Body Language

If you’ve ever been kept waiting, whether for an appointment, a date, or even

a response to an e-mail, you know how annoying it is. Keeping to schedule

and being punctual is more than a demonstration of good manners; it’s a

reflection of your core values. It demonstrates how you feel about and treat

other people.

In some cultures, such as India and Saudi Arabia, being kept waiting would

not be an issue. It is even expected. But in Western culture we’re obsessed

with time.

If you’re habitually late, consider the impact of your behaviour. Don’t be sur-

prised if people consider you to be a bit of a flake, if not rude and selfish.

Although you may think that arriving at a dinner party ‘fashionably late’ is

appealing, the host whose soufflé depends on precise timing won’t be

thrilled.

Synchronising Your Gestures .....................................................................

For successful communication to take place, your actions and gestures in

face-to-face encounters with others need to be synchronised. Watch people

as they speak and you see how their bodies move in a rhythmic pattern,

Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Reveal Your Attractiveness 275

Lookin’ good

Attractive people take pride in their appear-

ance. They know what clothes look good on

them and which ones they should give to the

charity shops. You don’t have to spend copious

amounts of money to make yourself attractive.

Start by being clean and well groomed. See that

your hair is washed and styled to suit you. Are

your fingernails clean and trimmed? Do you visit

the dentist regularly? Are your clothes and

shoes in good repair? How you present yourself

reflects how you feel about yourself. If you don’t

take the time and effort to present yourself at

your best, don’t expect to be seen as an attrac-

tive individual.

If in doubt about what colours and shapes

suit you best, treat yourself to a session with a

personal stylist who can guide you when your

friends, family, and your own personal taste take

you down the wrong path.

If you’re physically out of shape, do something

about it now. Life’s short. Not only are you going

to look better, you’re going to feel better as well.

You don’t have to join an expensive gym or

health club, although if that works for you, do it.

You don’t have to invest in lots of fancy kit to do

stomach crunches, though a good pair of run-

ning shoes is vital if you’re heading off for a jog.

What you do need to do is find what works for

you, commit to a plan, and stick with it. Fat and

flabby isn’t healthy or attractive.