Communication is more than just words. In fact, research suggests that over 70% of communication is non-verbal[1]. That means your posture, facial expressions, eye contact, and gestures are just as important—if not more—than what you say. That’s why it is important to instil in kids from a young age the social skills which not only include the verbal but also the non-verbal aspect of communication. Just imagine how much of a saviour that would have been if you knew it all along that communicating with somebody is an art, and the earlier you learn it, the better you become at it. So, if you’re looking to improve your child’s interactions or even your own in social, academic, or professional settings, this post might just be for you. Here, I have curated a list of various exercises that you can journal every day in the form of a social skills workbook. Body language is one very important aspect of communication, and mastering it can be a game-changer.
In this post, we’ll explore the importance of body language as a core social skill, provide you with a practical exercise, and share tips that you can use immediately to strengthen your communication.
Why Focus on Body Language?
Body language is a universal form of communication. Even a baby who has not learnt to speak uses gestures and expressions to connect with others. Now, if the same body language can be taught be used in a more conscious way it can turn out to be a game changer for kids. They will have an easier time making new friends, impressing someone during a job interview, or resolving a conflict because, whether we like it or not, others’ behaviour towards us is largely dominated by their perception of us.
So, poor body language—like avoiding eye contact, slouching, or crossing arms—can send the wrong message. On the flip side, open, confident, and responsive body language can instantly build trust and rapport.
In this simple social skills workbook, we have included body language exercises that help children(as well as adults) become more self-aware and intentional in their interactions. This not only enhances their relationships but also boosts their self-confidence.
Key Components of Body Language
To develop body language awareness through this social skills workbook, you can cue kids on the following points so that they slowly try to integrate these things in their social interactions with others:
1. Eye Contact
Making eye contact signals attention, interest, and honesty. Too little may appear evasive; too much can feel intimidating.
Tip: Maintain natural eye contact for 3–5 seconds at a time. Look away briefly before reconnecting.
2. Posture
An upright posture communicates confidence and attentiveness, while slouching may signal disinterest or insecurity.
Tip: Stand or sit straight with your shoulders back. Avoid closed-off postures like crossing your arms.
3. Facial Expressions
Your face should match your message. Smiling when discussing something positive and showing concern when someone shares a problem are both signs of empathy.
Tip: Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself. Match your expressions to different emotions.
4. Gestures
Hand movements can add energy and emphasis to your words, but should not be distracting.
Tip: Use open hand gestures that complement what you’re saying. Avoid fidgeting or repetitive motions.
5. Proximity and Personal Space
Respect for personal space differs across cultures, but is important in all interactions.
Tip: Keep about 1–2 feet of distance in casual conversations unless you’re close with the person.
Exercise: Mirror, Record, Reflect
This powerful activity can be done in just 15–20 minutes a day and is a staple for any good social skills workbook.
🔄 Step-by-Step: The Body Language Check-In
- Pick a Topic
Choose a simple topic to talk about—for example, “My weekend” or “A movie I liked.” - Record Yourself
Use your phone or webcam to record a 1-minute video of you talking about the topic. Focus on being natural and expressive. - Watch and Reflect
After recording, review your video and ask:- Did I smile?
- Was I making natural gestures?
- Did I look at the camera (or mirror)?
- Was my posture open or closed?
- Write Observations
Next, jot down:- 3 things you did well
- 2 things you’d like to improve
- 1 action step for your next practice session
- Repeat Daily or Weekly
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s awareness and progress. Doing this consistently will build muscle memory and social confidence.
Social Skills Workbook Tips: Building Better Body Language Daily
Here are a few daily micro-practices you can encourage your children to incorporate into their routine:
✅ Greeting Practice
Make it a habit to greet someone each day with eye contact, a smile, and a confident “Hello!”
🧍 Posture Reminders
Place sticky notes on your mirror or desk that say, “Sit Tall” or “Open Shoulders.”
📸 Photo Feedback
Take a candid photo during a conversation or meeting and evaluate your body language afterwards. Let them evaluate it, or you can do it for them, but remember to be gentle. Ask them questions like: Did your posture look confident? Were you engaged? and nudge them gently towards the right direction.
💬 Mirror Talk
Before a social event, rehearse a few greetings or small talk questions in front of the mirror using your best body language.
Using a Social Skills Workbook for Young Children
A social skills workbook for younger learners might include:
- Drawing faces with different emotions
- Matching gestures to situations
- Role-playing “good” and “bad” posture
- Playing charades with body language only
Adding games, illustrations, and stickers can make learning more interactive and fun.
Printable Journal Prompts for Social Skills Workbook
These prompts can help kids to deepen their self-reflection , boost their self confidence and strengthen their belief that they can handle any social interactions by themselves:
- “How does my body language change when I’m nervous?”
- “One way I showed confidence today was…”
- “When I feel shy, I notice I…”
- “One thing I want to try tomorrow is…”
You can print these prompts and add them to their social skills workbook as a weekly tracker.
Final Thoughts
Improving body language is one of the most impactful and achievable ways to boost your communication skills. A well-designed social skills workbook can help anyone, whether a kid who is taking steps into the world of social interactions or an adult looking to improve their social skills, in improving their confidence and social presence. It helps in getting an edge during societal events, which can help to improve personal relationships as well. Keeping a social workbook on body interactions helps in tracking the improvements and journaling the whole journey easily. For kids, it helps them to adapt these skills easily from a young age, which even adults struggle with. And if you are an adult, then remember that it’s never too late to start. So, dip your toes into the world of communication and start journaling your progress through your own personal social skills workbook.
Remember: Change doesn’t happen overnight—but consistent effort pays off. Every confident smile, eye contact, and open gesture brings you one step closer to mastering social interaction.