2022_영어발표와토론

Eye Contact Eye contact customs vary from culture to culture. In some East Asian cultures, such as Korea and Japan, it’s customary for people to lower their eyes when speaking with figures in positions of control, like parents, bosses, or government officials. However, in many Western cultures, making eye contact is an essential part of effective communication. Good eye contact fosters effective communication by: 1. Conveying sincerity and honesty: Looking away often suggests insincerity or discomfort. Direct eye contact signals genuine engagement and openness. 2. Demonstrating confidence: Keeping your eyes on someone shows you believe in yourself and what you’re saying. 3. Enhancing listener engagement and respect: When you look someone in the eye, they feel important and respected, so they’re more likely to listen to you. 4. Checking how people react: Watching people’s heads nod, their hands move, and their mouths smile tells you if they understand what you’re saying and if they’re interested. Note that effective eye contact does not mean staring at a person. It means shifting your focus to and from a person’s eyes. Facial Expressions Facial expressions can convey different meanings in different cultures. For example, in the United States, a smile often indicates confidence and kindness, while in Russia or Finland, excessive smiling might come across as insincere or overly friendly. In cultures like Korea and Japan, people often manage their facial expressions to be polite and keep their feelings under control. In contrast, raised eyebrows generally signal surprise in many cultures, but they can also express disagreement in Bulgaria or serve as a greeting in parts of Nigeria. These differences emphasize the importance of cultural context in interpreting nonverbal communication. Body Language and Culture 168 I Body Language and Culture