Interpretive Toolbox: Subtle Physical Skills

Continuing the series on Interpretive techniques and methods in subtle skills, we come to the physical aspects that the interpreter does to enhance or inhibit the interpretive program. To the visitor, these skills are not necessarily noticeable; they are something that is innate to the interpreter, but are in fact a planned and calculated part of the interpretive experience.They are the nuanced actions of the interpreter that draw in visitors and make for a more sensory presentation.These are very close to the verbal skills an interpreter uses, but are going to be treated in their own category. The subtle skill layer of interpretation has everything to do with how the interpreter acts and as such, the interpreter must be self aware of his actions as well as presence. They can add to a presentation or detract from it. Therefore, every element of the subtle personal must be mastered for interpretive effort.

Sometimes dirt don't hurt, in fact, it might give you some
extra credibility!

First, get a look at yourself. One's personal appearance can have an effect on the visitor. Basic grooming needs to be addressed first. Ideally, the interpreters should be well groomed like all adults should. We are professionals, so we need to act like it. Comb your hair, brush your teeth (and floss too!), use deodorant, wash your face and body. These basics are essential. What is your reaction to people who look like they do not own a mirror or cannot afford to wash themselves? If you cannot do this there had better be a good reason for it, for example, portraying a soldier on a long campaign. Shaving can be a little bit of a trickier thing since different organizations have different standards regarding grooming. I did a post on the benefit of having facial hair, but some organizations may have a no facial hair policy so that will require you to shave. A few days growth can change a visitor's perception of you, context being the largest factor. If you wear an official uniform (like the National Park Service, for example) or expected to be clean shaven, the appearance is sloppy. If wearing living history clothing, a few days growth may add a saltiness to the impression. Your clothing is the next layer out. If you wear an official uniform, it needs to be in compliance, neat, clean, and pressed. If you get to wear a "business casual" clothing, it also needs to be neat and clean in appearance. A name tags or name plate is really the mark of a professional. It says that you belong to the organization, so make sure it is worn. If there is no standard as to where your name plate goes, one thing I was taught was to put it on the chest nearest the arm you use to shake hands, typically on the right side. Reaching up to shake hands draws the eyes up and to the name tag. In some cases there is no uniform standard because the "uniform standard" is Living History clothing on a daily basis. If so, research how to best take care of the clothing. I usually do not clean those clothes as often for a number of reasons, such as dirt can add a degree of authenticity to a position. For example, naturally dirty knees and sleeves on farming clothes compared to freshly laundered farm clothes tells a visitor that you were actually working and not bumming around an office and came out for a tour or program.

Body Language is an extension of the body; it's what the body does. What the body does is send subtle messages about the interpreter and the message. Think of Body Language as a larger category and made up of gestures, facial expressions, and body movement. Or to put it concretely: hands, face, and everything else. Shifting, pacing, self touching, nervous ticks, and lowered gaze are all examples of negative body language and tell visitors that the interpreter is unsure, uncomfortable, and probably not very prepared for the presentation or program. Those are body movements because they take place all over the body even using the hands at times or the head. Self touching, like scratching, chewing nails, holding your arm or hands, rubbing your face, or playing with your hair are all self soothing actions done to soothe the body in anxiety or nervousness. This means that you are uncomfortable and that you are trying to make yourself comfortable. But it makes people uncomfortable to watch. Most unintentional body language is subconscious and unintentional. The best way to change this into a positive message is to be aware of your actions by making all actions intentional. This takes knowing yourself and watching yourself. Do your talk, program, or presentation and record it or have someone, like an interpreter or a supervisor, constructively critique your body language to find out what you do when all eyes are on you. When presenting, try to relax. It will get easier the more you do a program and remembering each detail will be a part of what you do, so when you are comfortable, your body will reflect that, and in turn, the message to the visitor is that that interpreter knows their material and is comfortable, therefore I can be comfortable too.

Gestures give you something to do with your hands that can
be effective tools to emphasis and assist your speaking so
learn to use them effectively.

Gestures are actions done with the hands; they are a part of the body movement, but enough goes on with the hands that gestures really needed their own paragraph. We manipulate most of our lives with our hands, so it would be natural that we try to manipulate the interpretive process to our advantage. Some people talk with their hands while other do not. Hands in the pockets while presenting is being too comfortable, it gives a lazy or unconcerned impression. Gestures have the ability to make symbolic movement that can accent a presentation or detract from one. One helpful thing to do, if you do not know what to do with your hands, is to put them naturally by your sides. At first try it feels weird, but look in a mirror; it will look natural. It is okay not to gesture or talk with your hands, but you do need to do something with them. If you are going to do something with them, know what you are doing. He may not be a great example, but consider Adolf Hitler as a speaker (completely apart from his ideology). He studied the emotional impact of his gesturing while giving his speeches and had photographers take pictures of his gestures to use them for full effect on the crowd. What does a fist mean, particularly if you pound it into your cupped hand? What about an outstretched hand to the people? What if you point to your mind? Each gesture means something and can be used to further your message if you learn how to use it. If nothing else, pointing to things is among the easiest gesture to master. Also, sign language is a great way to keep your hands busy, reach others in the crowd, and further get your message across.

Unshaven, frowning, furrowed brow, not very good
eye contact so what impression does this face make upon
ye? Is it a favorable one? Would you like a tour from
someone with this kind of expression?

The third component to Body Language is Facial Expression. The face is very expressive, down to the minute details, and people can pick up on those expressions. Your face can give away if you are tired, irritated, or comfortable. Like body movement, most of these actions of the face are subconscious; you do them without thinking. The trick, like body movement, is to master the subconscious motion into intentional actions that reinforce your message. If doing a program stresses you out, take some time to prepare yourself internally so you can be calm and relaxed when you begin. It will rub off onto the visitors one way or another; by being facially relaxed and happy, it will work to your advantage. The best way to improve your facial expression is to smile. It's easy, simple, and will go a long way. Smiling is the visual equivalent to the firm handshake because it lets people know who you are and how you are feeling at this exact moment. Also, what you do with your eyes is important. "The eyes are the window of the soul" the old adage goes, and their role should not be overlooked. Crowd scanning is important because it gives energy and movement to the program, but indicates also that you are addressing multiple individuals as you go. Eye contact helps reinforce this by connecting you with the visitor visually. People want to be talked to, not talked at. Poor eye contact disengages you from the visitor and you from them. If you are looking at them and they do not meet your eyes, that is their choice not to engage. Your job is to engage them and if they do not want to engage you will have to find another way to do it.

Clean appearance, smiling, good eye contact;
what impression does this make on ye?

 A final consideration that spans a few categories is rapport. Being a likable person can be crucial to a program. It combines a number of attributes like attitude, personality, voice, presence, being outgoing, and effective use of body language. A program can be given with zero rapport and still be a good program, but often having a rapport with the visitors makes a program memorable and personal. Your program is only really part of what we want to achieve through interpretation. Remember, that interpretation is about provocation and letting the visitor feel how important to you this whole thing is based on how much you love them, love your location, and the material that you present. If you want them to care, show them how much you care.

Next month I will examine the verbal layer of interpretive methods and techniques, and it will probably be in a few parts because there are numerous methods to go over!