Isopraxism: Body language makes a world of difference

Isopraxism is an anthropological explanation of how we pull toward the same energy. It is referred to in explaining why, when the person we're with steps off the curb, we follow him or her by crossing the road; or why at the dance, nobody wants to go on the dance floor when there's nobody out there, but as soon as it gets crowded everybody wants to go.

In team sports it explains how if one person gets discouraged, especially the leader, the entire group is immediately affected. In fact, the research says the more powerful the person is, in terms of status and admiration, the faster their mood and demeanour transfers to the rest of the group. This can be done equally quickly by their body language, in a non-verbal fashion.

Read more: