As far as imitating other in public, my impression is that it's something actors do all the time. I don't know for sure, but I did it a great deal when i was a younger person. Imitating the gait of someone in front of me, trying to find the expression someone was holding in their face in my own facial features and muscles. Maybe partially an unconscious drive of overly strong mirror neurons I did this stuff a lot. Sometimes if i heard something i liked in someone's voice i would repeat the phrase under my breath. If i liked the phrase enough i would say it out loud walking around by myself. I think its worth keeping in mind that a good deal of non-verbal communication, such as copying stance, hand movement or gestures is largely unconscious for most people who don't or aren't currently examining them. If you are looking for something you will likely find it, but for me its not something i am much bothered by, even when i do notice it. With some people who are highly social, but are not very self-aware, you can push this to comical limits. If you are conversing with someone in a social setting. Put your hand n your hip, see if the other person mirrors. The work ur hand up to hook and rest on your shoulder or opposite shoulder. Then after a bit stretch that arm up and over your head. I have gotten people to imitate all these motions seemingly without them realizing it! Keep in mind there is often a delay. Anyhow. Great read!
As far as imitating other in public, my impression is that it's something actors do all the time. I don't know for sure, but I did it a great deal when i was a younger person. Imitating the gait of someone in front of me, trying to find the expression someone was holding in their face in my own facial features and muscles. Maybe partially an unconscious drive of overly strong mirror neurons I did this stuff a lot. Sometimes if i heard something i liked in someone's voice i would repeat the phrase under my breath. If i liked the phrase enough i would say it out loud walking around by myself. I think its worth keeping in mind that a good deal of non-verbal communication, such as copying stance, hand movement or gestures is largely unconscious for most people who don't or aren't currently examining them. If you are looking for something you will likely find it, but for me its not something i am much bothered by, even when i do notice it. With some people who are highly social, but are not very self-aware, you can push this to comical limits. If you are conversing with someone in a social setting. Put your hand n your hip, see if the other person mirrors. The work ur hand up to hook and rest on your shoulder or opposite shoulder. Then after a bit stretch that arm up and over your head. I have gotten people to imitate all these motions seemingly without them realizing it! Keep in mind there is often a delay. Anyhow. Great read!