Instead we need to plan direct instruction, practice, trials in social settings with feedback, and structured guidance systems to teach nonverbal communication. Instruction begins with learning to read the body talk of other individuals by looking at pictures, videos, clips from TV shows, or live observations and progresses to learning to speak this language. They may role play an individual and practice varying responses with changing contexts. In the Mirror Game, one individual is asked to model the other's expression and body language. This activity works well when the pair are in the center of the circle and given positive support by the rest of the group.
Students can practice reading body language by watching TV with the sound turned down.
Every few minutes, they can turn up the sound and see if their interpretations of the interactions were correct. For example, watching soap operas with the sound off would be an opportunity to make guesses about characters' relationships and intents from nonverbal expressions. Another activity that can increase awareness is videotaping themselves and analyzing their own use of nonverbal gestures. These activities work best in small groups that include some peers who are skilled readers of body language. They are most successful when there is an atmosphere of fun and flexibility.