People watching involves observing people to get a feel for the
beauty and rhythm of the community around us. For some people
watchers, it's about creativity, using the moments of watching to
try and guess at another person's story just from mere observation,
and embracing the fun of what is, in effect, an amateur social
science.
People watchers observe speech in action, relationship interactions,
body language, and activities; it's also common to include listening
in to conversations. Indeed, all the senses can be put to good use
when people watching, even down to trying to guess a person's perfume
or aftershave as they walk by. Here are some suggestions for enjoying
the art of people watching.
!! Steps !!
Decide why you're watching Decide the parameters of your people
watching. It helps to know why you're watching. There can be any
number of reasons but the main impetus is observation of how other
people live and behave and guessing at their motivations and life
stories. And people watching is not about feeling superior to others
or judging them; more than anything, you're a non-judgmental observer
with a penchant for unearthing life's stories as an art of love and
empathy. Some reasons for people watching include:
* It's relaxing and enjoyable. Seeing other people have fun, dressed
up, going about daily activities is enjoyable and even soothing as
you sit somewhere comfortable like a cafe or park bench under the
sun. People are fascinating, so this reason really needs no more
explanation!
* It passes time while you're waiting or while you're sitting with
people who don't interest you much but you're obliged to stay with
them.
* It restores a sense of wonder. Children are renowned for people
watching and just by trying it again, you can regain this sense of
wonder for a brief moment in time.[1]
* It's informative. If you're writing a book or developing
characters for a play, observing people can be an excellent way to
find traits and styles for your characters. In addition, if you're
an actor, observing other people is a window to other ways of
standing, walking, talking, and interacting in a natural
environment. And it's a great opportunity to test your learning or
theories about body language.
* It's an excellent source of artwork or photography. If you're an
artist or a photographer, unaware people can make brilliant
subjects.
* It's inspiring. Watching people can lead to writing a symphony,
movie script, or a blog post.[2]
* It's a healthy alternative to Facebook creeping.[3]
Practice naturalistic observation not intrusive nosiness.
Naturalistic observation is the practice of observing subjects in
their natural habitat.[4] This means being unobtrusive, unnoticed,
and non-interfering. The moment you become any of these things,
the spell is broken and you've interacted and it's no longer
"people watching".
* Realize that some places are better for people watching than
others. New York City, Paris, London, Rio, and Venice present
ideal venues for people watching because people know they're on
display, and being seen. Any city where people dress up to show
the world their fashion flair or sense of style is likely to be an
ideal people watching place. Less so the country town or the
little city unless you can do so with great care and not draw
attention to yourself.
* Some observation methods are likely to be more acceptable in some
places than in others. Taking photos of people in New York City
usually won't have anyone blink an eyelid; doing so in the only
main street of a local town might raise concerns. Know where it's
fine to take shots of people and where it's frowned upon and don't
cross that line. If someone does see you taking photos of them and
they don't like it, oblige them by erasing the shot; this isn't
about causing bad feelings.
Location: quiet cafe Select a location to watch from. The tried and
true locale is sitting in a cafe looking out on a busy street. This
is the classic Parisian positioning and even if it's cold, find
yourself a suitably large and clean window to peer through. There are
plenty of other options though, including:
Location: upstairs balcony Upstairs balcony of a shopping center.
* Location: under a tree Under a tree at the park, sitting
around at lookouts,[5] or anywhere that tourists and locals like
to congregate.
* Sitting around a public pool or at the beach; at a party or a rave
(it's interesting to watch how people change as the event goes
on).
* As people enter or leave a movie theater, play, doctor's office,
etc.
* Taverns, pubs, bars, etc.
* Theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and other places where you're feet
invariably get sore and you just need to sit down and watch the
world pass by.
* Dog runs. Where dogs socialize, so are there owners.[6]
* Stores, including thrift stores and bookstores.
* Art galleries and museums.[7] Observing people observing something
else can be very entertaining, especially those people who discuss
what the subjects in the painting are thinking - how far can you
peel this Russian doll?!
* Don't neglect public transportation; it's prime people-watching
territory as you're all glued to the spot staring at one another!
