Lesson Plan

Non-Verbal Communication Skills

Students will learn to interpret non-verbal cues and gestures, enhancing their observation and communication skills through focused activities.

Understanding non-verbal communication aids in social interactions and helps build empathy by interpreting emotional cues and body language.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Lesson Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Context Setting

5 minutes

Step 2

Activity: Observing Gestures

15 minutes

Step 3

Debrief and Reflection

10 minutes

Slide Deck

Understanding Gestures

Introduce the topic with a clear definition of non-verbal communication. Explain that while words are powerful, gestures often speak louder than words. Mention that this slide deck is designed to help students understand what different gestures mean.

Common Gestures and Their Meanings

Showcase a series of common gestures (e.g., thumbs up, crossed arms, open palms) with images. Briefly discuss each gesture's potential meaning, emphasizing the context in which they might be used.

Gesture Variations

Encourage students to think about variations in gestures. Ask them questions like “How could the meaning change if the gesture is animated differently?” Use this slide as a prompt for interactive discussion.

Key Takeaways

Summarize the key points and reinforce that gestures are an essential part of communication. Invite questions and reflections from the student.