Just like the finch flaps its wings faster than the gliding eagle, peple of
different backgrounds move differently. For example, Weserners used to the
wide-open plains stand farther from each other. Easterners, systematically
sardined into subways and crowded busses, stand closer. Asian Americans
make modest movements. Italian Americans make massive ones.
At teatime, the finishing-school set genuflects and gracefully lowers
derrieres onto the sofa. When the ladies reach for a cup, they hold the
saucer in one hand and the cup in the other, pinkie ever so slightly
extended. Folks who never finished any manners school make a fanny dive
in the middle of the sofa and clutch the cup with both hands.
Is one right? Is the other wrong? No. However, top commnicators know
when doing business with a derriere-dipping pinkie extender or a fanny-
plopping, two-fisted mug grabber, they darn well should do the same.
People feel comfortable around people who move just like they do.
I have a friend who travels the country giving an outrageous seminar
called How to Marry the Rich. Genie was once in a Las Vegas casino when
a television reporter asked if she could tell the real rich from the great
pretenders.
173
Of course, Genie answered.
All right, challenged the reporter. Who is the wealthiest man in this
room? Convened at the next table were three men in tailored suits
(Hayward of Mayfair, London, no doubt), hanmade shirts (Charvet of Place
Vend™me in Paris, no doubt), and sipping scotch (single-malt Laphroaig
from the Scottish island of Islay, no doubt). The reporter, naturally, assumed
Genie would choose one of these likely candidates.
Instead, with the scrutiny of a hunting dog, Genies eyes scanned the
room. Like a trained basset hound, she instinctively pointed a long red
fingernail at a fellow in torn jeans at a corner table. She murmured, Hes
very rich.
Flabbergasted, the reporter asked Genie, How can you tell?
He moves like old money, she said. You see, Genie went on to explain,
theres moving like old money. Theres moving like new money. And theres
moving like no money. Genie could tell the unlikely chap in the corner was
obviously sitting on big assets and all because of the way he moved.
Technique #44
Be a Copyclass
ooja
(Ooja)
#1