Gaze & Expression: Body Language

What a person projects is determined in part by what she does with her eyes and face, as well as overall body language. Consider consciously softening your face and expression to support your words.

Consider if you tend to smile softly at students or if you might want to consciously increase how often you smile.

Learn what expression you make when thinking or speaking, and when you are listening or reflecting. If you unconsciously create a stern face when thinking, for instance, practice softening your face.

We invite you also to notice where you look when you are teaching, including during the opening and during various parts of class.

• How long do you hold a student’s gaze?
• Do you look at every student or a subset of students?
• Whether you’re looking into students’ eyes, at students’ bodies, at the floor or space while speaking, are you conscious of your tendencies?

Use a conscious breath a primary way to soften your expression, gaze and body language.