Using Body Language to Create bleivable Characters....

[khadar-yare]

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Using Body Language to create Believable

 

 

Have you ever had a “Gut†feeling about someone? You meet someone and a little voice says: "I like him†or “I don’t trust herâ€. Have you ever wondered why you formed that immediate opinion?

 

Body language plays a big role in intuition as it gives us messages about the other person that we can interpret at an intuitive level. We are always communicating verbally and nonverbally.

 

To make a good impression, it is important to understand that you are always communicating through body language, whether it is intentional or not. Studies done in the field indicate that:

 

•55% of the communication consists of body language,

•38% is expressed through tone of voice (paralanguage) and

only

•7% is communicated through words. (1)

 

As a writer, you can use the body language of your character to convey a great deal of information.

 

There are four types of body language to be aware of: facial expression, including eye contact, gestures, posture and space relationship.

 

1. Facial Expressions including eye contact - “Darwin believed that facial expressions of emotion are similar among humans, regardless of culture.†However, researchers now believe “our non verbal language is partly instinctive, partly taught and partly imitative.†(1) There are some universal facial expressions; a smile, a frown, a scowl, however, there are many more nonverbal messages that are learned and may be unique to specific cultures.

 

Eye contact is direct and powerful. The eyes are always talking. A poet and writer of 19th-century France wrote, ‘Eyes are so transparent, that through them, one sees the soul.’ Nothing builds trust and rapport as effectively as eye contact. (2) The use of eye contact varies significantly from culture to culture. In some regions, direct eye contact may be considered insulting or challenging. In the United States, direct eye contact is often considered a sign of trustworthiness. So, if your character is American, regular, attentive eye contact would convey honesty, straight forwardness and/or approachability. However, a hard, unblinking stare will send a much different message.

 

2. Gestures - can be used purposefully to emphasis meaning. Fidgeting shows boredom and restlessness. Pressing fingers together to form a steeple shows interests, assertiveness and determination. Touching the nose or rubbing eyes indicates discomfort, or it may even be a signal that your character is not being completely honest. A hand to the back of the neck may indicate withdrawal from a conversation.

 

3. Posture - The way people hold themselves gives important information. Body posture can be closed or open. Interested people always pay attention and lean forward. Leaning backwards demonstrates aloofness or rejection. A firm handshake will give the impression of assertiveness or honesty, too firm can seem arrogant or challenging. Folding arms across your chest or body is protective and will give the impression of a character who’s closed, guarded and defensive. People with arms folded, legs crossed and bodies turned away are signaling that they are rejecting messages. People showing open hands, both feet planted on the ground are accepting. A head held straight up signals a neutral attitude. A head tilted to the side indicates interest. A head down is negative and judgmental.

 

4. Space - Dr. Edward T Hall, a professor of anthropology at Northwestern University, coined the phrase “Proxemics†to describe his theories about zones and territory and how we use them. There are four distinct zones in which most people operate, including: intimate distance, personal distance, social distance and public distance. The cultural influence on spatial relationships is significant. “How we guard our zones and how we aggress to other zones is an integral part of how we relate to other people.†(1)

 

“The orientation of speakers and listeners: face-to-face, side to side, or back-to-back, can send powerful non-verbal messages. In a group situation, when the leader faces the group and turns toward the one who is speaking, this conveys strong attention. When two people are communicating, competitors are more likely to sit facing each other while collaborators are more likely to sit side-by-side. If one stands while the other is sitting, the standing person may be sending dominance signals, which can stifle free exchange of ideas.†(2)

 

You now understand different types of body language and you may be able to incorporate body language into your writing to make your characters come alive on the page.

 

.to be continue... insha'alah

[khadar-yare]

If you're a straight guy - and you give her the time of day and walk away, you REALLY need to learn more about BODY LANGUAGE

 

 

Okay, now women.

 

This guy walks up to you slowly, keeps his eyes on you, then says, "Excuse me. Do you know where I can mail a letter around here?"

 

You think he's desperate to find a post office?

 

Think about it. He's smiling openly and approaching slowly with his head tilted. Hallooo!

Offer to show him the way - walk with him -especially if it's a few blocks away!

 

Think. Always be ready and aware! You never know when the perfect opportunity might be standing there in front of you.

That's WHY understanding body language can REALLY pump up your love life!

 

NOW TAKE A QUIZ. And fine out what you are really saying with your body language...

 

 

1- YOU ARE IN MIDDLE OF AN ARGUMENT AND GETTING VERY ANGRY. WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR ARMS?

 

A) WAVING THEM WIDELY

B) HOLDING THEM AT YOUR SIDES

C) THEY ARE CROSSED

 

 

2- YOU'RE IN A JOB INTERVIEW AND ALL OF SUDDEN, THINGS GET VERY QUIET.. WHAT DO YOU DO?

 

A)-ask the interviewer a bunch of questions

b)-Show and/or discuss another example of your past work

c) stare back at the interviewer, waiting for them to proceed

 

 

3- YOU ARE ON A FIRST DATE, TELLING A FUNNY STORY, YOU ARE LOOKING..

 

a)- in their ayes - the whole tim

b)- in the general direction of your date

c)- down at your own plate of food or ur body.

 

.............................to be continue