forward, and you send out a ‘Don’t mess with me!’ signal. The following sec-
tions explain the variety of messages that head positions signal.
The way you hold your body can cause positive or negative feelings in those
around you. Make sure that your head position reflects the response you
want.
Signalling superiority ...........................................................................
So, you’ve recently been appointed president of your company, club, or
choral society. Had you been paying attention, upon hearing the news you
would have noticed that your head lifted when your name was announced.
Already, you began to take on the behaviour of a person in a position of
authority.
Although you may say that all humans are created equal, when you’re in
charge, your body sends out signals indicating that you’re the one people
ought to notice. Sure, you may choose to drop your head in a moment of
thought or as a sign of respect, or even to demonstrate a moment of humble-
ness, but when you want people to pay attention and focus on you, your
head rises.
If you find yourself feeling blue, down in the dumps, or just not quite on top
of your game, raise your head and hold it in an upright position for a few
moments. Notice your mood shifting from low to high. If you’re feeling really
down it may take a few extra moments to feel the change. Don’t lower your
head until you notice the difference in your feelings.
Demonstrating arrogance....................................................................
A difference exists in a look between authority and arrogance, and that differ-
ence reveals itself in the tilt of the head and the jut of the chin. Although author-
ity conveys itself with a raised head, arrogance is signalled by a slight backward
tilt of the raised head and a forward thrust of the jaw (see Figure 3-1).
Occasionally, what appears to be arrogance isn’t arrogance at all, but camou-
flaged insecurity. If someone tilts her head away from you slightly, so that she
looks downwards over her shoulder, she’s put up an invisible barrier
between you and her. Although the look of raised head, forward thrusting
chin, tilted angle, and downward gaze implies arrogance, the underlying mes-
sage is one of defensive posturing.
Part II: Starting at the Top ..........................................
