Paralinguistic Communication Skills

Paralinguistic Communication Skills

What is paralinguistic communication skills? Does it help one become an effective English speaker? Read this post to find out.^^
“If you really don’t love me anymore, look me in the eyes and say it!”

Sounds familiar?^^ Many romantic movies and TV sitcoms have that kind of line. So, why is the person forced to look into the other’s eyes and say he/she doesn’t love him/her anymore? Why not just say it? What is the need for the eye contact thing? It’s because words don’t say it all.

Interviewing applicants is a part of my job. When I talk to them, I don’t just listen to what they have to say, I observe the manner in which they say it. I look into their eyes, I observe their gestures and mannerisms, their sitting position, everything, because those paralinguistic cues reveal more information about them than what they are saying.

To become an effective speaker, we must be able to use these paralinguistic cues for us, not against us. Whether we are going to have a job interview or deliver a speech or just plainly talk to someone we hardly know, knowledge of paralinguistic cues is an effective way of making them see what we just want them to see.

In job interviews for example, it’s just natural for applicants to be nervous. Some people unconsciously reveal their nervousness either by having too many hand gestures or being to stiff. Knowing this, we can avoid making those unnecessary movements or being dead stiff.

Also, when people talk about their knowledge and abilities, they tend to look down or look in different directions, either to avoid the interviewer’s gaze, out of shyness or to think of answers. Whatever the case may be, it shows lack of confidence and sincerity, so the interviewees ought to meet the interviewer’s gaze. (however, this depends on the culture of both). In some cultures, looking into the interviewer’s eyes is considered impolite.

One’s sitting position should also be taken into consideration. Slouching would of course reveal an overconfident personality. One should sit upright near the edge of the seat to show attentiveness in interviews.

Olympiad10Keys

XI Всероссийская олимпиада школьников по английскому языку

2010 г.         заключительный этап

Reading Comprehension

KEYS

 

Item
1	A	B		C	D
2	A	B		C	D
3	A	B		C	D
4	A	B		C	D
5	A	B		C	D
6	A	B		C	D
7	A	B		C	D
8	D
9	B
10	E
11	A
12	C
13	D
14	A
15	A
16	D
17	E
18	C
19	C
20	B

Do the Puzzle for Job Qualities

Career Advice Information

Would you be happy in a job where you:
 

1.     worked  mainly outdoors 2.     worked mainly indoors 3.     worked as a member of a team 4.     worked mainly on your own 5.     had to use your own initiative 6.     did the same things all the time 7.     dealt with the public 8.     sold things from behind the counter

9.    worked with animals 10.  worked with children 11.  worked mainly with your hands 12.  had to operate machinery or use instruments 13.  had to lift heavy objects 14.  sometimes got dirty 15.  had to wear a uniform 16.  worked mainly in one place 17.  had to work nights

18.  had to start work very early 19.  had to study at a college part time 20.  had to travel a lot 21.  dealt with foreign tourists 22.  dealt with VIPs 23.  sometimes overworked 24.  had to be patient all the time 25.  earned a lot of money

Some most/least important things when you are looking for a job

• top wages;
• opportunity to use your own ideas;
• further training;
• chance to help other people; 
• opportunity to become well-known; 
• to work indoor or outdoor (noise); 
• no special qualification needed; 
• regular working hours; 
• flexible working hours; 
• work in a team with friendly people; 
• opportunity to become self-employed; 
• a good salary; 
• comfortable conditions; a chance of promotion;   
• to work in a big organization or a small one; 
• to speak any foreign languages; 
• to work on your own or take responsibility; 
• getting up early;

•    job satisfaction: excitement, interest, prestige, challenge,

•    salary and earnings: tips, income, commission, overtime pay

•    benefits: company car, private office, free travel, health insurance, to be promoted

Some professions which you may take an interest in

	Pros	Cons
1.The caring professions (nursing,veterinary surgeon, nanny, teacher…)	The chance to meet lots of different people. Your services are greatly appreciated; immense job satisfaction; varied work.	Training allowances and starting salary are low; hours are often very unsocial; emotional involvement can be a problem.
2.The creative professions (journalist,designer, hairdresser, beautician…)	You’re able to use your imagination. Money can be quite good; varied work life; can be a glamorous occupation.	This work is much sought after and hard to get into; it can  also be unstable.
3.The  office professions   (secretary,bank worker,receptionist…)	Good chance of promotion; stable profession; can transfer to other branches.	Can get boring if your duties never change; little chance of meeting different people.
4.The Forces ( Army, Navy, Police…)	Travel; there’s  a strong  sense of comradeship; good promotion opportunities.	You’re away from your family a lot; it may be hard to have a relationship; a strict way of life.
5.The outdoor professions (Agriculture, Horticulture…)	Rewarding; work is never dull for long; close to nature; pleasant working environment.	Physical hard labour; outside all year round; not just in the sunshine; work is dictated by the seasons; busy summer, monotonous in winter months; can be a solitary occupation; traditionally poorly paid.