi had learned that looking down slightly when speaking to a senior person shows respect. In his first weeks in Edinburgh, he did the same with his manager.

After a meeting, a friendly colleague asked him if everything was all right. “You never look at anyone. People think you're not interested, or you're hiding something.”

Hiroshi practised holding eye contact a little longer, especially when listening and when saying his name. It felt strange at first. Within a month, people were stopping by his desk to chat.

Activity 2 of 5 · Quiz

Gestures around the world

A gesture that's friendly in one country can be rude in another. Test yourself.

Gesture

✓ Done

Say it

Phrase box

Useful phrases from this chapter. Anything that isn't British English is labelled.

Open signals

Steady eye contact while listening
Facing the person
Nodding and smiling

Closed signals

Arms tightly crossed
Checking your phone
Feet pointing towards the door

Culture note

In the UK, a firm handshake is common at first meetings.
Most British people keep about an arm's length of space.
Hugs and kisses are usually for friends, not first meetings.

Activity 3 of 5 · Sort

Open or closed?

Picture each one. Does it say “I'm interested” or “I'd rather not”?

Signal sorter

Sort the body language.

✓ Done

Activity 4 of 5 · Track

One-week habit tracker

Habits beat knowledge. Tick each habit on the days you practise it this week.

Habit tracker

Your ticks are saved on this device. Come back each day.

✓ Done

The research

You may have read that 93% of communication is non-verbal. That figure comes from Albert Mehrabian's 1960s experiments, which tested single words said in different tones of voice. He has said it doesn't apply to everyday conversation. Body language matters, especially for trust, but your words still count.

Activity 5 of 5 · Write

Your body language reminder

Write one short reminder for yourself. It goes into your Conversation Kit.

Reminder

Keep it short enough to remember in the moment.

✓ Done

Before you move on

Three questions

What does your body do when you're nervous?

Which habit from the tracker matters most for you?

Is body language different in your culture? How?

5 activities to go

Finish all five activities to complete Lesson 11. Your progress saves on this device, and finished lessons are marked on the lessons page.

What to remember

Five things to keep

In the UK, steady eye contact shows interest and honesty.
Face the person and keep your hands visible.
Put your phone away when someone is talking.
Gestures mean different things in different countries.
Body language supports your words. It doesn't replace them.

Your answers and progress stay on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere.