Elevating yourself
An Olympic gold medallist stands on a podium above the other medal win-
ners and the judge sits above his court. To live in the penthouse is to live
above, and look down upon, the crowd. People in ‘high places’ are looked up
to and seen as superior. It would be most unusual to find the senior partner’s
or chief executive’s office in the basement.
Look at the person sitting at the head of the table and you’re likely to be looking
at the boss.
Clients frequently ask me how they can project an elevated image when
they’re not tall. One female client who is just barely above 5 feet in her stock-
ing feet tells me that she pretends that she’s tall. Instead of straining and
struggling to gain attention, she puts her efforts into visualising herself as a
tall, slim woman, who fills her space and commands attention. By acting the
part, she radiates the appearance.
Many of my clients work in the public arena and frequently appear on televi-
sion. One of my shorter clients consistently received feedback that, although
he was knowledgeable, on camera he lacked credibility and gravitas. Reviewing
his tapes together, I devised a strategy for future public appearances to
assure increased authority and presence: His lectern was to be customised in
order that his chest was visible, and cameras were to be angled upwards, to
give him the appearance of greater height. I coached him in speaking directly
to the camera so that his viewing public felt that he was speaking to them
individually. I put him in dark, single-breasted suits that elongated his body.
His television performances improved dramatically. One observer reported
that he had a new sense of gravitas and positive impact.
To project authority, inflate your chest, stand tall, and look people directly in
the eye. Stand in a meeting to gain attention and control.
Asymmetrically ...................................................................................
If you’re sitting at your desk and one hand is resting on your desk and your
other hand is placed on your hip, you’re sitting in an asymmetrical pose.
Unlike a symmetrical pose in which corresponding body parts mirror one
another, the asymmetrical position is two different poses. One side of your
body is in one position while the other side is in another.
Straight posture commands respect and authority. Asymmetrical positions
hold intrigue. They reveal more about the person. A man standing stiffly
upright, with his mouth closed, and his eyes staring straight ahead is giving
little away. Someone whose body has fluidity and movement is more expres-
sive. When your torso and limbs are in contrasting positions, they create
impact and interest.
Chapter 12: Territorial Rights and Regulations 211