Writing Stay unobtrusive. The important thing is to
place yourself somewhere that you won't look
conspicuous. This means making it appear that you're
already occupied and not simply staring at people:
Reading Look busy by reading, writing, or have something else to do
while you watch.
* Drinking tea Eat a meal or drink coffee or tea while you
watch.
* Wear sunglasses that make it hard to tell where you're looking.
Find a person nearby Select a person on the street or
nearby. Find a person who grabs your attention and who
isn't about to disappear before you've a chance to
observe them properly. While observing them, think about
what sort of person they might be:
Ask yourself questions Ask yourself questions about each person you
choose: Why are they here? Are they happy? Nervous? Irritable? Why?
What does the way they hold themselves say about them? What about the
way they talk? Does it match up?
* Look at their clothes: What do their clothes suggest about them?
Are they wealthy or poor? Are they stylish or completely clueless
about fashion? Are they adequately dressed for the weather or not?
Are they part of any pop culture or sub-culture?
* From their style and mannerisms, what do you think this person's
aspirations, politics, or job would be?
* Spot "doppelgangers".[8] This means trying to see people who look
like people you know or well-known people such as movie stars. Who
knows, you might even see a real one!
* Do you recognize anyone? As you age, the people passing by you
might be former lovers, bosses, teachers, or classmates. Keep your
attention focused!
* People watch with a pal. It can be twice the fun to people watch
with a friend who is attuned to the art of people watching. Ask
one another the questions outlined in the step above. You can even
dispute each other's findings until you reach a shared conclusion
that pleases both of you! Being able to share your thoughts on
people watching can be both a fun and deeply connecting friendship
ritual.
Record your thoughts... ...on the person
Record the above thoughts on the person. This step is
optional and for some people might turn people watching
into a bit of a chore. However, if you're absolutely
dedicated to people watching as a regular hobby, you
might enjoy recording your thoughts about the people
you've observed, and if you're an author (including
bloggers) or an artist, you can build on these
observations to inspire your writing or art.
* Carry a notebook and pen around with you on days you decide to
people watch. Make it a special book just for that purpose - turn
the event into a ceremony. Write down the details of what you see
and hear from each person, if you can sketch the way they hold
themselves. It'll keep the process interesting and you'll have
subjects to keep for years.
* Consider your observed people potential character stock for your
novels and record every mannerism.
* Take painting or acting classes if you'd like to record your
people watching moments unobtrusively without a camera.
* Watch with good intent. So that you don't come across as a voyeur
or nosy body, be conscious of other people's need for privacy,
space, and respect people at all times. Realize that you too are
likely the subject of observation now and then, perhaps even as
you're people watching one fine afternoon...
Know how to react if the observed observes back. Sometimes you will
get caught observing and it will be considered staring. There are a
number of ways to respond:
* Simply smile, shrug, and look away.
* Engage them in conversation if close enough, and explain what was
so engaging or beautiful about them that made you look again.
* Just look down and don't look up again until they've gone. For
when you're feeling a little sheepish or chicken!
* Physically turn away or get up and go if things seem
uncomfortable.
!! Tips !!
* Don't forget the city's animals. Animals in urban environments can
be fascinating too. As are your own pets!
* There are sites online dedicated to telling you where the best
people spotting locations are. Check them out to see if there's
anything where you live. Some city or tourist guidebooks also
include details on the best places to people watch for relevant
cities.
* Further to keeping the process interesting, tell other people
about your characters.
* Post or start a blog about your hobby.
* Let yourself wonder, in years to come, what has become of these
people you almost met. Are they still as happy or hurried? Still
on the same continent? With family? Asleep?
* Don't make it too obvious. If people know you're watching, they
will act a lot differently than if they don't. And knowing they're
being watched can scare a subject away, or make them irritable.
!! Warnings !!
* People watching is not voyeurism. Don't disrespect anyone's
privacy by doing something thoughtless like following them around
or talking about them derogatorily to your friends.
!! Things You'll Need !!
* Notebook and pen; write neatly and let your book be something you
treasure (optional)
* Some cash if you want to go the coffee route
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Be a Spy
* How to Preserve Your Privacy in an Internet Cafe
* How to Find Someone to Sit With in the Cafeteria
* How to Observe People
* How to Draw Real Things
!! Sources And Citations !!
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
*
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