PEOPLE AND MANNERISMS

Mannerisms are habitual gestures or ways of behaving or speaking. They are what people do repeatedly with their face, hands, voice and that they might not realise they are doing. These mannerisms are very characteristic of them and which they use often. At times, they are excessive and they can also be distinctive. They are unconscious gestures, verbal renditions, or expressions people make. Not everyone has particular noticeable mannerisms, but when people repeat actions, sayings or expressions often, these things stick in our minds. These might include ways of speaking/ pronouncing certain words strangely by habit, running a hand through one’s hair or fidgeting with a necklace or even playing with the beards in the case of adult males.

People of different beliefs, culture, mindset, values, background and occupation possess similar human mannerisms not because these habitual gestures, ways of speaking or behaving are stated norms to be conformed to but because we humans have several things in common that we don’t even realise. It is imperative to say that while some mannerisms are harmless and have no detrimental effects on one’s personality, some of these habitual activities pass across a wrong message to people who notice them in the individual. Some mannerisms show confidence, boldness, intelligence and capability while others might portray the personae as incompetent, fragile, indecisive, weak, uncultured, dull or even stupid.

As humans, we exhibit several behaviours that we do not take note of and these behaviours can be both beneficial and detrimental to our rapport and relationship with people. Some of these mannerisms are what we know and love doing while others come along unconsciously with several stimuli. The bone of contention here is to be very wary of these habits, actions, expressions, statements and gestures and always be on the lookout for the unpalatable ones and do away with them while we keep the good ones. Only robots can do things in a fixated way or pattern due to their configuration and coding though we now have robots that exhibit human attributes, have feelings and respond to stimuli. This is an indication that as humans, we can be very pragmatic and practical most of the times and not give thoughts to other forms of communications we engage in asides verbal mode of communication which mannerism is one of them.

Mannerisms can be of different use and purpose. Among which the following are; conveying self-image, avoid telling and not showing, telling your character apart from others, creating personality, showing views and values, revealing motivations, avoiding clichés etc. There is a long list of what mannerisms do unconsciously to the personae which is why one must be thoughtful when it comes to inter-personal relationships. Though we shouldn’t live ‘a computerised life’ but we should be mindful of our non-verbal communicative actions. 

Let’s enjoy being alive, exhibit good morals, attributes and mannerisms. We never can tell who is being observant of our conscious, unconscious and subconscious behaviours. My name is Quadri Qudus Bolaji (QIDAKINGIN), I have a long list of mannerisms; some I’m very aware of and many others that I don’t even know of unless when told. What are your mannerisms?