Name : Revit Rendra Wicaksono

Nim. : 18.1300.090

Non-Verbal communication in Australia

1. Eye Contact: Eye contact should be maintained directly as it translates sincerity,

trustworthiness and approachability. However, it is important to break eye contact
intermittently as holding it for prolonged periods can make Australians feel
uncomfortable. When talking to a group, be sure to make equal eye contact with all
people present. Conversely, Aboriginal Australians are more likely to divert their eyes
during communication. Direct eye contact can be interpreted as disrespectful or
confrontational in Indigenous cultures, especially when it is made to someone older than
one’s self. This may also apply to Australian residents from cultures in which direct eye
contact is similarly perceived.
2. Personal Space: Australians usually keep about an arm’s length distance between one
another when talking, and sometimes a little extra between men and women depending
on how well they know each other.
3. Physical Contact: People tend not to touch one another much during communication
unless they are close friends. Touching someone on the shoulder or arm to emphasise a
point is generally acceptable, but can otherwise be seen as a sexual advance. Women tend
to be more phsyically affectionate with one another than men.
4. Pointing: Australians point with their index finger, however it is considered rude to point
directly at someone. Instead, they should be indicated to verbally.
5. Obscene Gestures: Raising one’s middle finger or making the ‘V’ sign with one’s palm
facing oneself is considered very rude in Australia.
6. Beckoning: Australians beckon people by waving them over with their palm facing up.