Body Language

At Peter and Louise’s wedding anniversary celebrations, Peter stood up to

toast his wife and children. As he raised his glass to the family members, his

feelings for them were clear. By the way he slightly leaned forward toward his

son, Sebastian, you were able to sense the great warmth and tenderness he

held for him. As he turned to his daughter Olivia, to express his amazement

at her joyous spirit, he slightly lifted his head and tossed it back. When he

turned to gaze at his wife Louise, his eyes softened and a gentle smile played

at the sides of his mouth. He stood upright, held his arm forward, and raised

his glass high.

Figure 1-1:

These two

men are

telling us

they’re

disagreeing

about

something.

16 Part I: In the Beginning Was the Gesture

Noticing your own body language

My husband suggested that people may only

demonstrate body language when someone else

is around to see and respond to it. I found that an

interesting thought and retired to my office to

consider the implications on my own. As I sat at

my desk reflecting on what he said, I noticed I

was leaning back in my chair with my head tilted

upwards, one arm folded over my body support-

ing the elbow of my other arm. My chin was rest-

ing lightly on my thumb as my index finger gently

stroked my cheek. I couldn’t help but think of the

saying about falling trees in the forest making

noise if no one’s around to hear it.