Ownership, Territory and Height SignalsSome Strategies For Gaining Perceived Height
If you are a shorter person, there are several strategies you can
employ to neutralise the power of taller people who set out to
intimidate you. This is important if you are a woman because
women are, on average, 2 inches (5cm) shorter than men. Set up
a space where you can control the environment by having chairs
of varying heights and ask tall people to sit on the lower chairs.
Sitting neutralises height and sitting the Incredible Hulk on a
low sofa diminishes his perceived power. Sitting at opposite
ends of a table also evens things up, as does leaning in
someone's office doorway to talk while they are seated. Talking
in a public place, such as a bar or in a crowd, or in a car or
plane, also limits the tactics of taller associates. If someone is
overbearing or standing over you while you are sitting, get up
and walk over to a window and gaze outside as you discuss an
issue. You will look as if you are giving deep consideration to
the discussion and the bigger person can't have a height advan-
tage when you aren't looking at them. Finally, acting assertively
can also minimise height differences. These strategies will put
you 'head and shoulders' above the height intimidators and let
you 'stand tall' among those who try to 'get one up' over you.
Summary
Height differences have a significant impact on relationships
but height and power are often just perceptions. Shorter
people can increase their perceived height and are more likely
to be remembered as taller when they wear dark-coloured
clothing, pin-striped suits or trouser suits, softer, more muted
make-up (for women) and full-size chronograph watches. The
smaller the watch size, the less clout a person is perceived to
have. Standing erect, sitting up straight and 'walking tall' are
ways of giving yourself a confident appearance and, because
of the law of cause and effect, you will feel more confident
when you do these things.