Oral History Interview & Importance – Part 18

Application of Body Language (2)

Hamid Qazvini
Translated by Natalie Haghverdian

2017-8-22

Some applications of body language were discussed in our previous note. See more in this note.

5 – Head movement

Nodding or head movement is a sign of interest in the interview and attention to the interviewee. Also, it shows that you’ve actually understood the interviewee. Some people do it out of habit while listening to others. Make an effort to nod. However, unnecessary movements and excitement are to be avoided. Don’t exaggerate in nodding. It will create an uncomfortable situation.

6 – Face

Avoid frown or anger during the interview. In such meetings, a cheerful face might reinforce the positive ambiance. I had the experience in an interview where the narrator was frustrated with the frown on my face and said: “Why are you so angry?” I replied: “I’m not, it’s just a frown on my face.” He said: “If not, then smile a little!”

Anyhow, we are sometimes unaware of our sullen face. If we have it then prior to the interview we have to set a mark to remind us of our face while looking at it during the interview to change our angry facial posture.

Don’t forget to smile. Smiling encourages the narrator to smile in response. Individuals who never smile are usually perceived as sullen and dissociable. However, avoid unnecessary smiles during the interview. Being over excited and eager is not a good sign. Maintain balance.

7 – Alignment of words & feelings

Our body is composed of organs and feelings and the nervous system and the brain is the commander in charge of coordinating different parts. Obviously, any inconsistency in body movements represents disruption. If you smile while witnessing a violence scene or show sadness while praising others then no one will take you seriously and they will detect a kind of disorder. Hence, the interviewer shall maintain highest level of alignment and consistency in his/her words and behavior. When the narrator is recounting an exciting, sad or happy story, you are expected to react accordingly. Such reactions might be in words or movements in head, face, eyes and eyebrow.

8 – Calmness

Showing signs of impatience, anxiety, confusion or boredom such as playing with your phone, touching your nose and ears, moving hands and legs will bring the audience to the conclusion that either the interview time is over or you have a problem. Also, avoid looking above or beyond the narrator since it represents a sort of impatience.

9- Eating habits

While drinking or eating be cautious. The narrator will be watching you closely. Don’t hold the glass near you mouth or chest. It is a sign of a defensive reaction.

 10- Tone

Your tone shall be adapted to that of the narrator and the interview space. When necessary, nuance your voice to transfer the message but it should be calculated to avoid any problems in interactions with the narrator.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 1 - Oral History, Path to Cultural Dialogue

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 2 - Characteristics of an Interviewer

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 3 - Selecting a Subject

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 4 - Narrator Identification & Selection

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 5 - Goal Setting

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 6 - Importance of Pre-interview Data Collection

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 7 - To Schedule & Coordinate an Interview

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 8 - Required Equipment & Accessories

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 9 - Presentation is vital

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 10 - Interview Room

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 11 - Pre-interview Justifications

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 12 - How to Start an Interview

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 13 - Proper Query

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 14 - Sample Query

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 15 - How to ask questions?

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 16 - Body Languag

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 17 - Application of Body Language (1)