Professional Certificate in Non-Verbal Communication and Body Language

Submodule 1.1. What is non-verbal communication?

Define the non-verbal channels and their weight in conveying messages.

Submodule 1.2. Classic research in non-verbal communication

Review the contributions of Mehrabian, Ekman and Birdwhistell and their real limits.

Submodule 1.3. Congruence between verbal and non-verbal

Detect contradictions between words and gestures that undermine credibility.

Submodule 1.4. Cultural influence on non-verbal codes

Compare the meanings of gestures, touch and distance across cultures.

Submodule 1.5. Myths and misinterpretations

Avoid simplistic readings based on isolated signals without context.

Submodule 1.6. First impressions and the halo effect

Understand how first impressions form in the first few seconds.

Submodule 1.7. Applications in the events industry

Identify where body language influences sales, protocol and stage work.

Submodule 2.1. Types of gestures: emblems, illustrators and adaptors

Classify gestures by communicative function and intent.

Submodule 2.2. Posture and body orientation

Analyze how posture conveys openness, confidence or rejection.

Submodule 2.3. Hand gestures and how to read them

Interpret and use hand gestures to reinforce your message.

Submodule 2.4. Movement and use of space

Manage how you walk and move in front of an audience or client.

Submodule 2.5. Signs of nervousness and self-touching

Recognize and reduce anxiety gestures in high-pressure situations.

Submodule 2.6. Professional greetings and handshakes

Practice greetings appropriate to context, hierarchy and culture.

Submodule 2.7. Reading groups and audiences

Observe collective signs of attention, boredom or disagreement.

Submodule 3.1. Basic emotions and microexpressions

Identify universal facial expressions and their typical duration.

Submodule 3.2. The FACS facial coding system

Learn the facial action units used in analyzing expressions.

Submodule 3.3. Genuine and social smiles

Distinguish the Duchenne smile from the polite smile.

Submodule 3.4. Eye contact and gaze management

Use eye contact to build trust and spread attention across the room.

Submodule 3.5. Paralinguistics: tone, pace and volume

Adjust vocal parameters to convey confidence and warmth.

Submodule 3.6. Strategic pauses and silences

Use silence to emphasize ideas and control pace.

Submodule 3.7. Voice care and projection

Apply breathing and projection techniques for event days.

Submodule 4.1. Hall's proxemic zones

Apply intimate, personal, social and public distances to each situation.

Submodule 4.2. Physical contact in professional settings

Define the limits of physical contact in protocol and customer service.

Submodule 4.3. Spatial layout and communication

Analyze how the room setup shapes interaction.

Submodule 4.4. Personal image and clothing

Choose clothing consistent with the role and type of event.

Submodule 4.5. Chronemics and time management

Interpret the communicative value of punctuality and timing.

Submodule 4.6. Objects, accessories and setting

Assess the message conveyed by accessories, set design and props.

Submodule 4.7. Non-verbal communication on video calls

Adapt framing, eye contact with the camera and gestures to the virtual setting.

Submodule 5.1. Stage presence for speakers

Develop a confident, natural presence when speaking in public.

Submodule 5.2. Using the stage and lectern

Manage movement, the lectern and the microphone during a talk.

Submodule 5.3. Managing stage fright

Apply breathing and anchoring techniques to control nerves.

Submodule 5.4. Connecting with the audience

Use eye contact, gestures and pauses to hold the audience's attention.

Submodule 5.5. Masters of ceremonies and hosts

Practice the non-verbal communication specific to hosting events.

Submodule 5.6. Non-verbal coaching for speakers

Prepare speakers and executives to improve their stage presence.

Submodule 5.7. Video analysis of talks

Record and assess talks to identify areas for improvement.

Submodule 6.1. Rapport and mirroring

Build rapport with the other person through body synchronization.

Submodule 6.2. Buying signals and objection signals

Detect non-verbal indicators of interest or resistance in clients.

Submodule 6.3. Body language in negotiation

Interpret and manage signals of power and concession at the table.

Submodule 6.4. Serving attendees at the service point

Convey availability and empathy from the desk or the room.

Submodule 6.5. Non-verbal communication at trade fairs and booths

Use open postures to attract and retain booth visitors.

Submodule 6.6. Non-verbal conflict management

Use posture and voice to de-escalate tense situations.

Submodule 6.7. Non-verbal protocol with dignitaries and VIPs

Apply rules of deference and greeting with dignitaries and guests.

Submodule 7.1. Ethical limits of reading body language

Avoid manipulative uses and unfounded conclusions about people.

Submodule 7.2. Deception detection: evidence and limits

Learn what research says about detecting lies.

Submodule 7.3. Non-verbal communication at international events

Adapt gestures, greetings and distances to delegations from other countries.

Submodule 7.4. Inclusion and diversity in communication

Consider functional and cultural diversity when interpreting signals.

Submodule 7.5. Systematic observation with checklists

Use structured observation forms to analyze behavior.

Submodule 7.6. Non-verbal feedback in work teams

Improve event team coordination with clear signals.

Submodule 7.7. Personal communication improvement plan

Set goals and exercises to improve your own non-verbal communication.

Submodule 8.1. Initial communication assessment

Evaluate your own non-verbal style through recording and self-assessment.

Submodule 8.2. Professional presentation rehearsal

Prepare and rehearse a five-minute talk in front of the group.

Submodule 8.3. Customer service role play

Simulate service situations with observation and structured feedback.

Submodule 8.4. Supplier negotiation role play

Practice a negotiation applying rapport and signal-reading techniques.

Submodule 8.5. Master of ceremonies simulation

Host a segment of a gala, integrating voice, eye contact and stage presence.

Submodule 8.6. Peer assessment

Use observation rubrics to give feedback to classmates.

Submodule 8.7. Final project presentation

Present your improvement plan and final talk to your tutor.

Create a non-verbal communication guide for an event team, including a recording and analysis of one of your own talks.