Body Language

Anne is a fast thinking, focused, and determined businesswoman. She has

numerous projects on the go at one time, all of which require her attention.

She values her staff enormously and makes a point of having a few minutes of

personal conversation with them all during the week. Most of them know that

although she’s genuinely interested in their wellbeing, she also likes people

to get to the point and not go into too much detail. Nigel has worked for Anne

for 16 years and likes to have a chat and a gossip. He frequently comes into

Anne’s office to do just that. The moment she sees him coming Anne puts her

elbows on her desk and clenches her hands in front of her face. It’s as though

she’s putting up a barrier to keep him from getting too close and to keep her

from blurting out something she may later regret. Although Nigel doesn’t

seem to read the signals Anne’s secretary knows that gesture is a sure sign of

her frustration and annoyance. In order to shield Anne and protect Nigel’s

feelings she allows Nigel a few minutes of Anne’s time before coming up with

reasons why Anne has to end the conversation.

In the mid position

Say that you’re working at your desk, frantically beavering away to meet a

deadline, and someone comes in for a chat. Although you’re quite annoyed

Figure 9-5:

Hands in the

clenched

raised

position

indicate

negativity.

148 Part III: The Trunk: Limbs and Roots