Mushroom Woman

Guilty! 

It’s the big story. It’s a huge story, but is it a story relevant to our lives? 

Listening to ABC radio, a lot of people are horrified about the news focus on the mushroom poisoning story, commonly referred to as the Mushroom Woman case. Why the podcast? Why the daily update? Why the worldwide fascination?

Why I haven’t mentioned it to date was that it was too close to home here in Melbourne, but now the verdict is in, I have some reflections, but not on the case itself, but rather the fascination with it. 

The reasons for our fascination are firstly the absolutely bizarre nature of the story, but also importantly, the bewildering body language, something we all read, captivated (OK most of us), and wonder what we would do under those circumstances or what she could have done. 

Why didn’t she respond to the verdict? Why did she give emotionless one-word answers under cross-examination? What about her early interview at the car?

You may have seen the Behaviour Panel, which deeply analysed the one interview we were shown and were scathing of Ms Patterson in their comments. Some of the elements they mentioned were the lack of sorrow in her face, the covering of her face, the lack of tears and from my perspective, I would add the fake crying, in particular the 3 distinct sobs during the words “I love them”.

Now, people do odd things under stress. 

Immediately it brings to mind the Lindy Chamberlain case, but remember, in Australia, body language (and certainly vocal psychology) are not considered as evidence in court. 

What does this mean for you? 

In most of your lives, there is no jury. However, those around you make judgements about you all the time. They are not forgiving. They are unanimous in their conclusion and it can be very destructive to your career. 

On the other hand, I don’t work with criminals. You are not a criminal, and I work with people like you who tell the truth, but unfortunately, sometimes, because of nerves or stress, you look like you are less than honest or confident. 

Imagine the behaviour panel are on your case, analysing your every move. 

The resolution as an honest person is simpler than you think. You are not telling porkies and you don’t have to ‘fake it to make it’. This is personal development, recognising that stress patterns skew your truth and instead you need to bring your true, honest and respect-worthy self to everything you do. 

So why the focus on Ms Patterson? 

Firstly, we are fascinated by human behaviour and this murder mystery is totally crazy. (Apparently, there is a TV series already on the cards and you have not heard the end of it), but more importantly, there will never be an end to people analysing others’ body language and behaviour. It is human nature and therefore, for each of us, it is relevant.

Let me know your thoughts.