Your mannerisms and body language are a big part of your female image. In fact, they count for over 50% of the impression you make on people!
If you’re a crossdresser or transgender woman, you might be looking for ways to improve your MTF feminine mannerisms.
The good news is that improving your body language and mannerisms can be achieved by mastering a few simple dos and don’ts.
In this blog post, I share 5 dos and don’ts for developing attractive, feminine mannerisms and body language. Read on to learn more!
1. DO Work The S-curve
Curves are a classic feminine feature. Beyond a bubbly booty and ample bosom, you can use your posture to enhance the curves of your body. Create an S-curve by putting your weight on one leg and pushing your hip out.
Contrast this to a more masculine posture where the weight is evenly distributed between both legs. This creates a more square and angular silhouette.
Here are some tips for working the S-curve:
- DO keep your weight on one side of your body instead of centered.
- DON’T exaggerate this posture. It should look natural.
- DO work the s-curve when you’re seated by crossing your legs or sitting with your weight on one hip.
2. DON’T Take Up Too Much Space
A wide, open body position is considered a “power pose.” That’s why you often see men spread their legs and lean forward at the shoulders. They’re essentially puffing themselves up to look larger than they are.
On the other hand, a more closed position will make you look more feminine and elegant. It also makes you appear physically smaller.
You already know that a lady keeps her knees together. But beyond that, you should keep your elbows in and avoid taking up too much space with your limbs. (By keeping your feet tucked close to your chair, for example.)
Here are some additional tips:
- DON’T slouch in an attempt to appear shorter or smaller.
- DO stand and sit with lifted posture. Think “tall” instead of “wide” with your body posture.
3. DO Mind Your Gestures
Gestures are an important part of body language. Women tend to be more expressive with their gestures than men. Next time you’re out, notice the way women use their hands and bodies to express ideas when they talk.
To master fluid, feminine gestures:
- DON’T make jerky or clumsy movements. Keep your elbows tucked in and don’t move too quickly. Practice making slow, smooth movements in front of a mirror.
- DON’T overdo your gestures. Observe women to get an idea of the correct balance.
- DON’T fidget. Avoid nervous movements like twirling your hair, shaking your leg, or tapping your fingers.
4. DON’T Forget Your Facial Expressions
The expressions you make say as much as the words that come out of your mouth. If you’re feeling nervous, it’s easy for this to be reflected on your face. On the other hand, a pleasant facial expression puts people at ease and helps you get the respect and acceptance you deserve.
Tips to keep in mind:
- DON’T wear a stoic expression. What feels “neutral” to you may come across as grumpy to others. (AKA “resting bitch face.”)
- DO put on a pleasant face. Keep the corners of your mouth turned up slightly. This also serves as a natural facelift!
5. DO Make Alluring Eye Contact
Eye contact is a major way to gauge a person’s personality. People who don’t make eye contact appear insecure or as if they’re hiding something. People who look you in the eye appear confident and sincere.
Here’s how to use eye contact to make a feminine impression:
- DON’T avoid people’s eyes. Be proud of who you are and look people in the eye.
- DO make eye contact and hold it for a second or two. (But not too long unless you want people to think you are trying to seduce or intimidate them!)
In conclusion
MTF feminine mannerisms are a fascinating topic and these dos and don’ts are only the tip of the iceberg. To go even deeper, be sure to check out my list of 27 MTF Body Language Mistakes to Avoid for a Flawless Feminine Image.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts…
What other differences in mannerisms and body language have you noticed between men and women? Do you have any other tips to pass along?
Please share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. Want to learn more about how to master your feminine presentation?
Sign up for my free 3-part Male to Female Makeover Mini Course here!
Hi: Lucille
Thank You for all you do for all of us. Your a DOLL !! I know your right about body language. My bigest problem is standing straight and smilling more. I tend to slump. I was getting my hair and make-up done a couple of weeks ago. After she was finished we talked a bit. As we chatted I looked at myself in the full length mirror. I looked wonderful, ( very cute ) But I was slumped over. Just as I was noticing this. My beauty gal told me the same thing. She said stand stright and hold your shoulders back. I did, and what a differece it makes. I think most of us tend to slump, not knowing just how to handel the breast pushing out. We feel that if we slump. Our breast wont show as large. We need to get over it. Women all over the world have been standing straight and showing there breast forever. Just because they may seem new to us, don,t try to hide them Be a proud woman. A friend of mine told me. If your going to be a woman, OWN IT !! She was soooo right.
Hugs: Donna
one tip that comes to mind is this: If you are going to be staying at home for the day, stick on a set of long to very long fingernails. You don’t have to polish them or do a great job or even dress up, although of course it is more fun if you do. Just having the nails on forces you to compensate by making more feminine use of your hands and wrists and elbows in order to do what you normally do. The more you do it, the stronger the muscle memory will become. CAUTION: be careful to remember you have them on if you touch your face, you don’t want to poke yourself in the eye or scratch your face.
Alternativley, or for real beginners or those who don’t have the whole day or a substantial amount of time to wear fake nails, one can procure a set of what are called nail polish protectors. Basically like little rings that go on your fingertips and have a hinged shield that looks like a big fingernail. They are made to protect your nail polish for right after you apply it to prevent smudges and etc. Find them at beauty supply stores or on ebay. They can be adjusted so they protrude enough past your fingertips to give the same effect on your gestures as long nails do.
When i would go to my friend’s make up studio to have her do my make up she would tell me to walk around the apartment with a book on my head and hold my head up so i would looking at a spot on the wall
ps i wish she would made let me one of the girls at her studio
Thanks for all your wonderful advice.
Thank you for your wonderful advice. You make me feel all girly
Hello sisters. Posted my pic. A smile goes a long way as my girl friends have told me. Been talking with my hands more and has helped my voice to become more feminine. Lucile you’re subjects are right on. Love you!!!!!
That’s interesting that talking with your hands has helped with your voice. Bravo!
I am always interested in what you have to teach me about feminine way to act. What about wearing a corset, Lucille? I would like to shop for one. Its suppose be good for back support, too. Nice picture of you in the blog!!
Thanks, Manda! A corset will help with your posture as long as it’s not so stiff that it makes you move unnaturally. This would be a great topic for a future blog post, so thanks for bringing it up!
Female deportment is very important and any advise you can get is a positive. If you are a beginner, listen to Lucille. She can give you great advise. Or, write me for my recent book “Tricks of the Trade — A Beginner’s Guide To Cross-Dressing” at carollynolson@yahoo.com. Love, CC
CC :
Beautiful as always…
At my age, 73, I am always trying to look as good as possible. It’s getting harder every year to maintain.
Always enjoy seeing your pics…
T.J.
yeah, physically appealing
Lovely photo, Carollyn. 🙂
Could you make sure I’m still on your e-mail list? Thanks, Carollyn