“You say more than you think – and so do your students.”
As a teacher you know: good teaching is more than just giving explanations. It is about contact, safety and sensing what is really going on in your class.
But how do you notice this, when words are sometimes lacking?
With 15 years of teaching experience in Chile, Australia and the Netherlands, I know how intense and diverse teaching can be. In my classes as an English and Spanish teacher, I see students who:
- say more with their attitude than with their words;
- retreat out of uncertainty, not unwillingness;
- show “difficult” behavior that is actually a request for help.
And I also see teachers who give their all, but sometimes feel powerless.
The key? Nonverbal communication.
Students read a lot from their teacher’s nonverbal behavior. Research shows that teachers who appear open, friendly and engaged have a more positive impact on their students’ motivation, participation and achievement. This is also known as the “Pygmalion effect.”
Movement, eye contact, voice use and facial expression can reinforce – or undermine – the meaning of spoken instructions. Well-tuned nonverbal cues increase the clarity of instructions and enhance the enjoyment of learning.
Research within pedagogy shows that nonverbal behavior influences perceptions of authority and closeness. Teachers who communicate congruently (body and voice in line with intent) are perceived as more trustworthy and approachable.
Teachers trained to recognize nonverbal signs of stress, frustration or withdrawal in students can de-escalate more quickly. This leads to less conflict and a safer learning environment.
I am Katherin Monsalves, teacher of Modern Foreign Languages (English and Spanish) with 15 years of experience in Chile, Australia and the Netherlands. My mission is clear:
Visualize what you easily miss – so you can respond to it in time.
I deepened my knowledge in nonverbal communication with a former FBI expert, and translate that knowledge into today’s classroom.
Have you been teaching for a while, and know how it works for the classroom?
Are you doing well most of the time, but are you noticing more and more that it feels busy, restless or elusive?
Do you feel like you are missing cues, or that you sometimes work harder than you need to?
So can I say something to you first?
Well done.
You’re standing there. You have impact. And you matter.
But there’s more to it.
Stand at that for a moment.
Put your feet firmly down, breathe deeply, straighten your back.
You are the leader of your class. And that is something to be proud of.
…Just enjoying it for a moment. Really.
…Ready? Then let’s move on.
Receive an email every week for 5 weeks that includes:
✅ One practical tip on nonverbal communication
✅ One assignment that you can apply immediately in your lesson
✅ More grip, calm and connection in your classroom
Start when you want. Free. At your own pace.
Bonus: Occasionally you will receive extra tips that will make your work just a little bit lighter.
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“What does your student say without words?”
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