Body Language Journal: Spend 30 Minutes Observing People

Body Language Journalspend 30 Minutes Observing People In A Public Spa

Body Language Journal Spend 30 minutes observing people in a public space (subway, bus, classroom, quad, mall, etc.) and write a word journal that documents people's body language and how it reflects the points discussed in Amy Cuddy TedTalk. Questions to consider: What kinds of poses are people making? Do you see shifts in people's poses as the environment changes? Do Amy Cuddy's comments regarding gender and power poses apply in this situation? How has your focus on body language changed your perception of this situation?

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Body Language Journalspend 30 Minutes Observing People In A Public Spa

Observing human body language provides profound insights into individuals' psychological states, social interactions, and perceptions of power and confidence. During a 30-minute period spent observing people in a public spa environment, it becomes evident how body language reflects underlying emotions, social dynamics, and societal influences, as discussed by Amy Cuddy in her influential TED Talk on power posing. This journal documents various poses observed, the shifts in body language in response to environmental changes, and the influence of gender norms on body language expressions.

Initial Observations and Poses

Upon entering the spa environment, I immediately noticed a range of body language expressions. Many individuals appeared relaxed, often adopting open postures such as reclining backward, spreading limbs, or maintaining an upright, confident stance. For instance, a middle-aged man sitting with his legs crossed and arms resting on the chair's armrests exhibited a posture indicative of comfort and self-assurance. Conversely, some individuals showed closed or guarded body language, such as crossing arms tightly across the chest or avoiding eye contact, suggesting discomfort or a desire for privacy.

Poses and Environmental Changes

As the environment changed—such as the shift from a quiet corner to a more social area—some noticeable shifts in body language occurred. For example, when a group of friends engaged in lively conversation, their posture shifted from neutral to animated, with leaning forward and hand gestures emphasizing engagement. Conversely, those engaged in solitary activities like reading or resting maintained more closed, introspective postures. The presence of others seemed to influence some individuals to adopt more open or closed poses, reflecting social comfort levels.

Gender and Power Poses

Amy Cuddy's insights about gender and power poses were reflected in my observations. Men more frequently adopted expansive, open postures associated with dominance—such as feet spread wide and hands behind the head—especially when in groups or during moments of interaction. Women, on the other hand, often exhibited more compact poses, such as crossing legs or folding arms, possibly reflecting social norms related to gender roles. However, some women also displayed power poses, especially when in assertive roles or confident conversations, indicating a conscious or subconscious effort to embody authority. These observations support Cuddy’s assertion that body language can influence perceptions of power, regardless of gender.

Impact on Perception and Understanding

Focusing on body language during this observation significantly altered my perception of social interactions within this spa environment. Instead of perceiving individuals solely based on their verbal communication or appearance, I became attuned to nonverbal cues that revealed their true feelings or social positioning. Recognizing that body language often unconsciously communicates confidence or insecurity, I observed that people who took up more space and adopted expansive postures appeared more confident, which correlated with their social interactions. Conversely, those exhibiting closed postures seemed more reserved or less engaged, highlighting how body language can influence social dynamics and personal confidence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 30-minute observation underscored the significance of body language as a powerful communicator, aligning with Amy Cuddy's TED Talk on power poses. The shifts in posture based on environmental cues and social context illustrated how body language reflects internal states and societal expectations. Understanding these cues enhances empathy and communication, emphasizing that body language is a vital aspect of human interaction that can be consciously utilized to influence perceptions and interactions positively.

References

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