(JollofNews) – Your Excellency President Adama Barrow, bear with few minutes of your time to read what I think would be helpful to friends, citizens and observers of Gambia and its politics.
Some people might be wondering what on earth has a toubab to do with Gambian politics, especially when the toubab’s forefathers were the very ones who plundered Africa’s natural resources and enslaved its people. Nevertheless, I am a keen observer of Gambian politics; and God knows, I was the happiest when Gambians finally voted for change.
Your Excellency, there is a language no one can hear, but still it speaks loud and clear, and even children understand this part: the body language. It is understood internationally even by very small children who have not begun to communicate verbally. The language of the body carries more than half of the message a person conveys to his listeners. This makes it important for leaders to know its significance. As an actress and drama teacher, I have been taught to observe the body language of people when they speak to me. So I have been observing you.
I do know that many leaders, especially in the West, are trained on how to use their body language. This is nothing to be shameful of; it is a political mission that leaders exploit in order to make their message look relevant.
Your Excellency, you have a beautiful smile, so use it wisely when you appear in front of cameras. Knowing when to smile, how to sit properly by avoiding leaning backward is a good start. Most, if not all the time, your body language tells the observer if you are in full control of the matters in Gambia, as well as yourself.
Your Excellency, you do not need to shove people in order to be seen, like Donald Trump the big bully did when he visited Europe last month. I do not want to remind you, because you know better than me that politics is not a soap opera. In soap operas we often see very exaggerated gestures and facial expressions because the performers only have a short time to tell us their story and we never ge to ask questions.
Your Excellency, the posture of the body tells us if you feel good speaking to us; if you are in full control of your message; if we should trust you; if you wish to be in that seat or wish you were somewhere else, drinking ataya and eating benachin.
Having said this, I must add that sometimes when I see the photos the world share about Your Excellency, I wish that you could be presented more flattering than some of the photos, especially the one about your visit to a mosque in Saudi Arabia. This photo left observers and critics asking, ‘Who is pulling the strings in today’s Gambia?’ I wish someone trained in physical communication can give a piece of advice as to the damage some photos of yours can cause.
Finally, before any photo session or before appearing in front of cameras, if I were by your side, I would whisper: “Dear Mr. President, you know I like you and we are many who do that, but you must show the world that you are a leader we can be proud of. Please, stand up straight, pull your shoulders back, hold your head high and give us that great smile of yours.”
Your well-wisher,
Pirjo Andersson
It might also help his image if he were to ditch the white outfits his predecessor always wore. The odd business wouldnt go amiss.
Very good observations and the dear author didn’t have to apologise for deeds of her forebearer. Each individual is alone responsible for the wrongs meted out to others.
Having said that, yes body is very crucial and it betrays a lot about a person than the person would like to voluntary give away. The tips above should be heeded.
Gambians should pray the man who calls him self interior minister not to be come a president in future. He is more worse than Yahya Jammeh.
For a man chosen by Allah to be where he is, not that it was his dream or ambition to do this awesome task is exhausting. I care about results not what his physique is. I care that we are free. I care that the machinery of govt is running. I care that people are no longer disappearing. I don’t care about his body language and all that jazz. Please leave my President alone. His heart is pure that’s all that matters.
God Bless The Gambia
God Bless Barrow
That’s it Dr. Though, I believe, the friend of Gambia did all this with good intention but just as you mentioned we Care more about results. Still thanks to the lady.
Maybe this Swedish professional should phone Teresa May ? The expensive hairdo’s and the silver beads and the blue suits>>didn’t connect with austerity for the many and tax breaks for the few.
For sure, iam also a teacher, but whta this Swedish lady has stated down is factual. when some one is in sorrowful moods, you can easily tell, or describe, when some one is happy, one can also tell, and when some one is tired, you determine it depending on the way he or she is facially looking. So I thank this fellow teacher for stating the truth about H.E Adama Barrow, and I know he will adhere by the advise.
Thank you my Fellow Teacher,
Dr Sarr, I understood the Gambian people placed the president where he is and which results did you mean. As for his Pure Heart, will he be disclosing his and his cabìnets financial assets soon.
Pirjo, that’s rubbish. We want a president who exudes authenticity and honesty, not a robot! And in our times, this even seems a worldwide trend.