Nonverbal Communications: A Commentary on Body Language in the Aviation Teaching Environment

Abstract

Some time ago, while employed in theJield of labor relations, as a chief negotiator for both a major and a national airline, one of the authors wrote an article on the use of and merits of 'body language' or kinesics in the negotiation process. The substance of the message conveyed observations of common characteristics and positions displayed when dzrerent negotiating tactics are employed. More recently both authors have assumedpositions in the secondaty aviation teaching environment. In each of their respective roles interaction with students displays many of the characteristics of the negotiation process. From the bargaining table to the classroom, body postures bear striking resemblance in the presence of an unwritten/unspoken message. The author's opine being ignorant or failing to understand rudimentary body language cues can work against an educator's ability to convey the message he/she desires to express. The fundamental rationale behind an educational experience is the transfer of information. This paper suggests eficient and efective enhancement supports verbal communication with body language. Nonverbal behavior, on the part of the instructor and student, provides fertile ground toward efective and eflcient information transference.