ENFP Mannerisms

[BookLady]

Have you noticed that enfp's make jerky or spunky or quick movements? My daughters love to playfully mock my animated reactions to things. It seems I can't talk without using my hands (and I am not even Italian!)

I am not even aware of the 'dramatic' aspect of how I communicate but apparently it is always there. When they imitate me, it is embarrassing and I ask, "Do I really look like that?!?!" They smile and say, "yessss..."

[Hexis]

You should see me get passionate in a heated debate. Im liable to hit someone in the face!

Not joking...its happened...lol

[phoenix13]

Oh goodness... and it gets worse when I'm tired. Some lame anecdotes:

1) I'm in line to get food, thinkin' about Mr. Handsome behind me. Out of the blue, I snap my head around and look square at him with a goofy smile on my face. He gasps. I turn back around, get my food, and only later realize how weird that was for him.

2) I'm bored at work and falling asleep, so I decide to get some tea. I literally jump up, grab my mug, trip over a trash can, and stumble to the door. My supervisor gasps then laughs at my clumsiness.

I'll spare you #3.

[Into It]

I don't feel like leaving the people I'm with requires an explanation so long as I'm coming back soon. I'm out at dinner... Whoosh, I'm up to check out a painting on a wall or to check out the food again, etc. It feels so natural to do this, and I often leave my chair out because I'm up and out so fast. I am drawn to the new object and the chair, table, people, etc. all of the sudden matter much less...

I tell a story, and the story IS the point. Other people's stories lead to a point, so I can really disappoint in this area.

[Rachelinpa]

Originally Posted by BookLady

I am not even aware of the 'dramatic' aspect of how I communicate but apparently it is always there

You speak truth. It's ineluctable.

[Mighty Mouse]

I have taken the "dance of the hands" to even a higher level.

I train and I use my hands to teach. So if I am saying the word 'concise', my hands will draw a square in the air. It's actually very effective.

And, yes, people love to imitate it too and tease. What is even funnier is that when people spend some time with me, they start using their hands like I do almost as a reflection.

I find the behavioral psychology fascinating...

[mlittrell]

ENFPs can be phenominal mimics in both body language and speach. also great with word play

[kyuuei]

I didn't think I was quite as expressive as I am.. but I am constantly told my facial expressions are very openly dramatic, and it couldn't be plainer than an open picture book what I was feeling or reacting to.. I also flail my arms a lot. I don't mind being picked on for it all though, it's just the way I am.

[Lizzy1813]

Haha...I'm studying ASL (American Sign Language), which seemed like a good idea with all my theatrics and everything...but now I REALLY have a hard time not talking with my hands!

And yes, people usually make fun of my gestures when I talk, though they typically think it's because of the signing...


And yes, I have gotten into intense signing exchanges and hurt myself--from head hitting to hand whacking--multiple times.

[CzeCze]

^^ ASL is extremely full body expressive. I took a beginner class for a few sessions and I was really surprised how similar to theatrical warm-ups and just plain acting and pantomiming our classes were.