Dress - Blending and Confidence Building

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Diva Las Vegas
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Dress - Blending and confidence building:

Here's an exercise which is very easy and can be done with very little
preparation or formality. It will give you "flight hours" if you are
new, and it will give you good feedback regarding your presentation and
ability to blend in everyday circumstances.

You can either do this prior to DLV, or in your free time at DLV with
one or more partners.

1. Pick an observer. Somebody who will follow you, critique you, and
observe any reactions of the general public. Your observer should be
dressed in a very inconspicuous manner. You do not want your observer
to attract attention.

2. Pick a place, such as a shopping mall, well-traveled urban street,
etc., any place where the general public appears.

3. Both you and your observer should be awake, alert, and yes, sober.
Yes, it's common to have a few drinks to take the edge off of one of
those early public encounters, but this is one situation where you will
want to be as close to reality as possible.

4. Perform a "control observation", in your normal (usually boymode)
mode. This is to acquaint you and your observer with how much attention
from the public is normal for that time, place, and set of
circumstances.

Be sure to wear nothing or carry nothing that would draw attention. For
example, t-shirts with messages on them will draw attention, so will
large packages or packages with logos or brand names prominently
displayed.

Traverse the area for at least 20-30 minutes or so. Observe others but
do not stare or actively pursue eye contact.

Have your observer follow you at about 30 paces (100' or so) behind.

Pay attention to how many people look your way, make or attempt to make
eye contact, follow you with their eyes, etc. to get a feel on how much
attention and eye contact is normal for those circumstances.

Have your observer note the degree of attention (or lack of same) which
you receive from the others in the area.

While you are on your control observation, make note of the way the
others of your age, height, and size are dressed. Observe the shoes
worn by those of your approximate age, height, and size. Use these
observations to select your outfit for the next step. Also note the
typical amount and style of makeup worn by others of your age group.

4. Select your outfit. Choose nothing that is brightly colored, very
close fitting, or would tend to attract attention by itself. Be sure
your outfit is within the bounds of what you observed others of your
age, height, and size to be wearing. In particular, avoid tops or
t-shirts which have attention-getting graphics or slogans.

Now for the actual exercise. :)

While it might be tempting to have your observer use a small video
camera to record this part, it's recommended to not do it. You want your
observer to concentrate on you, your surroundings, and those around you,
and not to be distracted by making movies on location. (She don't know
what it means ...) :)

Once again, traverse the area for 20-30 minutes or so. Do not stare
at anyone or attempt to make eye contact. Have your observer again
follow behind you and note the amount of attention (or lack of
attention) you receive.

Have your observer watch both you and the others. Your observer should
be looking for both general attention and any specific reactions.

It's very important to have your observer be aware of the way you
walk, the gestures you perform, the actions you take, etc. This is
particularly important if the classical double-take is observed. You
want to be able to be aware of what motion or gesture, if any, elicited
the double-take.

Immediately after this observation, sit down with your observer and
have a de-briefing session while things are fresh in both of your
minds.


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(This posting was entered by Diva Las Vegas, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Deidre
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This is excellent!!!!!!!!! Thank you! Hugs, Deidre


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(This posting was entered by Deidre, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Sandra
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Yes, agree. You should make a book of all these.


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(This posting was entered by Sandra, an external user of MyDLV.)