The Hindu Business Line : Body language says it all

Like the face and eyes, the body has a language of its own, which is a mirror to one's state of mind. Politicians, film stars, sportspersons and models, who know the importance of body language, use it to their maximum advantage.

When the President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharaf, arrived in New Delhi for the Agra Summit, the media went in a frenzy analysing his body language. One news channel even hired the services of a `specialist' to evaluate every move of the President — from the wave of the hand to the way he walked.

Was the cold handshake with Vajpayee symbolic of his displeasure with India? Did he convey a hidden anxiety when he smiled wryly at Advani? Was his joviality at the Pakistani High Commissioner's tea party contrived?

Almost an hour of TV time was devoted to the subject even as some print journalists made their own judgments. So, when the Summit failed, there was a round of chest-thumping by body language `experts'.

Not too long ago, former Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin too came under the body language microscope. Many experts called him un-inspirational. His penchant for biting nails during crunch situations, scratching his head and looking skywards were all passed off by some body linguists as traits of negative mentality.

"Body language can reveal a person's inner-most thoughts," says Shekhar Prakash, an `expert' on the subject. "You don't have to say things verbally, your body does all the talking.''

Is there any truth in these observations? Does body language give away traits of one's personality? Yes, say experts. Even a simple gesture can sometimes be a complete giveaway of a person's thought process.

"As the name suggests, there's nothing verbal about body language. Like our face and eyes, our entire body has a language of its own. It instantly tells you about the state of mind of a person,'' says Dr Aruna Broota, clinical psychologist at the Department of Psychology, Delhi University.

Special bonding

Every person has a distinct body language that is different from others. Even children convey messages through gesticulations. "The deaf and the dumb are able to communicate their likes and dislikes through their body language. It is the first language that develops a bonding between mother and the infant,'' opines Dr Broota.

Some simple examples of body language can be seen in day-to-day life. When a senior person enters a room, a junior or subordinate usually gets up as a mark of respect. On the other hand, an elder or a boss is sometimes seen patting a junior on the head or shoulder to show appreciation.

Body language is considered vital by image consultants. "It can greatly enhance the personality of a person," says Tini Christina De Buccourt De Anchordoqui, well-known image consultant and wife of Urguyan Ambassador to India, Enrique Anchordoqui.

"When people converse, body language forms as high as 60 per cent of the communication. The remaining is divided between voice and intellect," she says and adds, "To enhance the effect of your communication, you must enhance body language."

The stars know

Models and film stars are well aware of the important role played by body language — which includes the right pose, a balanced voice and a confident gait.

Says Annie Thomas, Miss India World 1998, "Body language is one of the most vital features in a successful model's career be it walking on the ramp or posing in front of a camera. You can achieve double success by correct gestures.''

She says that on the ramp a model has to compete with a dozen others. "That's where it helps a great deal. People keenly notice a model's composure, ease and poise which all come from body language," says Annie, who is also the Vice-President of Poise Events and Entertainment.

In sports, a wrong gesture can demotivate the entire team and can lead to match losses. Fast bowlers such as Glenn McGrath, Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram are known to bamboozle batsmen as much by their deliveries as by their glares and stares. Killer instinct is shown both in performance as by body language. Sporting a bandanna, smearing the face with paints can have a debilitating effect on the opponent.

Cricket is not the only sport where body language has come to play an important role in a team's scheme of things. Other sports such as football and tennis too have started giving due importance to mental preparation. Clinical psychologists have become an integral part of many teams' preparation before any event.

Perfect giveaway

"Body language has acquired greater importance because of television cameras. Today, a lot more is visible on the field,'' opines Harsha Bhogle, Commentator, ESPN Star Sports.

"It is a good snapshot of what is going on in a sportsperson's mind. It's a perfect giveaway of the personality of a player and also indicates whether he or she is in control of things.''

Sourav Ganguly, who has on occasions been reprimanded for his actions on the field, knows a thing or two about body language. According to Bhogle, he is the best skipper India has had in many years. "After a long time, we have got an aggressive man leading India. He can easily intimidate the opposition with his gestures.''

Even politicians know the art of body language. But the art, so well perfected by western politicians, is not much in evidence in Indians.

However, the new generation of leaders such as Union Law Minister Arun Jaitely and CPI-M politburo member, Sitaram Yechurey, are more aware of it.

Says Jaitley, "Though western leaders like British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former US President Bill Clinton know the vital role body language plays, in India, politicians do not generally pay heed to it.

They don't realise it can make a leader so much more acceptable to the public and the media.''

Sitaram Yechury says that body language in politics stems from the conviction of a leader. If conviction is based on weak premise, then body language can fall apart.

"Whether it is a politician or a film star, model or a sportsperson, the importance of body language is immense in these times when TV cameras are waiting to capture every gesture and nuance,'' Dr Brooto.

So, the next time you see a person waving his or her hands wildly or scratching the head or biting nails or even rubbing the eyes, he or she could be conveying something.

All you've got to do is to learn to catch the signal so that you know the hidden meaning behind what people are saying.

Methods to enhance body language

Meet the eye i.e. make an eye contact while speaking.

Face the person directly while speaking.

Always listen to the other person's viewpoint by nodding your head in approval.

Do not narrow your eyes or grimace while talking to someone.

A pat on the shoulder does it all. Or if culture permits, a hug will also do the trick.

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