Body Language

I knew his body language without knowing him personally. I could tell when Andre Agassi was unhappy or jubilant. I had watched him play tennis for so many years that I could read his heart by observing the inclination of his expressive eyebrows. I just loved the way he saluted his public: blowing affectionate kisses to the four corners of the court with a  bow! His body language was part of his persona and only made him more likeable.

In the same way, I know Roger Federrer's body language: his subdued mannerisms, his way of touching his frown with his finger, his composure when resting, his delightful smile when winning. I also recognise his rival Djokovitch's body language: his aggressive fist showing, the way he bounces the ball 200 times before serving to break his opponent's concentration: boing, boing, boing,boing,boing,boing....

I have seen Tiger Woods play live in two championships. When he played the Desert Classic in Dubai, I stalked him daily, for 3 to 4 hours at a time. By then I had grasped his body language. The way he strides from one hole to the next, his serious and unfazed look. I can tell
when he is disappointed with his game. I know the way he glances at spectators from the corner of his eyes.

Two concerts suffice for me to recognise Chris Martin's body language. He may be a performer but he doesn't play the act. He is himself on stage and consistently so. His dance moves, his mannerisms and his shyness facing the hordes of fans are always the same!

I am very conscious of body language. It begins with good posture. It is accompanied by close eye contact. These two elements translate into confidence. Body language is also an expression of affection, admiration and/or respect. I think that I owe the people I mix with, precise body language, to express my feelings.