The Body Language Of Vanity

Can Tilting Our Head Improve Our Status?

by Roland Kriewaldt

When our body language is natural, it can tell others how we feel. But body language can also be mimicked to give a false impression. Celebrity photos often demonstrate this when women turn their heads to appear more seductive and men avoid smiling to appear hard and unemotional. Another faked posture I call "the nose pose" helps to elevate our perceived status.

The nose pose begins with insecurity, since fear of not measuring up makes us overly competitive for status. And without a clear physical advantage, some of us may only be able to intimidate small children and aging squirrels. So how do we strike a lofty pose that exudes power, authority and the kind of mental supremacy that can earn us other people's envy? We fake it, like advertisers do.

Anyone can create the impression of being "cool" or an authority by a mere upward tilt of the head. But others must be able to see our nostrils. That's important, and here's why:

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The Body Language Of Vanity

Can Tilting Our Head Improve Our Status?