Do They Look In Love? What Does Their Body Language Reveal?

Patti weighed in on Bachelor Ben and his "fiance" Courtney's body language as they were eating dinner with Ben's sister and her boyfriend for Hollywoodlife.com. Read her insights below! Also, read the full article in Hollywoodlife.com at the link below.

Patti's insights:
Courtney is “sheltering” with her head tilted toward and shoulder closest too him down toward him. That shows she feels he can protect her. The fingers on his hand that’s around her shoulder are nicely relaxed and spread and his thumb is actually resting up and her shoulder in a protective hold. I see loving care between them.

http://yfrog.com/oe6ixnzhj

Link to article:
http://www.hollywoodlife.com/2012/03/21/ben-flajnik-courtney-robertson-relationship-bachelor/

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

What Does Nick Gordon's Body Language Reveal About His Relationship With Bobbi Kristina?

Hollywoodlife asked Patti to weigh in on the body language of Nick Gordon with regard to his relationship with Bobbi Kristina. Read her insights below and check the link to view the video.

http://www.hollywoodlife.com/2012/03/15/nicholas-gordon-bobbi-kristina-brown-relationship-marriage/

He actually stood up very well to that aggressive attempt at an interview. I was impressed with him today. I specifically liked it when he was asked a question about how Bobbi was doing his entire demeanor changed. He looked back and connected with the reporter, his body language was relaxed and his paralanguage (voice) slowed down and became real and warm as he said, “She is doing very well she is standing strong.” He also authentically emphasized the word VERY. His nonverbal response to that statement indicates he truly cares about Bobbi and he is willing to stand up to the media who might question how stable and well she is doing. That was genuine.

Regarding all the strong “No comment” responses to the questions about the relationship his avoidance turning away continuing what he was doing, the strident tone and the quick grimace indicate there is perhaps a romantic relationship. If you are innocent of a claim or if you agree with a question, you are likely to make a strong statement. The “no comment” rather than “We are family and I love and support her as a brother.”

Their body language together today shows only a bit more commitment on his part. Specifically notice how he doesn’t OPEN UP his hand and take her hand in his and lift it up. She again is the initiator and wants to be seen as a couple.

You use to be able to hold hands with friends and siblings, but in the last 10 years we identify hand holding as a signal of romantic and sexual interest.

http://www.tmz.com/2012/03/16/whitney-houston-nick-gordon-bobbi-kristina-brown/

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Burnt Bread Recipe

After months of friends having me over for dinner as I finished up my book, I am now back to hosting dinner parties again.
The other night my friends looked forward to the bread accompanying the mushroom ravioli with green peas and pearl onions and salad I had fixed for dinner. Later that evening while we were up in my office checking out possible book covers my friend Richard asked, “What’s that smell?” and we discovered the burnt pesto bread in the oven. Another friend asked for the recipe so here it is.

Burnt Bread Recipe

• Take several friends seat them in chairs
• Place buttered pesto bread in the oven at 350 degrees
• Do NOT set the timer
• Add fun stimulating conversation
• Pour a glass of wine for each person ( two or three glasses if you want the
charcoal to be extra crispy)
• Serve a yummy dinner with cherry pie for dessert
• Enjoy the smoky aroma of burnt bread as it fills the house.

WA lah!


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Bobbi Kristina and Nick Gordon’s Body Language. Are They a Couple?

Are they a couple? Patti shared her insights on their body language with Hollywoodlife recently. Read Patti's insights below, watch the video and see if you agree!

She wants them to be a couple and wants his support. She reaches out quickly and with neediness three times in those few movements to hold hands with him. If she felt secure with him she would be more likely to reach out her hand slowly knowing that he would meet her hand half way. Instead she quickly grasps. In the one instance when they are crossing the street he briefly rebuffs her attempt to hold hands then gives in. The neediness is also shown in both videos and she has to move quickly, in a scuttle motion in one case, to keep up with him. And he is not slowing down for her. Though I like that he reaches out briefly to put his arm around her, he doesn’t fully comfort by wrapping the arm around her and leaving it there. He instead gives a reach to hold but doesn’t follow through removes his arm quickly.

http://www.tmz.com/2012/03/14/whitney-houston-bobbi-kristina-pda-kissing-nick-gordon-video/#.T2HqEJd2gap

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Bobbi Kristina's Body Language During the Oprah Interview

Listen at the link below as Patti analyzes for ShowBiz Tonight the body language of Bobbi Kristina during the recent interview by Oprah and Ray J's body language when being interviewed about Whitney Houston's death.

