The Definitive Book of Body Languagethan men but lacking in personal skills. Almost all female
interviewers had noticed whether the candidates wore lipstick
or not, while only half of the men noticed when women were
not wearing it. This means that a woman should wear larger
displays of bright red lipsticks for going on dates but smaller,
more understated displays for business meetings. If she works
in businesses that promote female image, such as clothing, cos-
metics and hairdressing, bright displays are seen as positive
because they sell female attractiveness.
Briefcase SignalsThe size of a briefcase is linked to perceptions of the status of
its owner. Those who carry large, bulging briefcases are
thought to do all the work and probably take work home
because they are poor time managers. Slim briefcases say that
the owner is only concerned with the bottom line and there-
fore has more status. Always carry a briefcase to one side,
preferably in your left hand, which allows you to shake hands
smoothly with your right hand without fumbling. If you're a
woman, never carry a briefcase and handbag at the same time
- you will be perceived as less businesslike and more disorgan-
ised. And never use a briefcase as a barrier between you and
another person.
Summary
Regardless of what type of object or thing we choose to
handle, wear or smoke, there are special signals and rituals we
display without awareness. The more of these objects we use,
the more we signal our intentions or emotions. Learning how
to read these signals gives you a second set of body language
cues to observe.