Catapulting for intimidation................................................................
In any business environment you’re bound to see someone sitting at her
desk, hands clasped behind her head, elbows pulled back, chest puffed out.
Whoever takes on this pose immediately increases her size and takes on a
threatening appearance. As a gesture, the catapult is a clever way of disguis-
ing aggression and intimidation.Choose your gestures carefully. If your boss calls you into her office to have a
word with you, leave your catapult outside unless you’re prepared for a
counter-attack.Tossing your head in defiance ............................................................
A woman frequently tosses her head to show disdain or haughtiness. She
flicks her head backwards and gives it a small shake indicating that she has
no intention of engaging with the other person, no interest in what’s being
said, or is unwilling to commit in any way. A person intent on delivering a
double-punch gibe holds her head high and throws it back as she lays on the
verbal charge.Beckoning with your head ..................................................................
When you want to attract someone’s attention, be it a potential lover, or a
helping hand, and a shout or even a wave would be an unsuitable choice, the
head beckon is an effective gesture. This head movement is a diagonal back-
wards throw and may be repeated several times depending on how urgent
your request is.Touching someone on the head .........................................................
The head is the most sensitive and vulnerable part of the body: It is where
the most important sense organs are stored. The hand is the part of the body
that can cause the most harm to another person. The act of touching another
person on her head is an intimate gesture, implying trust and a deep bond
between the two people. If you touch someone on her head you’re demon-
strating your power over her. Seldom, if ever, would you see a student put
her hand on the head teacher’s head, any more than you’d put your hand on
your boss’s head. The person in the position of authority, be she taller, older,
or wiser than you, has implicit permission to place her hand on your head.50 Part II: Starting at the Top