Patti on ShowBiz Tonight:
http://www.youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert?feature=mhee

Oprah's Interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84x0EsBRqsE

Ray J's Emotional Interview:
http://www.eonline.com/news/ray_j_whitney_houston_i_miss_you/295171

Patti's Notes:
Bobbi Kristina, (Whitney Houston's Daughter) body language insights during Oprah Winfrey interview March 11, 2012

Repeating statements in effort to believe the positive things she is saying and make them true.
Bobbi shows a lot of self-comfort cues at the end of the statements showing that many of the positive things are not true yet but she is using them to reassure herself.
When we are little our moms touch and hold us rub our head and comfort us.
Self-comfort cues are a way to reassure ourselves when Mom’s not there.
Often sweeps her hands away from her body when talking about hearing her mother’s voice or music, showing she wants that painful voice to get away from her and out of her head.

When Oprah asks Bobbi if she can listen to her Mother’s music, she brushes her hair back three times and as she says, “I can hear her music” and as she brushes it back the third time she puts her hand into holding it in knuckles up fist. Distinct comfort cues that show she not only doesn’t want to hear her mother’s music but that she is fighting against the thought of hearing it.

“I can hear her voice,” she is striking with open hands away from her head as if she wants her Mother’s voice out of her head.

I got you, scratching her hair away.

Bobbi says to her Mother’s spirit “I will always need you. “Pushing her hair away and scratching the back of her head. “I can hear her voice talking to me.”

Bobbi says “Her spirit is strong” she puts her hands in her pockets, “It is a strong spirit,” she shakes her head no.

“I wake up at night all the time. At 5:00 in the morning.
“I just start praying,” Again her hands flow out and away.

Bobbi says, “I remember what she told me, what she taught me. “ “That’s what I take in that’s all that I take in.” She does another scratch this time scratching the hair away from her head one, two, three, four, and then five times. The intensity of this scratching motion on her right side of her head show some of what Whitney taught her daughter is what Bobbi would like to scrape away.

“I can still sit there and laugh with her” her hands and arms scoop that in “I can still sit there and talk with her” she takes her finger and scratches behind her ear.

“The first night I couldn’t stay there… the next morning...” she does a clear the throat cough that indicates the pain that morning after her mother died is tough going down.

“I thought it was ok to stay in the house” she holds her hand palm out to brush back her hair and shutters her eyes. “Still have all the things she has given me” she repeats it again.

Time code 5: 00 Bobbi says, “No one knows she was an amazing spirit”
Oprah says “That’s why we are doing this so people can hear…” Bobbi interrupts, “and that’s what I want.” Bobbi says that with more conviction than anything else in the interview.
Oprah finishes her thought, “The truth.” Hearing those words the truth, Bobbi says the words “that is exactly what I want,” but she for the first time in the interview scratches her nose, showing she doesn’t like the smell of what the truth may reveal. She then speaks of what she does want the public to know.
“She was my mother, she was a best friend” “We were one unit.”
Asked about dealing with the Paparazzi “Is it harder for you without her, she clears her throat, “At first it was.” “Did you ever feel she would leave?
“Last day,” coughs it out.
10:00 all these negative thoughts


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

When is it Time to STOP Selling the Dress?

Patti is featured in the Jan/Feb issue of VOWS magazine which recently hit the stands. Check the link below for her insights on knowing when to STOP selling!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/84575364/Time-to-Stop-Selling

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Colleges and Govt. Agencies Want Your Facebook Password to Check You Out. Privacy Walls Come Down During Job Interviews.

Check the link below to get the whole story!

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/topstories/article/245509/483/Colleges-and-Govt-Agencies-Want-Your-Facebook-Password


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Baby Body Language - Ava Maria

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

What Your Body Language Says About You

Some people always do well during job interviews, seem to have more fun at cocktail parties and generally get along better with other people. Wouldn't you like to know their secret? The answer may be no secret at all. They could simply have more awareness of body language -- both their own and that of others.

Patti shared her insights on what your body language says about you with Healthy Life. Click the link below to find out!

http://www.healthylifect.com/home/article/Talk-This-Way-3377426.php


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Patti Reveals What is Behind Their "Cry Cover" Smiles

This is an expression I call the cry cover smile. Yes, most people who give this expression believe they are covering their true emotions with a smile.
This expression is typically found in men and I think comes from the need to keep a “stiff upper lip.” Many times this expression is an attempt to hide many intense emotions of sadness, fear and anger. I see it in men who typically have very strong egos and power and are caught and brought down. There are several photos of this expression in former Governor Blagojevich.

Congressman Wiener’s expression is a suppressed fear, disgust and anger (If you cover up his mouth and look at just his eyes you will see the whites around his eyes and his sideways glance, and disgust. Notice the wrinkled nose that is a unique movement of the face given in disgust.)
If I knew exactly when he gave that expression I could tell you whether he was disgusted with himself for what he did or disgusted with the media at a particular question or bringing his behavior to light. The wrinkled, upraised chin and tight lips show the suppression of fear and also of anger.

