Taking a rain day off from the never ending Old People's Down Sizing Project, I have spent the day watching footage of Our President on the world stage.
In my past life I was a generalist in the field of Cognition. One of the things that has always interested me is the messages we send with our body language. People who cross their arms over their chest can generally be seen a defensive, fearful, or protective of their personal space, as a simple example.
I have long been pleased at the messages President Obama sends with his body language. We all know of his loping, slow walk, looking around at everything in his field of view and flashing that brilliant smile, as conveying ease, control, and a quick humor.
Wikipedia describes disambiguation as:
Body language is a term for communication using body movements or gestures instead of, or in addition to, sounds, verbal language or other communication. It forms part of the category of paralanguage, which describes all forms of human communication that are not verbal language. This includes the most subtle of movements that many people are not aware of, including winking and slight movement of the eyebrows. In addition body language can also incorporate the use of facial expressions.
Although they call for experts to work on the entry, the basic definition is generally agreed on.
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Some of us have commented on his obviously close relationship with Ms. Obama. The hand holding, head cocked in an attentive way, and the constant exchange of conversational bits as they walk. The President also allows Ms. Obama to exit any vehicle in which they are riding, first. This display of self confidence allows her to take the stage first, and underwrites his self-assured view of his role.
But watching Mr. Obama interact with the leaders of the world is revelatory.
He steps back. He waits for others to proceed. He quietly takes the arm of any woman in the immediate vicinity in a manner that was once though of as gentlemanly. He never forces a hand shake but waits until a hand is extended. He looks directly at the face of anyone he is addressing.
Barack Obama displays the traits of those born to the purple. Never rude. Always aware of those around him. Supremely confident of his role and feeling no need to push himself forward.
His public manners are representative of those of the most high status Japanese. It is the highest status person who bows the most deeply. It is the highest status person who is most self effacing. It is the highest status person who realizes that real power does not need to be openly displayed.
No matter if learned in later life, or bred in the bones, the traits of real self-confidence, grace, and a courtly manner are powerful tools of international diplomacy. They command the stage and demand attention by capturing the attention of everyone.
We's got's ourselves a real winner here, kids.
(I deleted a duplicate paragraph that snuck in when my fingers were turned!)
With a big Hat tip to Tithonai, who provided a TPM photo montage of the President meeting the Queen.