The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers
body language in conversations
norm: when it is like this, it is good to do some things (see more)
When I am talking to someone for some time, it is good if I do some things with my body at that time.
It is good if I look at this person’s face at many times. It is good if I look at this person’s eyes at many times. It is bad if I look at other places on this person’s body. It is bad if I look at another place for a long time.
It is good if I am on one side of this person. It is bad if I am behind this person.
It is good if I am not very far from this person, it is good if I am not very close to this person. It is good if my arm cannot touch them. It is bad if parts of my body touch this person’s body.
It is good if I move my head when this person speaks. It is good if I say many small things when this person speaks.
Note
The final line of this entry primarily refers to nodding and backchannelling."Neil says 'I heard there's a new cafe opening up down the road...' Christie says 'Mmmhmm.' Neil says 'I really hope they have smoothies.'"
"Jo says 'You know, I've been thinking about Thursday...' Katy says 'uh-huh' Jo continues 'It might be a good time to get together for dinner.' Katy says 'Definitely!'"
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