WEEK 8–9 | LIFE AND CAREER SKILLS | NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION e g , sensitivity to the needs of others

Key Ideas: What Nonverbal Communication Is

Nonverbal communication sends messages without words, through:

• Facial expressions
• Eye contact
• Gestures (hand/body movements)
• Posture and body orientation
• Tone of voice / paralanguage (pitch, volume, emotional tone)
• Personal space / proxemics (physical distance)

Main Wellness + Relationship Self-Care Strategies (Sensitivity to Others)

The video emphasizes being sensitive to emotional cues—helping prevent misunderstandings and improving empathy.

• Practice active listening

  • Nod, maintain appropriate eye contact, and lean slightly forward to show engagement.

• Use empathetic facial expressions

  • Match concern/comfort to the situation (e.g., a caring look when someone shares a problem).

• Adjust your tone and volume

  • When someone is upset or grieving, speak gently—tone can be more comforting than words.

• Read the “full picture,” not just the words

  • Notice signs like crossed arms, lack of eye contact, flat tone, clenched jaw, tense silence, etc.

• Respect personal space

  • Avoid standing too close (can feel intrusive) or too far (can feel distant).

Productivity / Classroom Communication Tips (Social Cue Recognition)

To navigate school smoothly and reduce conflict:

• Recognize social cues early (verbal + nonverbal) to respond appropriately.

• Example: group work

  • If a classmate crosses arms and avoids eye contact, treat it as a cue of discomfort/disagreement.
  • Respond by checking in or adjusting group interactions.

• Example: teacher instructions

  • If the teacher pauses and scans the room, interpret it as checking understanding.
  • Respond by raising your hand if you’re confused.

• Show respect with your body

  • Sit up straight, face the teacher, and keep attentive eye contact to communicate “I’m listening.”

Practical “Care in Everyday Life” Examples

• At home

  • Notice a parent’s tired expression and help with chores without being asked.
  • Be patient with elderly community members (use calm body language instead of rushing).
  • Check in gently with a quiet/possibly distressed sibling (e.g., “Ayos ka lang ba?”).

• At school during recess

  • If a classmate sits alone, approach them to offer inclusion—silence and body positioning can signal loneliness.

• In the community

  • Use culturally warm gestures (smile + nod) to greet neighbors.
  • In bayanihan, watch for who needs help and step in without waiting for requests (damayan/pagtulong).

Key Research Takeaway Mentioned

• Psychologist Albert Mehrabian’s findings are used to support that:
  • A large portion of emotional meaning comes from tone and body language, not the literal words.
  • So how you say something (delivery) can matter more than what you say.

Presenters / Sources

• Ma’am Nerie — teacher counselor; video presenter
• Albert Mehrabian — psychologist; referenced study on communication meaning