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)
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