WHAT DO YOU LOOK LIKE?

Without saying a word, we communicate volumes. Our body language reveals much about what we are thinking and feeling.

I'm not asking for a physical description. What I am asking is how do you carry yourself? What is your posture like? Slump shoulders? When you walk do you look down instead of looking straight ahead and around your area/environment?

Studies have shown that communication between two people consists less of the actual verbal exchange and more of the way what your body communicates. Research indicates that 7% of a conversation is represented by verbal communication; 38% of a conversation is represented by the tone, volume and pitch of one's voice; and 55% of a conversation is represented by facial expressions and body language.

Your body language can portray one of two things for you; helps to avoid becoming an assailant's next target or it can entice him and make you his next victim. You don't go changing a part of your personality but rather how you present yourself is exactly what is used to figure you out. Your body language indicates if you are a quick prey.

This information is not to make you paranoid or nervous; however, your body language is just another tool that can be used to heighten your level of awareness, measure your safety barrier (zone) and it defines outwardly the type of target you can be.

To determine how your body is interpreted ask your friends and family who know you very well as they will give you unbiased input. Make note of what they reveal as our demeanor is typically unconscious and being aware of how we present ourselves helps us to come across in a better way. Now that you have this insight from observation what do you do with it? Even though our body language and appearance may fluctuate with our moods, we do have a standard disposition during most of the time.

Here are a few examples of positive and negative images we may project.

Positive -

• Confident. Do you have good posture? Do you hold your shoulders back, chest out, stomach in and back straight? Do you walk with a purpose - as if you have a clear destination in mind (even if you don't)? Having a confident attitude speaks volumes.

• Self-assured. Do you smile regularly and hold your head up high? Do you have a look on your face that reflects that you "know", not one of confusion or doubt?

• Aware. Are you constantly looking around at your surroundings, noticing where you are and what is happening around you? Assailants do not generally prey on people who are paying attention.

Negative -

• Afraid. Do you look worried or scared? Do you look as though you are lost and have not idea of how to get from point A to point B?

• Distracted or inattentive. Do you look as though you are in your own little world, oblivious to your surroundings? Even by bumping into someone accidentally is indicative that your thoughts are distracted.

• Under the influence. Are you eyes bloodshot and droopy? Is your speech slurred, posture sloppy and generally out of it?

• Insecure. Are your arms crossed when you walk (like when you are really cold)? Are your eyes focused everywhere except straight ahead?

Try this........make a conscious effort. When you are out and about during your daily routine, practice positive body language. Focus on good posture and being aware of your environment. Ask your friend and family members to tell you if they notice a difference in a few weeks. You need to know this so that you become conscious of your outward appearance in public.


Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny Jacoby
A Success Survivor
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com


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