[nagdu] Body language

[Julie J]

I agree with everything you've said.    I'll write back to the list with 
what I learn.  I think that our body language could be another useful tool 
in dealing with access issues.  At least it can't hurt. *smile*

Julie


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lisa Irving" <lirving1234 at cox.net>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 10:36 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Body language


> Yeah Julie, there's a lot to be said about body language. That's why 70% 
> of what we discern from conversations comes from our body language. When 
> you've completed the workshop, I'd really appreciate it if you'd contact 
> me off line. I really want to know as much as I can about body language.
>
> These are some body language movements I've received feedback on. Looking 
> down in sighted society is read as lack of self confidence. Looking at the 
> person; in the direction of their voice and just a tad above, shows 
> assertiveness, self confidence and interest in what the other person is 
> saying. Many years ago a secretary ripped into me because I didn't look in 
> her direction when she spoke to me. She wrongly accused me of being rude. 
> Blank stares and not much facial expression is perceived as depressed, 
> stormy and odd. In social situations such as the women's Bible study I 
> attend, I try to have an inviting smile. I "gaze" around the room. I'm not 
> sure if it makes a difference. I figure it beats looking like I often 
> feel; that is, left out, alone is a sea of chatty and friendly folks, a 
> bit alienated too. My mother harped at me about pulling my shoulders back 
> and standing straight. I later learned not only did she care about my 
> posture, she also recognized how odd blind and visually impaired 
> individuals look when we look at the ground. In my case I used to do that 
> because I was straining to see. Speaking of straining to see, I had a very 
> fruitful conversation with a supervisor a few years ago. She was bent 
> because she thought I arched my eye brows in disapproval. I explained to 
> her that some visually impaired folks do this because we're straining to 
> see. She found the explanation helpful. Her feedback has helped me to be 
> cognizant about not arching my eye brows. She was also quite upset with me 
> because when I placed my hand on my hip and leaned forward on my foot, she 
> perceived me as being defiant. Finally, I was involved in the production 
> of an inclusion video a few years back. The videographer spent more time 
> than any of us planned coaching me on not whipping my head so fast when I 
> looked toward some one. I try to slowly; not exaggerated, turn my head to 
> one side. He gave me feedback on other things I was doing that looked out 
> of place. All of this has been quite helpful.
>
> When I'm not glaring or scowling I find people are receptive to helping or 
> interacting with me.
>
> Lisa and Bernie
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Julie J" <julielj at neb.rr.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 10:16 AM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Beyond the Obvious...How Does Your Guide Assist You?
>
>
>> Yup,  I was in the pharmacy yesterday picking up meds for Kiddo and the 
>> cashier asks me where Monty is.  I haven't been in there in months, but 
>> she always remembers Monty's name.  I'm really tempted to ask if she 
>> remembers my name, which she doesn't because I've never told her, but so 
>> far I've remained polite.
>>
>> I don't mind casual conversations about the dog while I'm standing in 
>> line, riding the elevator or sitting in a waiting room somewhere.  It's 
>> idle conversation that passes the time.  I do get severely annoyed when 
>> I'm trying to conduct some sort of business and the person  keeps getting 
>> distracted by the dog.
>>
>> I can't think of a single conversation about the dog that has resulted in 
>> some sort of long term business acquaintance or other beneficial 
>> relationship.  Mostly people seem to want their curiosity satisfied and 
>> then we part ways never to meet again.
>>
>> I'm taking this workshop on body language next month.  I'm very curious 
>> to see how body language might affect approachability.  I wonder if that 
>> might be part of the reason that some guide dog handlers are approached 
>> more often, offered more help or experience more access issues.  I think 
>> there are a lot of factors that figure into the equation, but body 
>> language might be one way we could steer the situation into an agreeable 
>> direction.  it will be interesting.
>>
>> Julie
>>
>>
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>
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