The Definitive Book of Body Language

The Definitive Book of Body Language

This gesture is typical of professionals such as accountants

lawyers, sales managers or people who are feeling superior

dominant or confident about something. If we could read this

person's mind, he would be saying things such as, 'I have all

the answers', or 'Everything's under control', or even 'Maybe

one day you'll be as smart as me'. Management personnel reg-

ularly use it and newly appointed male managers suddenly

begin to use it, despite the fact that they seldom used it prior

to their promotion. It is also used by 'Know-It-All' individuals

and it intimidates most people. It's the trademark gesture of

men who like you to realise just how knowledgeable they are.

It can also be used as a territorial sign to show that the person

has staked a claim to that particular area.

It is usually clustered with a Figure-Four leg position or

Crotch Display, which shows that he not only feels superior,

he's also likely to argue or try to dominate. There are several

ways you can deal with this gesture, depending on the circum-

stances. You can lean forward with palms up and say, 'I can see

that you know about this. Would you care to comment?' then

sit back and wait for an answer.

Women quickly develop a dislike for men who

use the Catapult in business meetings.

You could place something just out of his reach and ask, 'Have
you seen this?', forcing him to lean forward. If you are a man,
copying the gesture can be a simple way to handle the Cata-
pulter because mirroring creates equality. This doesn't work
for a woman however, because it puts her breasts on display,
leaving her at a disadvantage. Even flat-chested women who
attempt the Catapult are described as aggressive by both men
and women.

The Catapult doesn't work for

women, even flat-chested ones.