QUESTION 1: Define kinesics. Explain in detail how it can act as a barrier in communication.
ANSWER1: KINESICS- Kinesics or body language is the branch of communication that deals with body language. It includes head and facial expression, gestures like eye contact, smile etc; posture; the dressing sense; grooming and the presentable personality in totality. Positive body language helps whereas negative has a bad impression on business dealings. Kinesics is used for selection purposes during interviews and also during business dealings. It helps by giving involuntary signals. The body constantly sends signals to receivers even if we do not intend it. So long as there are people watching us, body language continuously transfers messages. The sender and the receiver understand the meanings of these movements in the particular cultural environment that they share. The body movements are often determined by internal psychological stimuli like emotions, feelings, etc. Emotions like anger. Restlessness, joy, sadness or dejection find expression more by body language than by its verbal counterpart. Body language is a good gauge to measure the psychological disposition of a person. FOR EXAMPLE- The silent films of Charlie Chaplin could convey so much by the deft use of body language.

The disadvantage of body language is that it is indicative and cannot be relied upon fully, since there may be gross misunderstanding of gestures. Even then, it is useful, because it informs the receiver about the psychological state of the sender’s mind in advance. This preparedness helps a person to shape his responses appropriately. Body language may help a manager to know in advance the mental pulse of his co-workers and exercise authority without actually issuing verbal orders. In business negotiations, marketing, interviewing, formal meetings and even informal interactions, body language plays significant roles. FOR EXAMPLE- The case of a manager who enters the office and, on his way, notices a difference in the body language of his subordinates. If he is conscious of body language, he will realize the employees are disturbed about something. Body language will not tell him what the problem is, but will make him aware that there is a problem.
GESTURES- Gestures convey meanings by movements of the limbs. Gestures help to add emphasis to oral communication. Often, gestures are involuntary and habitual. At times, we move our hands while we speak, adding a visual dimension to an utterance. These gestures occur quite spontaneously and we are not even conscious of these movements. EXAMPLES- showing the palm to indicate ‘stop’, moving the index finger to call ‘somebody’, waving the hand to signify ‘goodbye’, etc. But gestures are more widely used as compliments to oral communication. Gestures are conventional and their meanings are embedded in culture. The wrong gesture can be hilarious or annoying and, therefore, undesirable or unpleasant. Too much of it may lead to miscommunication, too little would make a person appear stiff and project inflexibility. EXAMPLE- the shaking of knees or snapping of fingers that could reflect negatively on one’s personality. If the gestures and words spoken alongside do not compliment each other. The overall message would neither be persuasive, nor convincing. So it acts as a barrier in communication.
POSTURE- Posture is determined by the way in which our backbone holds up the body. The position of the body communicates the mental disposition, and again, like gestures, this too is often involuntary. FOR EXAMPLE-a person leaning his head backwards on the back of his chair may suggest weariness. It acts as a barrier in communication.

APPEARANCE- Appearance is the overall view of the body that is presented before the viewer/receiver. It is a combination of body shape, movement, gesture and posture that the person presents, voluntarily or involuntarily. Grooming, clothing and other sartorial accessories are very much a part of the this total visual presentation. Body shape is what we are born with and we must keep it healthy and active by exercise and proper lifestyle. Fitness is necessary for any kind of work and it is this element that makes the viewer/receiver confident that you can discharge your responsibilities. The coordinated use of gestures, facial expressions and posture complement the person’s image so that he may appear to be self-confident, mentally attentive and well in control of his faculties. FOR EXAMPLE- dark clothes are worn for a western funeral and white or non-bright clothes are worn for an Indian funeral..Not following the dress norms would make a person stand out as one, who either does not care, or is insensitive or ignorant. Appearance has an impact on the way a person discharges his responsibilities. EXAMPLE- A scientist may have unkempt hair and may be dressed ‘shabbily’. If a person does not present himself in tune with the professional task assigned to him then kinesics acts as a barrier in communication.

EYE AND EYE CONTACT- The most expressive parts of the face are the eyes The eyes not only receive signals but also provide an important focus for face-to-face communication. A person who maintains eye contact in communication is understood to be sincere and committed to what he is saying. A wandering gaze often suggests distraction, inattentiveness, guilt or impatience. Establishing eye contact is taken usually as a positive personality trait. Good eye contact also indicates that the person is well disposed to the other person and is showing earnestness. The absence of eye contact or wavering eye contact is indicative of deceptiveness , poor credibility and a constant gaze may sometimes work negatively , depending on the circumstances and intensity of it which acts as a barrier in communication.