Take a look at this wonderful slide-show illustrating the body language, facial expressions and hand gestures used in the world’s soap operas.
They are part of an exhibition of new German art at the Saatchi gallery which runs until 30 April 2012.
“Artist Julian Rosefeldt has sifted through stills from soap operas around the world and collated the melodramatic expressions of the performers, creating a study of our era’s emotional codes.”
It’s embarrassing. Not just for the actors themselves, but for oneself, as you realise how many of these gestures have been internalised and are no longer just ironic or comic references to second-hand soap melodrama, but have become an ordinary part of one’s own emotional vocabulary. OK, what I really mean is that I am unconsciously using about half of these gestures in an average conversation.
I exaggerate. But I am definitely using the ‘OK circle’ from slide 4 far too much in my philosophy classes…
Bridges and Tangents 
This is a great reminder of how we communicate non-verbally. In any job/profession where there is a good deal of interpersonal contact, it’s always good to be aware of how we portray ourselves with such gestures – and with eye movements.
Thankyou Fr Stephen.
Being a late starter at church, one of the almost subtly/melodramatic (if that’s possible) gestures that I originally found very difficult to stomach was the exaggerated pious, head not quite tilted, Mona Lisa not quite smile of an inauthentic expression that some people have learnt to do for 30 seconds, after receiving Christ.
I am not wishing to be disrespectful most people are genuinely serene and overflowing with prayer. And I am almost sure the few that have subconsciously assumed the gesture are no less in their interior authentic reception.
If I ever get to take the body and blood of Christ I will be floating & radiantly glowing with smiles inside and out! No Mona Lisa about me!