6. See how nonverbal communication affects a speaker.

Working in groups of three or four, have one person tell a three-minute story to the rest of the group. As he or she tells the story, demonstrate negative nonverbal communication: roll your eyes, cross your arms, frown, turn away, and lean back in your chair. Ask the storyteller what effect this had on him or her. Was he or she able to continue the story? It probably didn’t feel very good!

Now give the storyteller a fair chance. This time, when he or she tells a story (the same or a different one), practice good nonverbal listening skills by nodding your head, smiling, and expressing other emotions that track with the story. What effect does your nonverbal communication have on the speaker? (It should encourage him or her to continue talking and want to say more.)