Like many of you, I am hooked on Chief Inspector Gemache stories by Louise Penny. People seem to get murdered at a pretty brisk rate in Quebec, especially in and around Three Pines, where the stories take place. Penny is a good story teller, and Gemache's character draws the reader in, sharing in his interviews with all the suspects in any particular situation as he sorts through the truths they tell, and the lies, getting at the underlying motivations for murder, to find the murderer.
As I was considering our topic for Friday's meeting (tomorrow!!) I was thinking about how Gemache notices all the little nuances of facial expression, voice intonation, hesitations, voice volumes, etc., as he asks his questions and the suspects answer them. He assesses each answer as being true or not, based on these clues, subtle and silent. Sifting through them, ultimately he will find the killer, and will bring the killer to justice (usually after a complete confession as well, by the way).
It occurred to me that this is really the basis of the connections we feel when we meet together in person. Communicating in writing is too formal and you get very little in the way of body language "tells" when all you see are the words. Video is better since we can see each other's faces and hear their voices, but there is still a frame around the connection making it more like TV than person-to-person. Only when we are together, sharing the same space, can we get the full picture of each other, the complete sights and sounds, shuffling feet, tapping fingers, faint smells and sounds that only personal closeness can impart.
In the Gemache series I am reading "The Beautiful Mystery" which takes place in an Abbey where 24 monks live (now 23), singing their faith as Gregorian Chants, while under a Vow of Silence. In this environment where the spoken word is not allowed, gestures and facial expressions take the place of words, magnifying their meanings and importance. Will Gemache get to the bottom of the murder? I hope so.
<Des> What is body language, and should we trust what we think we learn from it?
<Bard> Body language is a form of nonverbal communication that involves the use of physical behaviors to convey information. These behaviors can include facial expressions, eye contact, posture, gestures, and the use of space. Body language can be used to express emotions, convey messages, and establish relationships.
It is important to note that body language can be ambiguous and can be interpreted in different ways by different people. For example, a smile can be interpreted as a sign of happiness, but it can also be interpreted as a sign of nervousness or deception. It is important to consider the context in which body language is being used when interpreting it.
There are a number of benefits to understanding body language. For example, it can help you to:
- Understand the emotions of others: Body language can be a powerful tool for understanding the emotions of others. For example, if someone is avoiding eye contact and fidgeting, they may be feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
- Build stronger relationships: Body language can help you to build stronger relationships with others. For example, making eye contact and smiling can show that you are interested in what someone is saying.
- Be more persuasive: Body language can help you to be more persuasive. For example, standing up straight and making eye contact can make you appear more confident and credible.
While there are many benefits to understanding body language, it is important to remember that it should not be used as the sole basis for interpreting someone's thoughts or feelings. It is important to consider the context in which body language is being used and to combine it with other forms of communication, such as verbal cues and tone of voice.
Here are some tips for interpreting body language:
- Pay attention to the whole body: Don't just focus on one part of the body. Look at the person's entire body language to get a better sense of what they are communicating.
- Consider the context: Body language can be interpreted differently in different contexts. For example, a smile can be interpreted as a sign of happiness in a social setting, but it can also be interpreted as a sign of nervousness in a job interview.
- Be aware of your own biases: We all have our own biases when it comes to interpreting body language. For example, if you have had a negative experience with someone who is fidgeting, you may be more likely to interpret fidgeting as a sign of deception. Be aware of your own biases and try to interpret body language objectively.
With a little practice, you can learn to interpret body language and use it to your advantage in your personal and professional life. <end Bard>
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