Whenever we talk of environment when it comes to body language, you should see beyond the physical environment. This doesn’t mean that it is not part of it, but it goes beyond that. That is why experts have always preferred qualifying it with ‘context.’ Let me take the next few lines to explain what is meant by context. Let’s say you’re in a conversation and you notice that your partner has crossed their arms, leaned away from you, and is repeatedly rubbing their face. That’s definitely uncomfortable body language. But why is your partner uncomfortable? Well, they might be uncomfortable because they don’t like the conversation topic. Or they might be uncomfortable because you have food in your teeth and they’re not sure if they should tell you. Or perhaps something is wrong that has nothing to do with you, like an upset stomach. If you only look at their body language, you won’t have enough information to identify the source of their discomfort. Body language will tell you that someone is comfortable or uncomfortable, but it can’t tell you why (IYSS, 2018). Hence, the need to always analyze the context. The sole job of body language is to hint you that something is wrong but you have the responsibility of determining what has actually gone wrong and you cannot do this out of context.
Then, what exactly is context? Understanding context means being aware of three vital things.
The conversation itself: Did something in the conversation cause your partner to become more or less comfortable? For instance, if your partner’s language changed when you asked a specific question, perhaps there is something about that question that made them uncomfortable (IYSS, 2018).
The environment the conversation takes place in: Conversations don’t occur in a vacuum (unless you are an astronaut.) Look around the room to see what your partner might be reacting to. An argument at a nearby table, an overtly crowded room, or an ex-girlfriend who just entered the party could all be reasons why your partner suddenly became uncomfortable (IYSS, 2018).
Your co-interlocutor’s recent experiences: Your co-interlocutor’s day did not begin when you started talking with them, and the experiences they had prior to your conversation might still be affecting them. For example, if your partner had a rough day at work, they might give off discomfort signals because they are still thinking about their stressful day (IYSS, 2018). Thus, those are the few cases that affect and dictate the tone of a context.
When it comes to application of context and body language signals, take the time to look at context and you will normally identify a few potential causes for your partner’s discomfort. Try to remove the discomfort caused by the context and see if your partner becomes comfortable. For instance, let’s say their body language signaled discomfort when you introduced a controversial topic. Change the topic and see if their body language relaxes. Is there a bad smell in the room? Suggest changing rooms and seeing if they light up (IYSS, 2018).
Verial (2018) also notes that artifacts such as perfumes also have influence on nonverbal communication. So, it means that we should not neglect the environmental implications of both social and cultural artifacts while interpreting body language gestures. Artifacts are the objects in the environment that can provide some form of stimulus to the communicators. It is these concepts that provide the context for nonverbal communication. For both the environment and artifacts, there are a number of factors that can effect changes in how individuals communicate non-verbally:
Appropriateness: Appropriateness is a factor of both the environment and the artifacts present in the context. The environment and artifacts give clues as to what nonverbal behaviors are in and out of context. For example, in a Jewish household observing shiva, laughing is considered inappropriate, and thus individuals avoid exhibiting such behavior. Artifacts need not be in a specific environment to influence behavior either. For example, a wedding ring on a woman’s finger indicates that making romantic or sexual propositions to her are inappropriate actions and should be avoided (Verial, 2018).
Microenvironments: The word “microenvironment” refers to a local environment constructed by humans, such as gardens, patios and office spaces. The local environment itself as well as the artifacts contained in it communicate messages to people that influence the nonverbal communication of those present in the microenvironment. The temperature, lighting, color and sound all impact human nonverbal behavior. One example of such an influence is the replacement of a square classroom table with a circular one. This action increases classroom interaction (Verial, 2018).
Climate: Climate is an environmental factor that affects not only an individual’s nonverbal behavior but the nonverbal behavior of the native residents in a specific climate type. For example, for countries in the northern hemisphere, those residents living in the southern areas with hotter climates tend to use more body language and stronger facial expressions. Groups that have similar forms of nonverbal behavior tend to migrate to areas of specific climates. According to Peter Andersen, in his book “Nonverbal Communication: Forms and Functions,” gays and lesbians tend to move to warmer climates, such as that of San Francisco, while certain musical groups tend to move to rainy and cold climates, such as the Pacific Northwest (Verial, 2018).
Scent: The smell of an environment is an important factor in predicting how people will behave in it. Artifacts, such as breath spray, cologne and aftershave, can influence a person’s nonverbal behavior. Scents trigger memories of the past and can be meaningful in different ways to different individuals. An example of how scent affects behavior is the addition of rotting food to an environment. This changes people’s willingness to eat as well as influences their physical position in the environment. They become uncomfortable and lose interest in what is being said at that point in time. Another instance is, if a person perceives the scent of a perfume which their one-time predator wore at the point of attack, their mind will wander there and make them to put on some funny body language cues (Verial, 2018).
References
IYSS (2018).Understanding Context. Retrieved from https://www.improveyoursocialskills.com/body-language/understanding-context
Stoop, M (2018).Interpreting Body Language: Nonverbal Communication. Retrieved from https://mariekestoop.com/lessons-in-body-language-interpret-non-verbal-communication/
Verial, D (2018). Artifacts and Environmental Factors in Nonverbal Communication. Retrieved from https://classroom.synonym.com/artifacts-environmental-factors-nonverbal-communication-8271214.html
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