Instructor’s Prompt Script for "Silent Signals"

Section 1: Introduction (3 minutes)

Teacher: “Hi there! Today, we’re going to explore how our bodies 'talk' without words. We call this nonverbal communication or silent signals. Our goal is to learn three core cues—eye contact, posture, and facial expressions—that help us send clear, confident messages when we’re talking one-on-one."

Teacher: “Before we dive in, I want to hear from you. Think about a time when someone’s body language sent you a message. Maybe they crossed their arms or avoided looking at you. Can you share that experience?”

Teacher (after student response): “Thanks for sharing! What did you notice about how you felt in that moment?”

Teacher: “Great observations. Let’s start by defining nonverbal communication.”
Teacher: “Please look at this first slide.” Body Language Slides
Teacher: “What words or phrases stand out to you in this definition?”

Teacher: “Now, here’s why nonverbal cues matter.” Body Language Slides
Teacher: “Which of these reasons—building trust, showing confidence, or clarifying messages—resonates most with you?”

Section 2: Modeling Nonverbal Cues (5 minutes)

Teacher: “Let’s look at our first core cue: eye contact.” Body Language Slides
Teacher: Demonstrates gentle, 4–6 second eye contact. “Notice how I look at your eyebrows rather than stare directly. This feels respectful and engaged. How does that feel to you?”

Teacher: “Next, watch my posture.” Body Language Slides
Teacher: Stands slumped with arms crossed. “This posture can seem closed off or defensive. Now watch this.” Stands tall with shoulders relaxed and arms open. “Which posture feels more inviting?”

Teacher: “By combining strong eye contact with an open posture, we show interest and respect. What do you notice when I use both together?”

Section 3: Mirror Practice (8 minutes)

Teacher: “Now it’s your turn. Stand in front of the mirror and grab the Mirror Practice Activity handout.”

Teacher: “Step 1: Practice eye contact with your reflection for about 20 seconds. Look at your eyebrow area rather than staring. Ready? Go!”

Teacher: “How did that feel? What did you notice about your eyes or face?”

Teacher: “Step 2: Adjust your posture. Open your shoulders, straighten your spine, and keep your arms uncrossed. Hold that for 15 seconds.”

Teacher: “What changes did you feel in your body? Did your reflection look different?”

Teacher: “Step 3: Try three facial expressions: happy (smile warmly), curious (raise eyebrows), and neutral (relax your face). Spend about 10 seconds on each.”

Teacher: “Which expression felt easiest? Which felt most challenging?”

Section 4: Reflection and Observation (4 minutes)

Teacher: “You did an excellent job. Now, open your Observation Journal and write down what you observed about each cue—eye contact, posture, and facial expressions.”

Teacher: “Let’s review one at a time. What did your journal say about your eye contact? Your posture? Your expressions?”

Teacher: “Based on your notes, which cue do you feel most confident using, and which one would you like to work on?”

Teacher: “Finally, let’s set a goal. In your next conversation—maybe with a friend or family member—what one nonverbal cue will you focus on? Write that goal down.”

Teacher: “Awesome. Keep practicing these silent signals, and you’ll notice your conversations become clearer and more engaging. Great work today!”

Mirror Practice Activity

Follow these steps independently while the teacher observes and notes your progress.

1. Stand in front of the mirror about an arm’s length away.
2. Practice Eye Contact (20 seconds)
   • Gaze at your reflection’s eyebrow area rather than staring directly.
   • Notice any tension or comfort in your eyes.
     Reflection: What did you observe about your gaze?
     
     
     
3. Adjust Your Posture (15 seconds)
   • Roll your shoulders back and down, align your spine, and keep arms uncrossed.
   • Lean in slightly as if you’re listening to someone.
     Reflection: How does your body feel? How does your stance look different?
     
     
     
4. Try Three Facial Expressions (10 seconds each)
   • Happy: Smile warmly.
   • Curious: Raise your eyebrows.
   • Neutral: Relax your facial muscles.
     Reflection: Which expression felt easiest? Which felt most challenging?
     
     
     
5. Combine All Three Cues (20 seconds)
   • Practice eye contact + open posture + a warm (friendly) expression together.
     Reflection: Did these signals feel natural together? How did you feel?
     
     
     
     
     
     

After completing each step, jot down brief notes in your Observation Journal to record your self-assessment and areas for growth.

Observation Journal

Use this journal to reflect on each nonverbal cue you practiced. Be honest and detailed in your responses.

1. Eye Contact

What did you observe about your gaze when you looked in the mirror?

• How did focusing on your eyebrow area feel?
• Did you notice any tension or comfort in your eyes?

2. Posture

Reflect on how your body felt when you adjusted your posture.

• What changes did you notice in your shoulders, spine, or arms?
• How did leaning in slightly affect your engagement impression?

3. Facial Expressions

Consider each expression you practiced:

• Happy (smile warmly): What did you notice?
• Curious (raise eyebrows): How did it feel?
• Neutral (relax): Was this easy or challenging?

4. Combined Practice

When you put eye contact, open posture, and a warm expression together:

• Did these signals feel natural or forced?
• How did you feel emotionally during the combination?

5. Personal Goal

Based on your reflections above:

• Which nonverbal cue do you feel most confident using?
• Which cue will you focus on improving in your next real conversation?
• Write a specific goal (e.g., “I will maintain gentle eye contact for at least 4 seconds when talking to a friend”).