BODY LANGUAGE: GESTURES, POSTURE, AND SPACEother, using the arm between almost as a guard, indicates disbelief,
a desire to resist.
The use of space to send subtexts works on many levels outside
of the office. At a business lunch, there is usually an unspoken
division of territory when two people sit down on opposite sides
of a small table. An invisible line drawn midway between the
two splits the table into two fields, one for each diner. If one
diner begins to move his or her plate, utensils, and glass into
the other's space, it becomes an aggressive act. The aggression
may not be perceived consciously, but there is a psychological
reaction, an invasion of privacy. People react to this perceived
invasion in various ways, depending on how friendly they are
and how introverted or extroverted the reacting person is.
However, when both diners see the space between them as
appropriate, communication improves in depth and clarity. This
is based upon the need of all people for space that is particularly
theirs. At home we think: "It's my kitchen." "It's my den." "It's
my room."
The need for private territory extends to all walks of life. In
business we are often judged by the size and condition of our
office. The larger the office, the stronger the subtext of importance.
A window increases the importance. A corner office with two win-
dows is most desirable. Office furniture sends a message of worth.
A desk and two chairs are at the bottom of the scale. A desk,
chairs, couch, coffee table, and a bar are at the top.
MANIPULATING SPACE
We carry this same need for space around with us. When we
talk to someone, we, in the States, prefer a distance of two feet