The Definitive Book of Body Languagethe boss usually sits at the head of the table, often furthest from
the door. If the boss sits in the Catapult, his subordinates are
likely to copy in order of their importance within the group
You can see this in a meeting where people 'take sides' with
others by mirroring their body language. This lets you see who
will vote with you and who will vote against you.
Mirroring is a good strategy to use if you are part of a pres-
entation team. Decide, in advance, that when the team
spokesperson makes a gesture or takes a posture when speak-
ing, the entire team will mirror. This not only gives your team
the powerful appearance of being cohesive, it can frighten the
hell out of competitors who suspect something is up, even
though they can't quite figure out what it is.When presenting ideas, products and services to couples,
watching who mirrors whom reveals where the ultimate power
or final decision-making ability lies. If the woman makes the
initial movements, however small, such as crossing her feet,
lacing her fingers or using a Critical Evaluation cluster and the
man copies, there is little point in asking him for a decision -
he doesn't have the authority to make it.
Bill Clinton may have been the world's most powerful
man but when Hillary gestured, he copied - and when
they walk hand-in-hand, she often has the front-hold position