How Hitler Came Up With Sig Heil and his "Fight Song."

Something rather disturbing and funny is that Hitler got the idea for his “fight song” and salute from American football. Specifically the cheerleading and Harvard’s fight song. Watching Recordings of American Football led Hitler to hear the "rah rah rah" and use what once was a warm greeting, be “Sieg Heil”  into a rousing salute. Yes, he watched tapes of American football in the 1920’s.  It is interesting that the nonverbal  frenzy that is whipped up in football stadium appealed to him and he wanted. The nonverbal principal  “ISOPRAXISM” explains why the shout was so rousing. In nature animals, including humans are pulled to the strongest energy. ISOPRAXISM explains why fish swim together, birds fly in formation,  the wave in American football and  is related to Mob behavior.

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

When should you Match and Mirror body language?

Yesterday I was on HLN news talking about the effects of the Texas campus shooting. When there is a dangerous situation and people are afraid the group will tend to match and mirror that fear. This basic survival instinct allowed danger to be committed to the tribe.  So I always teach that you must mirror with integrity for your sake and for the sake of the person you are empathizing with.  You may have crossed your legs to match your best friend’s seating position or leaned in close as your sweetie and noticed that they did the same, using matching and mirroring to get close. . Whether you realize you’re doing it or not, subtly mimicking people in social settings helps you form bonds and establish connections. Mirroring—copying a person’s looks, gestures and general body language is especially effective on job interviews and dates or when we're in other SNAP first impressions (http://www.snapfirstimpressions.com) settings when you are trying to establish a rapport and develop trust.

While this unconscious activity has its benefits—imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all—new research reveals that unchecked mirroring can backfire.

 

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.