Body language (Part 2)

Now, lets us take a look at how to apply body language to help ourselves in life.

Generally speaking, for most people the sense that is used the most to tell us about other people and the surroundings is sight. We often judge other people from a single look, which is where the expression "love at first sight" comes from.

As a proof that we judge people by first sight instantly, tell me now, which of the following two people would you consider for a date?


























See my point exactly.

The next sense we use the most is hearing, as we communicate primarily by speaking. So having a good voice is very important. Great leaders like Abraham Lincoln tend to have powerful and clear voices, making people feel "oh this guy is the commander". So, if you want to be a great leader, try not to have a squeaky voice. Yes even if you have one you can change it through training.

If Abraham Lincoln had a voice like Bugs Bunny, I don't think he would have been president.



Now, a sense which we often tend to overlook is touch. Touch is the most primal, and in some ways most powerful of all the five senses. The skin is after all the largest sense organ of our body.

Mothers convey their caring to their babies by hugging them. Even God passed the spark of life to Adam by a touch of the finger.



It is scientifically proven that people tend to feel more positive emotions to those who touch them (appropriately of course).

So, how do we use this?

To a member of the opposite sex, touch lightly on the arm to flirt with them. Of course you have to be natural about it.

This is natural. It's the right way to do it.



This is unnatural. It creeps people out.



And to a friend of the same sex, a pat on the back or shoulder shows empathy and friendship.
Here we have an American football player patting his teammate on the back after losing a game. It conveys the sense of "team" so well.



Now if he patted the backside, the feeling would be rather different.



Finally, I will give the most inappropriate example of using touch.

In a mamak stall near my house, there is this waiter who loves to touch people. After he takes my order, he will squeeze my shoulder lightly as he goes away. Occasionally he strokes my back while coming, which is even worse because I don't have time to brace myself psychologically.

His touch has diminished my enjoyment of my Milo Ice!!!