Spitzer also has a cry cover smile. His chin is more raised and more defiant and proud and more of the bottom lip is raised and held inside the mouth. The corners of the mouth come down significantly in a way that is more common to this expression showing his need to smile through the pain. Cover his mouth and you see his eyes are more hooded downwards at the corners and sad. This combination reminds me of the classic sad clown painted face.


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://pattiwood.net/. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

My Favorite Books of 2011 - Top 10 Favorite Books of 2011 Plus More!

I remember my first favorite book, the one I first read over and over again at the age of 9 “Little Men” by Louisa May Alcott. Yes, I preferred the adventures of boys rather than the mild, and to me hum drum lives of the “Little Women” written about by the same author.

Though I had been a reader before the age of 9 at that particular age I found that my Barbie dolls were boring and my pogo stick and tether ball no longer seemed engaging. Reading became my play, and more than that, it became my way to seek adventures, to travel through time and space, to feast on life. For me books are as essential as air, and food and sometimes more essential than sleep. I would love to know your favorite books.

In 2011, I wrote more, spoke more, and traveled more than in any year of my career. To balance my wonderful real life with my creative life that meant I also read a lot of wonderful books.

Here are my favorite books from 2011 in order of “wonderfulness.”

1. Little Bee by Chris Cleave
2. Leeway Cottage by Beth Gutcheon
3. Fifth Avenue 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson
4. Eureka Street by Robert McLiam Wilson
5. The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
6. La’s Orchestra Saves the World by Alexander McCall Smith
7. The Lake Shore Limited by Sue Miller
8. Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos
9. Bittersweet by Leslie Li
10. Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
11. The Season of Second Chances by Diane Meier
12. How to Be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway
13. Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik
14. The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman
15. The Man in the Wooden Hat by Jane Gardam
16. Goodbye Without Leaving by Laurie Colwin
17. Heart of Deception by M.L. Malcom
18. A Question of Attraction by David Nicholls
19. Stardust by Joseph Kanon
20. The Doctor and The Diva by Adrienne McDonnell
21. Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
22. My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira
23. That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo
24. The Empress of One by Faith Sullivan
25. The Man of My Dreams by Curtis Sittenfeld
26. Clara Callan by Richard B. Wright
27. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
28. The Imperfectionist by Tom Rachman
29. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

My two favorite Autobiographies this year

30. Bossypants by Tina Fey
31. Seriously… I’m Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres

Favorite nonfiction book

32. Paid to Speak with one little chapter by me

More Wonderful Books by Authors I Love

There are some authors whose books you read simply because you love their writing and other authors you read simply because you love the characters and want to see what happens next. I have read all the books published by the following authors. This list is of books of theirs that I read in 2010.

33. The Innocent Man by John Grisham(Excellent,but read it when you can stay up all night)
34. The Man From Beijing by Henning Mankell
35. The Red Door by Charles Todd An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery by Charles Todd
36. Careless in Red by Elizabeth George
37. The Cooper Beach by Maeve Binchy
38. Juliet Naked by Nick Hornby
39. New England White by Stephan L Carter ( Author of the Emperor of Ocean Park)
40. Murder on the Leviathan by Boris Akunin
41. The Water Room- A Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery by Christopher Fowler
42. The Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith
43. Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson
44. The Last Dickens by Matthew Pearl
45. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
46. Mary Ann In Autumn by Armistead Maupin
47. Both of Betty White’s Biographies

The following books I read and later gave to friends who liked them more than I did

48. One Day by David Nicholls
49. Elements of Style by Wendy Wasserstein
50. Grange House by Sarah Blake
51. Rescue by Anita Shreve
52. The Ghost of Greenwhich Village by Lorna Graham
53. The Colour by Rose Tremain

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

The Gold Container

Some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy."

The man was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found out the box was empty. He yelled at her, stating, "Don't you know, when you give someone a present, there is supposed to be something inside? The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cried, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty at all. I blew kisses into the box. They're all for you, Daddy."

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness.

Only a short time later, an accident took the life of the child. It is also told that her father kept that gold box by his bed for many years and, whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

Moral of the story: In a very real sense, each one of us, as human beings, have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses... from our children, family members, friends. There is simply no other possession, anyone could hold, more precious than this.

Friends please do not take family members for granted. Love them, Acknowledge them, Hug them, and Kiss them. Don't be too busy Earning a Living that you forget to LIVE.
Story is from an unknown source. If you know it’s origin please let us know.


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at http://PattiWood.net. Also check out the body language quiz on her YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.