Getting the Nod
There are head nods, and there are head nods. As a speaker, one needs to distinguish between the two kinds as a gauge of where, if anywhere, their words are ending up. In the first case, the Type 1 nod, the speaker's words are flowers blooming unseen, mere air waves bouncing off the walls. Here, the head droops as the assumed consciousness of the would-be listener (a freshman more often than not) gives up control of cervical muscle tension and the weight of the skull brings it arching toward the sternum. In mid-fall there may be a sudden jolt back to semi-consciousness, though not infrequently, I've had students spend the whole of my impassioned soliloquy on cell respiration with chin on chest.
I once had a student come by my office at Radford to pick up some lab papers he'd not received because he missed several labs. "And who are you?" I asked, knowing he was a Type 1 head-on-chester. "I don't recognize you in that upright posture. Perhaps I'd know you better if you'd show me what the top of your head looks like because I think that's the part I see on those occasions when you chose to come to class." (Why yes, I CAN be sarcastic. Just ask my poor wife!)
But I digress. This, actually, is not the head nod type of focus here this morning. It is Type 2 of which I speak.
So after an uncommonly ample meal yesterday, and following the pledge of allegiance to the flag, the Rotary Code of Ethics and the singing of My Country Tis, I rambled on at break-neck speed about the book, about finding Floyd, and about writing and self-publishing for exactly 14 minutes yesterday at the Floyd County Rotary club luncheon at Rays. Meanwhile, In my peripheral vision, I could see several Type Two head nodders and took this as a sign of encouragement. I understand this body language well.
T2 nods come automatically to me when I am a listener, perhaps because I've suffered so many T1 nods in my lifetime in the classroom. I want the speaker to know I AM hearing him or her. And so I always assume when as a speaker I see this nod, it is one of fellow-feeling, a kind of body-language YES! that suggests the listener has felt those convictions, had those thoughts, or reached a similar conclusion as the speaker. Having just one Type 2 in a classroom of 50 or more students, getting that eye and mind contact with even ONE member of the audience makes up for the ten T1 nodders and droolers scattered about the auditorium and the remaining verticals who are actually grocery shopping in their minds or instant-messaging their girlfriends. And so I was most grateful for the physical signs that I was not alone and my words weren't falling in the forest. It was a very gracious and attentive group, and I much appreciated the opportunity to take a little of their time.
As I would have imagined, among those few who stopped by afterwards to chat, the T2 nodders were disproportionately well represented. Two exchanged business cards, and shared a long list of ideas about marketing and promoting the book out of their experiences, Elaine as Graphic Designer and Jared as "distributor, retailer and Organic Processor" at the new and growing Sweetwater Market taking shape just next to Ray's on 221. I expect to make a trip there soon, camera and pen in hand, so I can tell you more about this new Floyd enterprise and great addition to our local economy and community. And thanks to all who were gracious and receptive listeners yesterday. Being heard sure makes my mission seem worth doing and way more personally rewarding.
Now, it would be nice if I could sell some books and move closer to that second printing. (We're two-thirds the way there.) Anyone? Birthdays coming up? Got a friend or relative in the hospital or a nursing home? Maybe you know somebody who misses living in the Blue Ridge who could use a little taste of home. Or maybe you live in the Southern Appalachians and want to share with someone who lives elsewhere what it is that you love about these rolling hills of home. Then visit slowroadhome.com and order several copies today!