Body Language

The act of communicating involves verbal, nonverbal, and para-verbal components. The verbal component refers to the content of our message‚ the choice and arrangement of our words. The non-verbal component refers to the message we send through our body language. The para-verbal component refers to how we say what we say – the tone, pacing and volume of our voices.

Non-verbal: our body language

“Mind your space” could be a Swedish motto. While minding hers, a Swede would expect you to mind yours. Maintain a distance of two arm-lengths between you and the person with whom you are conversing.

Swedes keep their body language and hand gestures to a minimum, rather than relying on nonverbal forms of communication. You see, waving with limbs (and by the way, talking too loud) is in a way “taking somebody else’s space without asking for permission”.

With the exception of the handshake, Swedes do not like physical contact with anyone. Do not backslap, embrace, or touch a Swede unless you know him well enough to know that he does not mind.

Avoid having your hands in your pockets as you talk to someone – it can be looked at as “a bit arrogant”, especially by the elderly. Younger people though are not likely to judge you harshly for doing so.

In summary

• Generally, Swedes are reserved in body language. They do not embrace or touch often in public.

• Maintain eye contact at all times while talking with someone.

• Avoid having your hands in your pockets as you talk to someone

#Language #Culture