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9. Micro-moments: when non-verbal builds the relationship

Mindly Team

Created on September 23, 2025

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Momentum: Onboarding Presentation

Transcript

00:15

hello !

I am Brainy and I am here to guide you through this activity. First, a small Quiz will be offered to discover what you know about the topic we will discuss.

Next, you will watch a video, prepared by experts, which will help you deepen your understanding of the key concepts.

Finally, a second quiz will allow you to check everything you've learned, accompanied by a series of tips to help you implement these educational tools.

Let's get started, we're beginning!

00:15

Micro-expressions: when non-verbal cues build the relationship

Quiz

BEFORE

Here is a 10 question quiz about professional micro-movements: these discreet signs – a glance, a posture, an intonation – which, more than words, shape the classroom climate and the quality of the connection with students.

STARTER

1/10

Quiz before

2/10

QUIZ before

3/10

Quiz before

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QUIZ before

Match each micro-movement to its possible impact by dragging the labels into the correct boxes:

Gesture

Staring

Rigid posture and crossed arms

Smooth movement in the classroom

Shrugging or sighing can demotivate or signal a form of judgment

5/10

QUIZ before

6/10

QUIZ before

7/10

QUIZ before

8/10

QUIZ before

9/10

QUIZ before

QUIZ before

10/10

QUIZ before

Quiz

AFTER

Here is a 10 question quiz based on the video you just watched.

START

1/10

QUIZ afterward

2/10

quiz after

3/10

Quiz afterward

4/10

QUIZ afterwards

5/10

QUIZ afterward

Match each micro-movement to its likely effect: drag-and-drop or connect arrows

Gesture

Beneficial eye contact

Relaxed posture

Regular movement

Absent smile

6/10

QUIZ afterwards

The student is closed, what to do? What micro-gesture could improve this interaction?

6/10

QUIZ after

6/10

QUIZ after

7/10

QUIZ après

8/10

QUIZ after

9/10

QUIZ afterward

10/10

QUIZ afterward

QUIZ after

Crossed Arms

Verbal ≠ Non-verbal

Tone of Voice

Micro-gesture

Welcoming posture

TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Adopt the "welcoming posture" at the beginning of the session

Use eye contact to pace your interventions

Record yourself for 2 minutes and observe your automatisms

React with recognition gestures

Be attentive to your arms

ONLINE RESOURCES

“Effective Nonverbal Communication in the Classroom: Examples And Strategies” - Michael Grinder Associates

“Nonverbal Communication In Your Classroom” - Teaching Channel

“Non verbal Communication In The Classroom And Its Role In The Teaching And Learning From Educational Process”

“The Use of Non-verbal Communication in the classroom”- Salah Ali Mohammad Ali

Tips for teachers to use effective body language

See you soon for new challenges!

Tips for teachers to use effective body language

In education, effective communication goes beyond just words. Using nonverbal cues effectively can help educators deliver more impactful lessons. This article examines how to apply these techniques for the benefit of both students and teachers.

“Effective Nonverbal Communication in the Classroom: Examples And Strategies” - Michael Grinder Associates

In this video, Michael Grinder, a pioneer in nonverbal communication, shows how teachers can effectively use nonverbal cues in four key moments:
  • to capture students’ attention
  • during instruction
  • when transitioning to independent work
  • and throughout seatwork.

Adopt the "welcoming posture" at the beginning of the session

From the moment the young people enter, adopt an open posture: feet planted, arms relaxed, shoulders loose, gaze steady.  ➡️ This sends a signal of calm and available presence, without even speaking.

Film yourself for 2 minutes and observe your automatic responses

Choose a trivial moment (explanation, exchange, instructions) and watch it. ➡️ You will identify your parasite gestures or, on the contrary, your spontaneous signs of kindness. An excellent self-coaching tool!

React with gestures of recognition

A nod, a smile, a thumbs up, or a small hand gesture are enough to value participation or effort. ➡️ These micro-signs encourage engagement without interrupting the flow of the session.

Micro-gesture

Micro-gesture: small movement, big communication. A micro-gesture is a very small involuntary or very discreet movement of the face or body. It often expresses an emotion or a hidden thought that the person does not verbalise. These gestures are sometimes imperceptible at first glance, but very revealing. Simply leaning towards a struggling student can reinforce their feeling of recognition. This micro-gesture creates closeness and shows availability.

“Nonverbal Communication In Your Classroom” - Teaching Channel

This article highlights the impact of nonverbal communication in classroom management and student engagement. He recommends that teachers consciously use their gaze, posture and gestures to reinforce their message. Being attentive to these signals helps create a positive and consistent learning climate.

Tone of voice

The tone of voice is a key element of non-verbal communication that profoundly influences how a message is received and interpreted. A teacher who speaks with a monotone voice and without modulation limits students' attention. The tone of voice strongly influences engagement and understanding.

Use eye contact to pace your interventions

Regularly turn your gaze towards students at the back or sides of the classroom. ➡️ This helps avoid focusing attention on just one group and shows that every student matters.

Pay attention to your arms

Crossed arms can be perceived as a sign of distance or closed-off attitude. ➡️ Prefer to keep your arms relaxed or open, along the body or lightly pressed, to signal listening and flexibility.

Welcoming posture: a powerful tool in communication and relationships.

The welcoming posture is a bodily and behavioural attitude that conveys a clear message to the other: "I am available, open and ready to listen without judgment". From the moment young people arrive, adopt an open posture: feet grounded, arms relaxed, shoulders loose, gaze fixed.

“Nonverbal Communication In The Classroom And Its Role In The Teaching And Learning From Educational Process” - Zanyar Nathir Ghafar

This article explores the importance of nonverbal communication in the classroom, focusing on its role in the teaching and learning process. It examines how nonverbal elements such as gestures and facial expressions complement and enhance educational interactions. The article highlights the impact of nonverbal communication in creating a supportive learning environment.

“The Use of Non-verbal Communication in the classroom”- Salah Ali Mohammad Ali

This article examines the use of nonverbal communication in the classroom, emphasizing its importance in enhancing interaction between teachers and students. It explores how gestures, expressions, and body language contribute to a more effective learning environment. Additionally, it highlights the role of nonverbal cues in conveying messages and supporting the educational process.

Crossed arms

Crossed arms - what does this gesture mean in non-verbal communication: the gesture of crossed arms is highly symbolic in non-verbal communication. It can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context, the person's overall attitude, and the emotional situation. Crossing the arms is not a neutral gesture; it is often perceived as a sign of distance or closedness.

Verbal ≠ Non-verbal

Verbal: words. Non-verbal: everything that accompanies or replaces words. Non-verbal plays a major role in communication with children. They remember your body language more than what is said.