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Are you who you say you are? The raised eyebrow, the sharp inhalation, the inadvertent smirk: each non-verbal expression is tied to neurochemical responses that constantly communicate what goes beyond words. The science of gesture has been studied for centuries, with new research uncovering the physiological links between our unconscious postures and gestures and who we are. Lavinia Plonka has dedicated years of research and practice to the study of body language. The result is a modular approach to the material that can be anywhere from a 1 hour keynote to a week long intensive training. Following are brief summaries of the most popular workshops. For more details, email Lavinia.

Walking Your Talk

5 – 7 day intensive/ 2 day abridged/ 1 day introduction

Combining the Feldenkrais Method®*, theater techniques and discussion, this workshop offers a fascinating interdisciplinary perspective on the significance of body language as well as practical tools for better use of self and understanding of others. You will learn:

1. Historical and contemporary perspectives on the nature and power of gesture and expression from Delsarte to Eckman's Facial Action Coding System.

2. How your bearing and gestures make an impression, and how to use both more effectively.

3. How physical ailments are related to unconscious body language choices.

4. The animal roots of common gestures.

5. How to empathize with others through understanding their physical attitudes.

6. Exercises for improving your carriage and increasing your movement vocabulary.

7. How to reduce anxiety in difficult situations, for yourself and others.

In the 5-7 day experience, students will receive more body language tools as well as have the opportunity to begin to put the principles into action via simulated and real life situations. The 2 day workshop will cover the principles of character and gesture with examples and the basic tools for study. The 1 day introduction addresses elements of posture and gesture, providing a base for further study.

* The Feldenkrais Method is an advanced somatic education system that bypasses the ordinary intellect and reprograms the nervous system’s habitual behavior via relaxing, sophisticated movement sequences. Developed over 40 years of research, it is used widely – from rehab centers to symphony orchestras worldwide. For more information: feldenkrais.html and feldenkrais.com

Body Sense Workshops
Half and full day workshops
(These workshops can be combined in 2 ½ hour modules,
or you can choose to focus on one for the entire day)

Talking With Your Hands

It is a fact that your hands and their gestures are extensions of the thought process – your hands literally betray your thoughts. Learn the language of your gestures and how they interface with your posture and attitudes. You will have tools for making your hands powerful instruments for effective communication.

Steps to Power

You know a confident, powerful person when he/she walks into a room. Discover the dos and don’ts of self assuredness. Physical exercises and awareness explorations will make you aware of your own power centers and how to inspire confidence whether standing, sitting or walking. You will literally learn how to “put your best foot forward.”

“Disarming” Yourself and Others

The rib cage is often likened to a suit of armor that people use to protect themselves and to close off emotional response. This hidden tension in the chest and ribs affects relationships, interactions and the ability to move freely and confidently. Learn the secrets of a relaxed torso and how this can improve your communication skills and relationships.

Face It

Abraham Lincoln allegedly said that you can’t do anything about the face you are born with, but your face at 50 is all your fault. Your face is what people notice first. What does your face say to others and how can it reflect who really want to be? Learn the significance of everything from flared nostrils to tight lips and how they affect your whole body as well as interactions with others.

Walking Through Life Workshops
Half day – 2 day workshops

Feeling The Love

Do you find love in all the wrong places? Is communication with your partner a struggle? You could be sending them and yourself signals that interfere with getting the love you want. By going deeply into a study of your tensions, fears and how they manifest in your posture and gestures, you will learn how to “shift” towards getting what you want in your love life.

I Can Do It!

Making the phone call. Presenting the proposal. Asking for the raise. Whether you need courage, or improved presentation skills, this workshop will offer tools for your body/mind to smoothly prove you are the one for the job.

Embodying Compassion

In a hurried world with many demands, it’s often difficult to really hear and respond appropriately to the needs of others. The Beatles said, “Love is all you need.” Where is love in the body? How can exploring the physical qualities of compassion make me a better listener and a better person?

Keynotes/Lectures

Walking Your Talk – From the Boardroom to the Bedroom

You are sending messages every moment – to yourself and to others. Can you begin to make your bodytalk congruent with your words? This talk will offer a checklist for checking your own “instant messages.”

I’ve Got the Power

Whether you are looking to find a more powerful way to tackle life’s problems, or you are trying to keep your personal power in a difficult situation, this talk offers insights and tools for accessing your power reserves with simple body cues.

What some students said of a recent workshop:

"Energetic and inviting and warm and fun. Learned lots from this workshop. Thanks you for your generosity of spirit (and the handouts)."

"Thank you, this workshop was inspiring, engaging and thought provoking. Lavinia’s humor and clear physical presence were an added bonus."

"Superb learning - rich, enriching- thanks!"

"Wonderful job of expressing ideas and allowing us to discover and experience the ideas presented. Pure pleasure."