What does the term "mien" refer to?

The term "mien" specifically refers to a person's outward appearance or demeanor. This encompasses not just physical looks but also the way someone carries themselves, which can convey a range of emotions and attitudes. For example, someone with a confident mien may hold their head high and walk with purpose, while someone who appears withdrawn may have a more slouched posture and avoid eye contact. The concept is often used in literature and social settings to evaluate how someone’s presence influences the perception of their character or mood.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different concepts entirely: a style of communication refers to how one expresses thoughts verbally or nonverbally; a position of authority suggests a rank or leadership role; and a method of persuasion involves tactics used to convince others of a particular viewpoint. Each of these does not align with the specific meaning of "mien," which focuses primarily on physical presence and the non-verbal cues that convey personality or emotional state.