You know how “they” always say that 80 percent of human communication is body language. Some of them actually throw the numbers around a bit, based on “new studies” – this is where Son would ask me if I meant that ironically, and I kind of do – or whatever happens to suit their message so who knows which number is right. Maybe it’s 55 percent, or maybe 93.

Let’s just agree that it’s very important, muy importante.

However, today, to get to the bottom of this, I conducted some field studies of my own.

I tested people’s reactions to – and their ability to communicate with – beings that were somewhat handicapped in the areas of verbal and facial expression. Yes, the family went to Moomin World.

The test subjects were asked to put on Moomin character suits, and spend an entire day entertaining children – and surprisingly many adults – by welcoming them to the theme park, and staging a play about a competition between different methods of flying. I, in turn, then monitored and evaluated their success with conveying different emotions and ideas.

The findings were stunning. Without different facial expressions it’s very, very difficult to tell the difference between a very happy Sniff and a very agitated Sniff and practically impossible to see whether Hemulens is inviting people to his house or trying to chase them away.

This is especially true when the Moomin family members came in contact, because, unlike Little My who talks (in a very high pitch), all they can do is shake their huge heads and wave their arms.

Also, minimal eye contact also made all characters seem a little untrustworthy.

In conclusion, I find that the term, “body language”, gives too much credit to the body. According to my empirical studies, the body is responsible for about 30 percent – tops! – of the communication, words 20 percent, and facial expressions 50 percent.

So if you choose to have just one, choose it well.