The body has a language all its own. This is a language the body's occupant can't always hear or understand even though they are the ones "talking". This language can enhance or detract from the spoken language.
An erect station and graceful gait imply confidence which no words could say more forcefully. On the other hand, a slumped, slouchy body could indicate all kinds of negative things from low self esteem to some kind of health problem. In almost all cases, a correct station (often mistakenly called "posture") and gait are habits rather than physical.
Facial expressions, hand and body gestures all contribute to adding special meaning to the words being spoken. Although these could conceivably be learned, most are natural expressions and are influenced by the sentiment behind the words. Anyone who talks without some kind of gestures is repressed, insincere, without passion or paralyzed. I know that most Italians can replace a whole paragraph with a fist, several fingers or an elbow. Gestures are the equivalent, in some cases, of punctuation marks.
Body language is read by others but "spoken" by you. Just as you might try to improve your vocabulary by practice, working on your station, gait and gestures will make you a better communicator and, believe it or not, feel better. Give it a shot.
An erect station and graceful gait imply confidence which no words could say more forcefully. On the other hand, a slumped, slouchy body could indicate all kinds of negative things from low self esteem to some kind of health problem. In almost all cases, a correct station (often mistakenly called "posture") and gait are habits rather than physical.
Facial expressions, hand and body gestures all contribute to adding special meaning to the words being spoken. Although these could conceivably be learned, most are natural expressions and are influenced by the sentiment behind the words. Anyone who talks without some kind of gestures is repressed, insincere, without passion or paralyzed. I know that most Italians can replace a whole paragraph with a fist, several fingers or an elbow. Gestures are the equivalent, in some cases, of punctuation marks.
Body language is read by others but "spoken" by you. Just as you might try to improve your vocabulary by practice, working on your station, gait and gestures will make you a better communicator and, believe it or not, feel better. Give it a shot.
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