Tuesday, January 29, 2013

W.D.S.: Whispers & Subtle Movements

Haley Scholars Spring 2013 Reading Groups

By Cindy Lyles 

Malcolm Gladwell’s essay “What the Dog Saw” gives a glimpse into the life of “the dog whisperer,” skilled dog trainer Cesar Millan and his techniques for mollifying and molding even the most unruly of dogs. Experts who studied Millan’s interactions with dogs concluded that his success with animals was based on his calculated “phrasing” – his abilities to move in precise and deliberate ways in order to solicit particular responses and actions.

Every practice that Millan now uses, he gained as a child while intently studying and watching dogs on his grandfather’s farm; this was his schooling for the profession. In addition, Millan is described as having “that indefinable thing called presence,” which makes it possible for him to achieve desired outcomes (131).

For a moment, let’s think of ourselves as movement specialists. What important kinetic or body language lessons have you learned and implemented in order to achieve the presence necessary to achieve at a higher educational level here at SIUE?

Or, what distinct yet subtle postures or movements have you adapted while here that are useful in sites of study or instruction such  as classrooms, the library, or places where you work with groups? How so?  

5 comments:

Terry T said...

The most important subtle posture change I have noticed is that of standing and sitting straight up. This allows me to pay more attention in class and take better notes.

Jamal Sims said...

Along with standing up straight, moving my legs or my feet helps in restraining me from going to sleep and improves my ability of paying attention in class.

Joneshia Y. said...

Fixing my posture and forcing my eyes to stay open in an uninteresting lecture has helped me pay more attention to the professor and to the notes that I am taking.

Dj Sterling said...

I found that a confident smile is an important form of body language that takes you far in most cases. It has allowed doors to open and relationships to form between me and my teachers.
-Darrel Sterling Jr.

Jessica Hickman said...

I have realized that sitting straight up and looking at the teacher helps me pay more attention in class rather than falling asleep or losing focus.