PATNA — March 12, 2026 — The Lexicon Club, in collaboration with the Department of English at Patna Women’s College (Autonomous), hosted an insightful and interactive workshop today titled “Beyond Words: Understanding and Using Non-Verbal Communication.The session featured guest speaker Dr. Jayini Bhaumik from the Amity Institute of English Studies and Research, Amity University, Patna.
The event, moderated by student anchors Kanishtha (PG Sem II) and Soumya (UG Sem VI), delved into the intricacies of unspoken language—the subtle cues that often carry more weight than spoken words. Dr. Devina Krishna, Assistant Professor in the Department of English, introduced the guest speaker, highlighting Dr. Bhaumik’s extensive research in North-East Indian Literature and her unique perspective as a dancer, which informs her expertise in body language.
Dr. Bhaumik defined the core of non-verbal communication through the Five Pillars practically demonstrating how posture conveys power and eye contact establishes connection. The session further explored how voice qualities shift meaning, the social boundaries dictated by the language of touch, and how the use of personal space reflects underlying social hierarchies.
Moving beyond basic tips, the workshop introduced scholarly concepts to provide a deeper understanding of human interaction. Dr. Bhaumik referenced influential figures such as Erving Goffman, who viewed life as a stage, and Judith Butler, who theorized gender as a performance. To bring these theories to life, students participated in a competitive “Acting Out” game. Divided into two groups, students used non-verbal cues to perform words from chits, demonstrating how gender and power dynamics influence how we move and take up space.
The session concluded with a powerful reflection on how society dictates non-verbal norms. Dr. Bhaumik challenged the students to consider how individuals—particularly women—often “reduce” their physical presence to appear more socially acceptable. She encouraged the attendees to reclaim their space and build a confident, authentic presence.
“Communication is not limited to what we say; our gestures often speak the loudest,” Dr. Bhaumik remarked while summing up the key takeaways. The workshop ended with a vibrant Q&A session, followed by a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Shuchita Shyama (BA Sem IV).
