Fresh from a costume fitting, where I had been posing in front of the mirror assuming what I thought was a strong position - arms folded, butch-looking...you know - I met with the woman in charge of Holloway police station. She gave me the most invaluable advice: never let them see you cry, and never cross your arms. When I asked why, she said 'because it is a defensive action and therefore weak.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of body language and emotional control in projecting strength.
In this quote, Helen Mirren reflects on a valuable piece of advice she received regarding the importance of non-verbal communication and personal presence. It suggests that crossed arms and visible emotions like crying can signal defensiveness and weakness, which may undermine oneβs authority or confidence. This wisdom is particularly applicable in situations where one needs to maintain a strong and assertive demeanor.
In practice
In a leadership workshop, this quote could be used to illustrate how body language impacts perceptions of authority.
There is that awful moment when you realize that you're falling in love. That should be the most joyful moment, and actually it's not. It's always a moment that's full of fear because you know, as night follows day, the joy is going to rapidly be followed by some pain or other. All the angst of a relationship.
People often ask me whether I prefer theater or film, and the answer is that I prefer the one I'm not doing: The grass is always greener.
I've been working every year since I started acting, and I got many awards before I won the Oscar for 'The Queen.'
I don't like the word 'strong,' because a strong character is never an interesting character. A character is made interesting by their vulnerabilities and their weaknesses.
I believe kids shouldn't be taught Shakespeare. They should experience it first by seeing a great production.
I am in a fabulously lucky position in that I get to wear beautiful, beautiful gowns for functions, which I can then give back. That way, they're not sitting in my wardrobe with me looking at them and feeling guilty. I love that, and I think when people have a fabulous function to go to, I'd recommend renting.
You can't argue with what is.... Well, you can, but if you do, you suffer.
Overcome the angry by non-anger; overcome the wicked by goodness; overcome the miser by generosity; overcome the liar by truth.
Defer no time, delays have dangerous ends.
The beginning point at both conferences must be that everything is a woman's issue. That means racism in a woman's issue, just as is anti-Semitism, Palestinian homelessness, rural development, ecology, the persecution of lesbians, and the exploitative practices of global corporations.
You yourself may not be luminous, but you are a conductor of light.
Being able to articulate the gospel with accuracy is one thing; having its truth captivate your soul is quite another.
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