23 October 2006

Language And Such

Being Malaysian, speaking more than 1 language is the norm. I speak English, Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, and a bit of Hokkien. I once attended a course on sign language, never practiced though. I'm also taking Jap class now, for business (and hopefully leisure/pleasure) reasons. And of course, vulgarities can be a whole other language on its own. Being able to cuss in all the above languages in just one breath, I consider myself a pro!

I recently chanced upon an article on social behaviour. One interesting topic which really caught my attention was body language. For guys who want to leave a good first impression on a gal... try the following:

  1. Eye Contact
    Most of us are too shy to openly check out the hot gal sitting across the room. The norm would include stealing glimpses through the corners of our eyes, or by using the reflection on a coincidentally strategically placed window/mirror hanging somewhere in the room. And what do we do when she notices? Look away as quick as possible and put on an innocent face, as if we were minding our own business the entire time. COME ON! As if she doesn't know!

    Tip: If you think she's hot, and she notices you looking... make eye contact and hold it until she shies and looks away. And if she doesn't shy and look away, give a friendly smile! If you're comfortable enough, wink even! This shows that you're confident and comfortable in the presence of beautiful women... and not the chicken shits that most guys are. And don't forget to go over and seal the deal... get her number/email la!
  2. Posture
    Yes posture! Men who women want don't walk lazily dragging their feet; they don't slouch; they don't walk with their eyes glued to the floor two feet in front of each step as though dying to find a penny. Many of us have our own styles of standing, sitting, walking, etc. Try to be conscious of the kind of posture you have, and ask yourself whether your posture exhibits strength & confidence.

    Tip: Hold yourself authoritatively... like you're the most powerful being around. Suck in your 3-month-pregnant tummy. Hold your head back, chin up, shoulders back, back arched... yea, like in the army. You think women like men in uniform solely because of the uniform?! It's all about power & authority! Fixing your posture is sure to be hard at first, but you'll live... and it'll soon be very natural.
  3. Gestures & Movements
    Some guys tend to be very animated and 'alive'. Giggling & laughing at your own jokes is a definite no. And laughing louder than the whole room put together is also a no. Swaying your body from left to right nonstop - no. Control your hand movements and gestures to avoid looking like some traffic police officer. And don't fidget.

    Tip: Move slowly. Walk a slower, comfortable pace. Any arm and body movements which are necessary, do it slow. Basically, you want to communicate that you're comfy, and just chilling... not an overzealous kid jumping up and down waiting to get on a themepark ride. But don't over-do the slowness and wind up looking like some street performer miming words & verbs.
  4. Speech & Conversation
    Your most important tool of communication requires just as much attention. Like all the above, speak slowly, speak confidently. Nervous people have the tendency to 'chase trains' when they talk. And don't let the occasional awkward silence bother you. If you really don't have anything better to say, don't say anything. If she's being quiet, tease her about it. Make the conversation fun. Don't start talking about marriage & growing old together, unless you're really good at joking about such stuff. Talking about your stamp collection or how you adore Jessica Alba isn't going to impress her either, unless she's into the same stuff.

    Tip: Speak with a lower, deeper voice. If you know how to, add more bass to your voice. Speak slowly, and learn how to use subtle but not obvious pauses to create anticipation and raise her excitement. Pick safe conversation topics, like friends & family, social activities, gossip, etc. Avoid politics & religion.

So far, that's what I've learnt. I have to admit that I don't practice all of it, but I'm probably not far off judging by my track record with gals. Will definitely try to use the stuff above now that I understand it better. Anyone else got any good tips to share?

2 comments:

Hengster said...

use your skill and bring a girl for lunch today kay..

Mervyn said...

sorry, too many events in the day. couldn't afford to bring company. Will do next round. ;)